Ross-on-Wye Rowing Club took 22 crews to Evesham Regatta last weekend, coming away with seven wins. On a sunny Saturday, Mike Jones rowed well in the Masters single scull against an old adversary but lost narrowly.

The WJ16 8 made short work of both Pangbourne College and Millfield School to win the event in excellent style, sparking celebrations at losing their Novice status.

On the Sunday, May 1st, a large armada of junior and senior boats arrived to compete in the Sprint events over 500m. The Masters coxed four crew of Dave Sykes, Ian Hale, Graham Watling, Jeremy Picton-Turberville and Fran Watling (cox) could not overcome a 10 second handicap awarded to their older opposition, closing right to the line, but failing to pass.

A Novice quad was disqualified for erratic steering, only later was it discovered that the steering mechanism was faulty. There were six wins for the junior contingent, including two for Jess Taylor who was also celebrating after losing her novice status. Jess has worked tirelessly in training in search of an elusive first win so was delighted when she won both her singles event and her double scull partnership with Harley Kernot.

There were also wins for Katie and Mia in the WJ13 double sculls, Imogen Ryan in the WJ14 single scull, Ella Eagle-Davies and Beth Morris in the WJ15 double sculls, and George Aubrey and Charlie Manning in the J14 double sculls.

Jayesh Punn competed in the J13 single scull and won his first heat brilliantly before coming up against an excellent sculler from Stourport in the final. Naimh Hickey and Imogen Seal sculled beautifully in their WJ12 double scull, as did Josh and Tommy in the J13 double scull event (rowing against older rowers).

Dave Sykes, coach for Jess Taylor, commented: “Everyone is so pleased for Jess after all the work she has put in. It’s days like this that make coaching so rewarding”. The next event for the younger Ross rowers will be Worcester Spring Regatta later in May.