NORTHWICH Rowing Club eased to the last eight in their boat class on Thursday at Henley Royal Regatta after controlling their heat from the start.

The junior men’s quad, stroked by Sam Harte, never looked likely to relinquish an advantage established in the first quarter of a mile of their second-round head-to-head with Leander Club.

By halfway, it was worth more than two boat-lengths.

After a mile, the crew, completed by George Lawton, Leon Langmead and Harry Blake, had extended that lead again.

The quartet reduced their stroke-rate as they approached the finish line, eventually clocking 7:07 to win comfortably.

Their reward is to take on Nottingham, impressive victors themselves earlier in the afternoon against American crew San Diego, in the Fawley Challenge Cup quarter finals on Friday.

“It was a good, solid showing,” said Northwich coach Jed Barlow.

“They’ll feel better after that.

“We’re on our way; we’re into the regatta, that was our objective today.

“Nottingham will be more formidable opponents, but we can improve. The important thing was to make sure we’re still here on Friday.”

Earlier on Thursday, Northwich’s neighbours Grange School bowed out of the same competition following a defeat, by three lengths, against Frankfurter.