Lightweight double cruises into semi-final

Monday 24 August 2009

Australia had a mixed morning of results with only one more crew progressing to the semifinals at the 2009 World Rowing Championships in Poznan, Poland.

Conditions grew tougher all morning into a stiffening head breeze with four Australian crews in action following the adaptive races earlier.

The women’s lightweight double scull of Alice McNamara (VIC) and Bronwen Watson (NSW) finished second in their heat to qualify for the semi-finals.

Matched up against the form international crew of 2009, Great Britain, Australia held with the world cup winners down the course and finished half a boat back in a time of 8:03.94

Watson said the conditions were challenging.

“It was very tough, but we are really pleased to get our first race under the belt,” Watson said.

“The GB crew will be the main contenders so it’s good we got an idea of their pace and what we can do against them.”

Australia’s men’s eight narrowly missed out on direct qualification for the final after being pipped on the line by Great Britain.

With two crews qualifying directly for the final, the young Australian crew stroked by Richard Allsop (NSW) finished third in a time of 5:59.53 to cross the line behind Germany and Great Britain. They will race in the repechage on Wednesday and will need a top two finish to make the A Final.

The men’s lightweight four of Angus Tyers (VIC), Ross Brown (WA), Tom Bertrand (VIC) and Darryn Purcell (QLD) finished fourth in their heat and will row in the repechage. They were third through the 1000m mark but could not hold off Great Britain over the closing stages to finish in a time of 6:46.86. Czech Republic won the heat, with Spain in second and Great Britain third.

Dan Noonan (NSW), David Crawshay (VIC), Nick Hudson (NSW) and Jared Bidwell (QLD) finished fourth in their heat of the men’s quad scull forcing them into a repechage row on Wednesday.

Olympic champions Poland won the heat ahead of France and Slovenia, while Australia finished in 6:22.08.

For full race reports and schedule please visit www.rowingaustralia.com.au

For all media enquiries please call David Polglase on +48 787 676 639

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