A GROSVENOR Rowing Club crew produced an outstanding performance at the Veterans Head of the River Race on the Thames.

Grosvenor’s masters B, comprising Tim Betteridge, Matt Neame, Paul Turner, Bill Downing, Harvey Worden, Chris Hudson, Phil Hill, Martin Chandler and cox Sarah Armstrong, were third in a field of 204 and just seven seconds off a pennant.

The stunning result was made all the more remarkable given the same boat – but with Rob Irving in for Hudson – had finished as the fastest Chester crew and 74th overall in the previous day’s Head of the River Race. Royal Chester Rowing Club were seven seconds behind in 91st.

Mark Edney, Rob Wareing, Paul Blatch, Jim Graves, Geraint Jones, Chris Townsend, Joe Robson, Hudson and cox Bill Webb steered Grosvenor 2nds to 203rd overall, while the club’s novice crew of Mitch Hawkins, Liam Davoren, Alex Redman, John Pearson, Paddy Graham, Gaz Thomas, Matt O'Connor, Paresh Deshpande and cox Jamie Flynn gained valuable experience on their Thames bow.

Royal Chester’s masters D finished 45th in the Veterans Head followed by the club’s women’s masters D, who enjoyed a fine Tideway debut.

Grosvenor’s masters C, consisting of Jeremy Lush, Mike Allwood, Jeremy Perkins, John McMahon, Colin Morris, Rich Maclean, Pete Lush, Jerry Poupard and cox Steve Walker, were 68th.