TEENAGERS from Northwich Rowing Club won’t be daunted when they compete against older rivals on Friday for a place at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.

Two junior crews, a men’s and women’s quad, will attempt to ensure the club is represented in the main draw for a sixth successive year.

“We’ve had a remarkable run,” said coach Jed Barlow.

“And it’s served to establish a reputation for Northwich as being a club capable of producing high-class rowers.

“It’s true that our boats this time have younger crews, but we wouldn’t have entered them if we didn’t think they were ready.

“They recognise that it’s the biggest event in the rowing calendar, and they want to be a part of it.”

He coaches a women’s quad made up of Ellie Heathcock, Charlotte Almond, Imogen Wolstencroft and Ellie Cushen.

Three of that crew, plus Rachel Cooney in Heathcock’s seat, reached the last 16 in their boat class at Henley Women’s Regatta last weekend.

They bowed out following a head-to-head with Latymer Upper School B, who were only beaten by the eventual winners.

Meanwhile the boys’ quartet, coached by Barrie Blake, features two 16-year-olds – Gwilym Harris and Patrick Brogan – along with Tom Swithenbank and Josh Burke.

Barlow said: “It’s a gamble in some ways because this is a combination at the start of something exciting.

“They’re having a first go at it, but they’re good and that’s why they’re in the running.

“These are strong boys, although they perhaps haven’t had as much time together racing as other crews in previous years because they’ve juggled training with exams.

“This isn’t a soft option though; they’ll gain experience, of course, but they’re out to make an impression.”

Both crews are scheduled to take part in a time-trial along the famous 2,112m course on the River Thames.

The women must clock one of the nine fastest times, out of 36 entries, to go through.

The same number of places are up for grabs for the men, but with 49 contenders.