Henley is set to be an oarsome experience for Chester’s young squad

EIGHT North youngsters are hoping to push the boat out next year - at rowing’s most prestigious annual competition, writes TONY HODGSON.

The teenagers, from Chester-le-Street Amateur Rowing Club, are set for the most oarsome experience of their fledgling sports careers so far - competing at the famous Henley Regatta.

The annual spectacular on the banks of the River Thames will be staged in July - and it will be the first time rowers from the Riverside-base club will have taken part. The boys - Joseph Adamson, Roman Bowery, Dan Slater, Sam Graham, Mathew Cleugh, Tyler O’Donnell, Aidan Roberts and Max Wilson will contest the Fawley Challenge Cup, a J18 event for four-man crews.

One quartet has already qualified and CARC head coach Steve Thompson hopes a second will follow.

He said: “It has been a fantastic year for the club with success for our youngsters at European and world level.

“The eight boys also took part in Great Britain trials and at one of the trials a GB coach said we should try and get the lads into Henley.

“That is difficult to do but we went through a series of trials and I am pleased to say one of the crews came through and the other should get there as well.”

He added: “To qualify is a massive achievement and something no other North East crew has ever done at this level.

“It will be a fantastic experience for the boys. Henley is at another level, a different world.

“We will be up against pubic school crews from Eton, Windsor and St Paul’s - it will be a massive test but one we are looking forward to.”

The club has purchased a boat for the crews to compete in and is raising funds to cover the cost of the trip.