A VICTORY for Northwich Rowing Club shortly after the start of Bridgnorth Regatta inspired teammates that followed, writes Sophie Garlick.

Fran Campbell and Liv Dunnett recorded wins against rivals from The Grange School and another crew in their club's green and gold, both in a side-by-side race along a 500m course on the River Severn, in the women's double scull.

Honor Campbell performed brilliantly to prevail in an under 16s girls' single scull, while an improving Hannah Middlebrook (under 15s girls' single) put into practice what she had worked on in training to finish a close second in two races.

A women's coxed four representing Northwich recovered from a disastrous start, during which their boat's steering failed, to record a victory.

Molly Garlick stroked a crew that also included Dunnett, Izzy Ennis, Caitlyn Wynne and cox Sophie Garlick in head-to-heads against Ironbridge and another four from their own club.

Juniors from Northwich made up an open women's eight that clinched overall victory by a narrow one-second margin.

Stroke Anna Carnell was joined by fellow under 16s Maisy Jardine, Amelia Roberts, Iona Mitchell, Mila Speakman, Hannah Middlebrook, Tess Asteriades, Sophie Garlick and cox Isabella Garlick and together they edged tense encounters with Bewdley and then Worcester.

They pipped a rival crew from Northwich, with under 17s girls' on board, for first prize on time.

A total of 24 Northwich boats took part, and an open men's coxed four finished as runners-up.

There were notable performances too from a masters men's eight and coxed four.