NORTHWICH Rowing Club crews know the identity of their opponents on the opening day at this week’s Henley Royal Regatta.

A men’s senior coxless four consisting of brothers George and Finn Lawton, Harry Taylor and Joe Anderson came through a qualifying race along the 2,112m course on Friday.

Their reward is to meet Lea Rowing Club in the Wyfold Challenge Cup first round on Wednesday.

The Clacton-based combination, B-final victors in the Championship fours at last weekend’s Marlow Regatta, are one of 16 selected crews exempt from having to qualify.

A second Northwich boat, a junior men’s quad of George Crouchley, Kevin Dudley, Rhys Coffey and Josh Burke, progressed after a time trial.

They were paired with rivals from Westminster School during a draw for Fawley Challenge Cup at Henley-on-Thames Town Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile former Grange School Rowing Club captain Emily Ford, part of a Newcastle University women’s coxless four, will take on international opposition.

After winning their boat class at Henley Women’s Regatta last weekend, they claimed one of two places up for grabs in the main draw following Friday’s time trial.

Northwich Guardian:

Newcastle University's women's coxless four, with former Grange School student Emily Ford in the bow seat (far right), came through a qualifying race to secure a spot at Henley Royal Regatta this week

Hollandia Roeiclub, from the Netherlands, await them.

A timetable for Wednesday’s action is scheduled to be published later on Sunday.