York Rowing Club's junior double of Caroline Jones and Morven Porteous enjoyed sweet revenge on their return to the Henley women's regatta as they defeated the Irish national champions, Kings Hospital, who beat them in last year's final.

The York girls surprised their Irish opposition to go 1 lengths ahead at 1,000 metres. The Irish crew powered back, but York stayed tough to win a thrilling finish by just three feet.

However, drained by the previous round, York couldn't find the pace to stay with a well-drilled Star Club (Bradford) and went down by 2 lengths in the semi-final.

Meanwhile, the YRC women came up against strong opposition over the 1,500-metre course in baking sunshine.

Anne Homa went out in the first round of single sculls to Upper Thames. Recovering from injuries sustained in the Selby train crash, she was pleased with her performance despite losing by three lengths.

Stephanie Gant and Helena Gilbert also went out in the first round in the lightweight double sculls to Thames Rowing Club.

The coxed four of Jenny Irvine, Karen Williams, Philippa Press, Ros Coke and cox Vicky Newbould fought hard to stay in touch with a stronger Thames RC team who went on to win the final.

Vicki Johnson (St Peter's School) and Freya Porteous joined the girls from the double in the semi-final of the Junior Quadruple sculls against Henley Rowing Club - last year's winners and National Schools' champions.

Although the girls rowed one of their best races of the season the experience of the local crew was only too evident and they won by three lengths.

Henley Juniors won the event in a staggering five minutes 28 seconds - the same time as their senior quad.

Updated: 12:23 Friday, June 29, 2001