MARLOW Rowing Club won the West of England Challenge Vase for Elite coxed fours on Monday at Hereford.

The four, consisting of Rob Downie, Jim Cotter, Tom McGibbon, stroke Richard Aplin and Ella Waddingham coxing were looking for their first win of the season after putting on a good performance at Ghent International Regatta in Belgium a few weeks earlier.

The first round saw a comfortable victory over Ross Rowing Club stroked by ex Marlow rower George Smith.

The Marlow crew showed no mercy on their former stroke man as they romped home.

In the semi final Marlow were up against much tougher opponents from Nottingham and Union.

But Marlow flew out of the blocks and had a commanding two-length lead at 600m and were able to cruise home to go into the final where they raced against Worcester, who had had won the Wyfold Challenge Cup at Henley Royal and were current holders of the vase having won it six times in succession.

Both crews started at an incredible pace and after 200 metres Marlow had edged out to lead by a canvas.

After the first minute, Marlow pushed hard on Worcester and increased their lead to a full length.

As they came through the 700 metre mark there was definite clear water between the two crews as the Worcester crew attacked for home. Marlow kept their heads though and held on to win by just over a length.

It was a great victory for both crew and their coaches Maurice Hayes and John Stevenson.

The Met Regatta takes place this weekend at Dorney Lake and a number of crews from Marlow will be taking part.