Ross wins Evesham Victor Ludorum for 2nd year
Almost the whole of Ross Rowing Club decamped to the banks of the Avon to attend the Evesham Regatta on Sunday, May 4th. The Club had an unprecedented 34 crews entered in this highly competitive regional event.
The Men's Senior section led the way with the Novice Eight of Jeremy Picton Turberville, Dave Sykes, Paul Brodholt, Andrew Leeman, Tim Crossman, Lenny Colling, Dave Morris and Ed Surman, with Coxes Jess Crossman and Lucy Jones.
Having beaten the Evesham crew in the semi-final they were up against a large crew from Stourport. After a clean start Stourport veered into the Ross boat and there was a huge clash of blades.
With a war cry of "row through them" from the young Ed Surman, the Ross boat took command of the race and won by a handsome margin of 1 ½ lengths over the 500 metre course.
Men's development coach Ian Howell said: "I am truly delighted for the novice/veteran squad. They have been working very hard developing technique and race craft and today it all paid off. All these eight oarsman should be very proud of this achievement and we will look to build upon this success."
The Junior Academy then took charge of events. Johan Lai and George Probert won in J12 2x, Johan also won J12 singles, as did Jess Crossman in her WJ12 event. Rosie Brandram Jones with Abi Beddard won in WJ14 double sculls and Amy Surman and Ellie Grindle in the WJ13 double sculls.
The day was rounded off with Phil Davies and Steve Randell winning the quarter-finals, the semis and the final of open coxless pairs.
At the prize giving ceremony, a traditional event at Evesham, Ross were surprised and delighted to discover they were the most successful visiting club and had retained the Victor Ludorum trophy won the previous year. This is even more impressive when several of the high performance crews were attending Wallingford Regatta on Dorney Lake. Both crews attending gained valuable race experience towards their national level aspirations later in the season.
The Club Chairman said: "This was clearly a very successful day for the club and not only on the water. The Club was also represented by Neil Lucas, Sheron Dean Lucas, Karen Blackwood and Jackie Baynham, who were all undertaking their first sessions as officiating umpires.
"As a Club we are very proud of how we support the sport that gives us so much pleasure. All these new umpires distinguished themselves with great distinction in how they managed their new responsibilities."
Ian Howell, Captain, Said: "As a club this day could not have gone much better. All the competing crews distinguished themselves with great credit and the support crew of parents and helpers were simply wonderful. Thanks also go to Tim Crossman and Paul Drinkwater for driving the two trailers!"