On Saturday, 19th June the Ross club took a large contingent of Juniors and seniors to race under the shadow of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on the River Avon at Stratford. For many of the juniors this was their first event and all acquitted themselves very well.

The club amassed an incredible 13 wins over the day, starting with the new boys combination in J13 quads. Johan Lai, Henry Jones, Dale Kernot, George Probert with Olivia Baynham-Wiliams coxing, beat their opponents from Stratford comfortably. Success was shortly followed by the Wj13 4x quad of Megan Jephcote, Jess Boon, Olivia Baynham Williams and Molly Phillips coxed by Rhodri Morris. In the Wj12 double sculls, after firstly dead heating with their opponents of Megan and Jess, Christina Stephenson and Pippa England won in another very tight race.

In the Women's Im3 double sculls, Elle Blackwood and Morgan Baynham-Williams only just beat another Ross Crew of Lucy Jones and Kerry Blackwood in what was one of the most exciting races of the day. Wins were also recorded by Johan Lai in J13 singles sculls, Rosie Ingram and Molly Phillips in Wj13 double sculls and a brilliant win for the Junior Novice men's coxed four of Rob Hewlett, Sam Pothercary, Matt Griffiths, Charlie Green and Rhodri Morris. With the veteran men's eight coxed by Lucy Jones winning against Stratford the club had notched up 8 wins.

The last division of the day was focused on beginner races in which Ross had a strong representation. Jess Jordan rowed very well in her first race only to be narrowly beaten in her final. The first beginner win was collected by Tom Scott in the J11 single sculls and he only just missed out in the J12 final. One of the tightest of races was between the Ross crews of Charlie Morris and Jess Crossman and Abi Middlecote and Olivia Baynham-Williams. Charlie and Jess only narrowly won on the line after a terrific battle.

Ali Vines and Rowan Sykes had another great race against Hazel Thomas and Scarlett Brodholt. Naomi Banks-Martin teamed up with Flo Wallis-Smith to race against Fran Watling and Alice Banks-Martin. After a very good start from both crews, Ali and Rowan were the victors. Overall it was a terrific day for the Ross Club.

Ian Howell, Performance Junior Coach commented, 'It is great to bring so many of our developing juniors to an event like this and see how they are progressing. The quality of the squads sculling was a continual comment heard along the river bank and by the event officials. This is a testament to all the hard work put in by the Junior Academy coaches and the supporting team of parental safety boat drivers.'