ROWING: Six crews entered the National Championships. They returned with three gold and three bronze medals - there has never been a day like it for Northwich Rowing Club. The Chronicle had a man on the inside at Strathclyde - double sculler SCOTT ALDER.

'WE found the conditions very different to the relatively calm waters of the River Weaver and were glad of an earlier practice session to get used to the new water,' said Scott.

'The atmosphere was generally relaxed but as the races approached, you could spot more than one nervous face as they prepared.

'Myself and Peter Woods won a bronze medal and we were delighted. Our aim was just to make the final - we thought that would be a stiff enough challenge in itself.'

Scott, who lives in Winnington, reports:

'The first day was full of promise. The junior 16 single sculler, William Laughton, took a comfortable first place in his heat, while WJ14 doubles team of Victoria Lindholt and Nicola Plant closely followed with a comfortable second place, taking them to the final.

'Peter and I rowed to second place and the semi-finals in our heat.

'Junior pair of Matthew Jump and George Laughton reached their final in impressive style and they were ultimately to become national champions.

'Firstly though they had to join up with Adam Onslow and Matthew Hunt and cox Julie Nevin to take second place in the semi-final of the junior coxed fours, ensuring their place in the final.

'Back among the women, the quad comprising Lucy Ryder, Esme Taylor, Kate Agnew and Rachael Law struggled in a challenging semi-final and could only make fourth place, meaning they would have to race again if they were to make the final. Alas, they did not qualify.

'Saturday saw the first medals awarded, as the competition got tougher.

'Laughton again took first place in the singles semi, but was unlucky to lose out on a medal after just being beaten to bronze in the final.

'Myself and Peter were second in our semi-final and then held off last year's winners, Marlow, for third place and a bronze medal.

'Victoria and Nicola took third in their final of the WJ14 double sculls. They had to fight hard for their medals.

'Northwich's Isabella Lindholt joined rowers from Marlow, LEH and Wycliffe to take first place in the semi final of the women's quad sculls, while her team-mate at Henley Royal Regatta, Caroline Barrett, rowed for the Great Britain team under the name of Nautilus to take an easy victory in the women's double sculls.

'Northwich then collected a hat-trick of gold medals.

'Matthew Jump and George Laughton were magnificent in junior pair, winning by six seconds, and later earned their second medal - a bronze - when they rejoined the four. Isabella repeated her success on Sunday with an easy gold in the women's quad and Caroline Barrett took gold in the double sculls. Both are 18 and have been called up for Great Britain.

'The event was a huge success for Northwich and we have stamped our mark on the national rowing scene.'