JUNIOR internationals who learned to row in Northwich reached the semi finals during Saturday’s trials for Great Britain’s senior squad.

Lucy Burgess, from Northwich Rowing Club, battled the onset of tonsillitis to finish as 11th fastest in the morning’s race against the clock at Caversham.

The 19-year-old was sixth in the first women’s single scull semi final, returning to the water for a third time later on to place fifth in the B final.

Former Grange School student Emily Ford, representing Newcastle University Boat Club in the women’s pair, was ninth quickest in the time trial in a crew with Nicole Lamb.

The duo were fifth in the category’s second semi final before completing a gruelling day with third spot in the B final.

Ex-Sir John Deane’s College student Ed Grisedale claimed seventh spot overall in the men’s pair in an Oxford Brookes University boat with Richard Hawkins.

Emily’s older brother Tom, with fellow Newcastle University student James Rudkin, exited at the first round stage in the same competition.