CANOEING: Matt Jump won a gold medal in the C2 class at the fourth National BCU Regatta at Holme Pierrepont at the weekend.

He and Radek Sikorski won on both days, over 200m and 1000m.

But better still is the news that Jump has been guaranteed a further nine months at the Canoe Union’s flatwater academy.

Jump, 23, tried to impress experts at the Steve Redgrave promoted Sporting Giants trials to win a place in rowing’s elite group of potential Olympic oarsmen.

He received a rejection letter one day and an offer of a place with the BCU the next.

Jump, of Cromwell Road, Winnington, chucked in his job at Ford’s to join the “cut-throat world” of a national sports squad.

Being paired with Sikorski, an outstanding Canadian style paddler, is a sign he is being rated highly. To share two wins can only impress the British coaches.

Sikorski won both 200m and 1,000m events, with Jump a beaten finalist, at the last regatta in June.

Henley dream halted

ROWING: The Grange School quad of three Ford Brothers - Edward, John and Tom – and Ruper Wiltshire survived the first round at Henley on Thursday.

They beat York B by a length but were knocked out of the Fawley Challenge the next day by USA crew Malvern Prep by four lengths.

Northwich’s Veteran C eight, who won a national title recently, hope for Henley glory themselves at the weekend in the Veterans Regatta.

Vics back in action

FOOTBALL: Northwich Vics kick off their programme of friendlies at Clitheroe tonight (Wednesday) and are at Chorley on Saturday.

Manager Dino Maamria has made a string of signings and has scope for two or three more.

Witton Albion boss Nigel Deeley has offered terms to five trialists and is awaiting their responses.

Albion start their preparations at Neil Gill’s Alsager Town on Saturday.

Vics and Witton fixtures on page 38.