SIBLINGS that learned to row while at Grange School in Northwich are in contention to win a medal in Great Britain’s colours later this morning.

Emily Ford, making her senior international debut, is through to the women’s pair final with crewmate Emily Ashford at the first World Cup regatta of the season.

The duo, both members at Leander Club, secured a place in the A final crossing the line third during their semi-final on Saturday.

They had started promisingly the previous afternoon, finishing second to teammates Anastasia Chitty and Rebecca Girling in the heats.

Both British boats will race for medals in Belgrade from 8am.

Meanwhile Tom Ford, Emily’s brother and also a former captain of the Hartford school’s rowing club, is part of the fastest men’s four at the regatta so far.

After triumphing in their heat on Friday, the quartet – which also includes Jacob Dawson, Callum McBrierty and James Johnston, repeated the trick – and in a quicker time – in the semi-finals.

However Belarus and Netherlands ensured the battle was a close-fought one, with the crews separated by a canvas at the line.

Germany, who held off fast-finishing Austria in the other semi-final, will expect to challenge for gold.

A total of 10 British crews compete for medals today, with the A finals moved to the start of the scheduled due to forecast bad weather later.

The men’s four final is scheduled for 8.50am.