SCOTTISH distance runner Ian Stewart is credited with coining the oft-quoted phrase ‘first is first, and second is nowhere.’

But what if those ahead of you are the best ever?

Northwich rower Matthew Langridge was part of Great Britain’s men’s pair, along with James Foad, that had to again settle for a silver medal in Saturday’s World Rowing Championships final.

Ahead of them, as they were last year, was New Zealand duo Eric Murray and Hamish Bond.

The reigning Olympic champions have not lost a race since 2009, claiming their sixth successive world title on the water at Lake Aiguebelette.

‘A silver [medal] in this event almost feels like gold,’ read a tweet sent to Langridge’s crewmate at the weekend.

‘Trust me, it doesn’t,’ was the pithy reply from Foad.

 


The duo are already the fastest British pair in history, yet probably felt further from their rivals than ever by the end of their latest head-to-head.

Afterwards Murray and Bond admitted they had executed a perfect race, describing it as ‘some of their best work.’

Judging by their faces on the podium, it is unlikely to give Langridge and Foad much succour when they head back to the drawing board.

Cheshire are likely to have felt similarly downbeat following a humbling defeat in the final of the British Crown Green Bowling Association’s Senior County Championship.

Yet, statistically speaking at least, their conquerors are the best team to have entered the competition since the 1960s.

Warwick & Worcester claimed the title for a fourth successive season following Sunday’s success, a feat last managed by Lancashire more than half a century ago.

Almost all of Cheshire’s team, certainly those from clubs in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association, were stepping onto that stage for the first time.

They were not even favourites to progress from the initial group stage, so to finish as runners-up – reaching the final for the first time since 2004 – can hardly be described as ‘nowhere.’

Stewart’s sheer will to win prompted him to say what he did.

And it is true of course that a winner is easier to remember.

But the merit of finishing second should depend on who was first.

Occasionally it’s a victory to be the best of the rest.

“It’s hard to take,” reflected a disappointed Langridge on Saturday.

But the Kiwis have to lose some time. Rio anyone?