Britain Hold Nerve in Henley to Lift Grand Challenge Cup

Britain's national eight held their nerve against a strong challenge from the US to lift the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley for the first time in 13 years.

The British, rowing as Leander and Molesey clubs, had to battle for their lives when the Americans drew level at the mile. But they found the reserves to hold off the opposition and record a famous half-length win. The young British crew lost their early lead and impressive flow when they were battered by strong gusts through the middle of the course, but afterwards their coach Christian Felkel said: "Yes, we've got to improve but, hey, this is Henley and a win is a win."

The eight's victory gave a much needed lift to the British team, who saw some of their best crews lose to an outstanding New Zealand squad. The Kiwis took four events with their talisman, Mahe Drysdale, out-powering Britain's Alan Campbell in the final of the Diamond Sculls. Campbell was clearly still suffering the effects of his great semi- final battle with Olaf Tufte, the Norwegian double Olympic champion. "It was like trying to scull with a 100kg sack on my back," explained the exhausted Ulsterman at the finish.