THE Fords are confirmed in boats for the 2019 World Rowing Championships

Leander club siblings Tom and Emily, both former Grange School students, are among the 64 athletes named for the event in Linz, Austria, from August 25 to September 1.

The World Championships will be the first and primary opportunity to qualify boats for next

year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

British Rowing Director of Performance Brendan Purcell commented on the selections, saying: “Following this season’s World Cup series, we’ve selected a team that we’re confident is capable of challenging for the Olympic and Paralympic qualification places available.

“We’re in a great position following our training camps in the lead up to Worlds, where the crews have been challenging themselves to keep stepping up their performances day by day.”

Tom joins the men's eight crew of Tom George, James Rudkin, Josh Bugajski, Mohamed Sbihi, Jacob Dawson, Ollie Wynne-Griffith, Mat Tarrant and cox Henry Fieldman, coached by Jurgen

Grobler, to challenge for one of only five Olympic qualification spots available in Linz.

This season’s World Cup champions, the men’s eight, will be racing with a point to prove

after claiming their first gold medal of the Olympiad and title last month in Rotterdam.

Only five nations can qualify directly in the men's eight, with those missing the cut now having to go through extra qualification rounds next year.

It’s a really important regatta for everyone involved and has a big impact on the wider team.”

Rotterdam bronze-medal winning pair Holly Hill and Polly Swann will join forces with Emily Ford and Sara Parfett in the women’s four.

Northwich Guardian:

Tom Ford with the selected Team GB men's eight crew for the 2019 World Rowing Championships in Austria. Picture: Nick Middleton

Meanwhile, Hermione Mason took the under 15s girls' 75metre hurdles title at the Northern Atletics Championships in Liverpool at the weekend. (Currently ranked 6th in UK on power of 10)

Mason, who is from Cuddington, attends Hartford High School and runs for Sale Harriers, is now ranked sixth in the UK.

Northwich Guardian:

Hermione Mason in first place on the podium

COMBERBACH C have won the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association's Littler Cup.

The third-tier side beat Rudheath B, from a division above, in the final at Moulton RBL in Northwich.

Big wins by John Forster, 21-10 against Susan Bellamy, and Mark Chesworth, 21-7 against David Hulme, were significant contributions as the match ended all square on 179-179.

Comberbach came out on top on points 292-266 courtesy of their favourable handicap.

Northwich Guardian:

Comberbach C bowls team

NORTHWICH-based Keith Shore held on to an early lead to secure a win at the Equitop Bolesworth Young Horse Championships.

Having a successful season with the bay mare, Iron Lady Van T Meulenhof, Keith’s fluent round saw him finish just ahead of Durham rider, Annabel Shields and Creevagh Carisma in the Bolesworth CS!2* Two Phase competition.

Shore said: “We’ve been busy competing abroad and it’s always good to have a win so close to home. She’s a talented mare and we have a great partnership.”

He has had Iron Lady Van T Meulenhof for 16 months and she forms part of his team of top horses.

Northwich Guardian:

Keith Shore and Iron Lady Van T Meulenhof. Picture: Spidge Photography