Grainger and Purchase shine at trials

Marlow’s rowers were in outstanding form as they dominated the Great Britain long distance trial in Boston, Lincolnshire on Sunday.

Both Katherine Grainger and Zac Purchase won their respective events in glacial conditions as safety boats were used to break the ice before racing could start.

Grainger won the women’s single sculls battle, ahead of Marlow clubmates Annie Vernon and Sarah Winckless.

The three-time world champion found a superb rhythm and eased across the line some 14 seconds ahead of double world champion

Winckless in a time of 21 minutes and eight seconds. Vernon, who won the world championships in Grainger’s quadruple sculls consolidated her position as British rowing's outstanding young talent finishing ahead of Sarah Winkless who was thrilled to get back on the water after missing most of last season through injury.

Winkless, finished in 21.23 just ahead of fellow Olympians Debbie Flood and Francis Houghton.

There was more success in the men’s events where Zac Purchase won the men’s lightweight single scull 5km in 18.32. Purchase was quickest to all three timing points winning by just under seven seconds from James Lindsey-Fynn who in turn, beat Purchase's 2007 double scull partner, Mark Hunter, by just over two seconds.

Marlow’s James Loveday finished a very creditable fifth in the under 23 lightweight category.

The Boston trial is the first of two long distance trials for aspiring GB oarsmen. The crews will be back in action in the spring ahead of selection for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in August.