Ross Junior rowers underlined the quality of their squad by sending a small raiding party to Marlow Town Regatta and coming away with five wins from seven entries. This was confirmation of the strength in depth that the J14 to J16 squad has developed as some of the Thames powerhouse clubs and schools were put to the sword by the invaders from Herefordshire.

The action was underway quickly as the WJ14 quad scull of Emily Hermon, Ella Bardsley-Taylor, Niamh Gabb, Yasmin Howe and Abbie Price (cox) cruised to victory by four lengths in the final.

The WJ15 double scull of Grace Tacey and Lucy Burden followed-up with a convincing win over tough opposition from the Thames region in the second division. As the sun started to dip below the horizon, Ross got into top gear and won a further three finals: Yasmin Howe & Niamh Gabb (WJ14 2x), Lara Banks-Martin (WJ16 1x) and the WJ15 quad scull of Ellie Lown, Lucy Burden, Heidi Brodholt, Grace Tacey and Abbie Price (cox). The race of the day, though, was a scintillating final in which the Ross double of Emily Hermon and Ella Bardsley-Taylor were pitched against two Henley crews – one on either side – and narrowly missed-out by less than a length, splitting the Henley crews to come second. The Ross vocal support from the bank was more than a match for the local support and both Henley crews knew they had been in a race.

The Ross junior rowers are heading to Egham Regatta in two weeks to take on more Thames crews as they continue preparations for the National Championships in late July. This is immediately followed by a week-long Summer Camp which is open to eligible youngsters who are thinking about taking up rowing with the Ross juniors. If you are interested in starting rowing, please email: [email protected]See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now