ROWING: Grisedale goes for Henley place (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Rowing Club's Ed Grisedale races a double in Henley Royal Regatta qualifier

12:33pm Thursday 21st June 2012 in Sport By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer

RISING star Ed Grisedale rows in a qualifier on Friday for the Henley Royal Regatta.

The Northwich Rowing Club sculler joins forces with Joe Guppy (Eastbourne RC) – his crew mate in Great Britain colours at last year’s World Junior Championship – in the Double Sculls Challenge Cup.

Four boats from nine race against the clock for a place in next week’s competition proper, when the field is a dozen strong.

Close to 500 crews will take part in this year’s event, including a record number from overseas.

In the absence of the top Olympic crews – all in training camps preparing to race in London next month – the open events have attracted a wide variety of entries.

"I’m delighted that we have been able to attract such an interesting and high quality entry for this year’s regatta,” said management committee chairman Mike Sweeney.

“This augurs well, despite the absence of the Olympic crews, for some close and exciting racing."

Grisedale and Guppy, placed sixth in the double sculls final at the World Junior Championship, will be on the water from 6.30pm on Friday.

The regatta starts next Wednesday.

Grange School Rowing Club has decided against entering a crew for this year’s edition.