Rowing: Langridge and co reach semi finals (From Northwich Guardian)

Matthew Langridge promises men's four will 'step it up' in semi finals

12:21pm Thursday 27th August 2009 in Sport By Andrew Simpson

MATTHEW Langridge’s world title bid got off to a winning start on Sunday.

Northwich Rowing Club’s most famous son guided Great Britain’s men’s four to victory in their heat at the World Championships in Poland.

The quartet return to action in the semi finals today, Thursday.

“It was nice to be racing again,” he said afterwards.

“I think everybody is always a bit nervous on the opening day of a major regatta but we got the job done and I’m confident we can step up in the semi finals.”

Langridge, sat in the stroke seat, looked in confident mood as the favourites’ boat led from the early phases of the morning’s second heat.

The four made light of the bobbly conditions in lane one to power ahead, leading by more than a boat length by the halfway-point, as they held off the challenge of the Czech Republic to win in 6:00.69.

“Winning on Sunday gives us four days to train hard in order to be ready for the next race,” added Langridge, 26.

“It’s time we’ll use well.”

They may need to, because Australia’s Olympic silver medal crew and a new-look Germany quartet were both faster than the GB combination on the opening day in Poznan.

Slovenia won Heat One.

"We can take a lot of confidence from how the guys performed,” said David Tanner, GB Rowing’s performance director.

“They had a really good win and can look forward to the semi finals.

The rest of the semi finals line was decided in Tuesday afternoon’s repechages, with racing due to start later today from 2.30pm.

Should Langridge and co successfully negotiate their next challenge, then the final is due to take place on Saturday at 12.30pm.