Six crews compete at Nationals Ross Rowing Club's junior coach, Robin Fletcher, took a squad of promising athletes to compete at the National championships in Nottingham, against the best rowers in the country, over a 2000 metre course. Very strong winds made sculling hard for lightweight rowers. Ed Surman, aged 14, in a single scull got through to the final and achieved 4th position. Ellie Blackwood. aged 14, also in a single scull, put in a very fine effort but was unable to make it into the finals. As the day went on the showers disappeared and blue skies returned, but the wind was as strong as ever. When Rosie Lindley and Kelly Morris were at the start for the finals of the WJ14 double sculls, conditions were quite bad. Strong cross winds made it hard for the boats to get into position and maintain their position. Rosie and Kelly made a good start and fought hard all the way down the 2000 metre course, achieving a 5th position. Louise and Katie Hudd raced in the following event, the finals of the WJ15 double sculls. They made a flying start and fought hard all the way down the course to achieve a 4th position. Katie said:?"At times the wind was so strong it felt as if we were not moving forward at all. This was a day for the heavier rowers, but we really enjoyed our race and the position we came, we couldn't have gone any faster." The Ross WJ16 quad, in qualification for the finals, had a good start and held 2nd position for most of the way. However, they were pipped on the line and finished 3rd in their race, and out of the final. Chris Jones, aged 14, competed in singles sculls but was knocked out in the time qualifications. Borris Darcy and Joe Bunting missed out in the first round of J18 double sculls against a strong field. Club junior coach Robin Fletcher said:?"I was pleased with the crews that had been chosen to represent the club at the National championships. "Last year we only took two crews, but this year we took six, with three making it into the finals. I would like to think that next year Ross Rowing Club will pick up some medals." Captain Ian Howell and club president Clive Snell watched the racing. They said they felt very proud to watch Ross taking part and competing against some of the best athletes in the country. "Although we didn't medal this time we have all learnt a lot and we will be back next year and hopefully come away with some medals".