FOUR boys from Northwich Rowing Club have been invited to represent England at this weekend’s Home International Regatta in Ireland.

Alex Bain, Leon Langmead, Finn Lawton and Zak Trigg will race in a junior men’s quad scull as a reward for their victory in the same class at the British Junior Championships on Sunday.

Coach Jed Barlow will travel to Cork too for the 52nd edition of the annual event.

The quartet, backed beforehand as contenders, surprisingly exited the Fawley Challenge Cup at the second round stage during Henley Royal Regatta.

But they rallied to an emphatic victory at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham, leaving closest rivals Leander Club trailing in second.

“Their behaviour on and off the water should be commended,” said club captain Rachel Hooper.

“They’re all great sportsmen, and show the deepest respect for their opposition in victory and defeat.”

The crew claimed a bronze medal at the National Schools’ Regatta in May, adding class wins at Nottingham City and Marlow Regattas in the run-up to Henley.

They were second too at Eton, the venue used for rowing at the London Olympics in 2012, during the Metropolitan Regatta last month.

The Home International Regatta, scheduled for Saturday, takes place at the National Rowing Centre in Cork.

Teams from Wales and Scotland will race their counterparts from England and hosts Ireland.