ROWING: RUNCORN Rowing Club proved age is no barrier to success.

The difference between their oldest and youngest winners at the Northwich Spring Head was no fewer than 62 years.

Brian Lewis was, at 74 years old, part of a victorious veterans quad.

The most junior member to strike gold was Dean Radcliffe, 12, from Runcorn and a Frodsham College pupil.

He successfully teamed up with Steven Roberts in the Junior 13 Double.

Victory earned Brian, of Helsby, his first medal in the sport since he last raced in 1958!

He had been rowing socially and was persuaded to be part of a Vet F Quad.

The average age of the winning team, also including Eric Bennett, George Perrin and John Kerrin, was more than 65 years.

Overall, the club had 10 winners at the Easter Saturday event.

The others were: Kris Hinde (junior sculls); George Perrin (Vet D sculls); Fiona Kay (WJ16 sculls); Jonathan Bennett, Graeme Peace, Alan Roberts and Daniel Shaw (J16 quad); Toni Edwards and Katy Hignell (WJ16 double); Kris Hinde and Phil Bateson (J double sculls); Fiona Kay and Laura Wiggins (W novice double) and Emily Bennett and Kirsty Newton (WJ14 double).

The J16 and WJ14 crews are also to compete at the Inter-Regional Championships in Nottingham later this month.

Runcorn will also be represented by Toni Edwards and Leanne Radcliffe in a WJ16 Pair.

As part of their involvement in Project Oarsome, a governing-body initiative to attract a new generation into the sport, Runcorn RC has bought two new novice boats.

These are for absolute beginners of all ages and are self-balancing and untippable.

The club, which suffered a devastating vandal attack last year, has a new alarm and security system thanks to funding from Runcorn Round Table.