ALEX GREGORY raced home fourth at the British final trials regatta in Belgium to cement his place in the GB quadruple scull.

The Evesham Rowing Club man pipped newcomer Brendan Crean by just two hundreds of a second on Hazewinkel's Blos course, while narrowly missing out on third by half-a-length to 2007 GB crewmate Sam Tow-nsend.

GB team boss David Tanner has confirmed that GB will boat a quadruple scull at the first World Cup regatta in Munich in early May, with a view to grabbing a Beijing slot at the last-chance qualifying regatta in Poland in June.

And Wormington's Gregory, who helped last year's quad set a new British record in Amsterdam, is still hopeful of taking a fast boat to China.

World lightweight singles record holder Zac Purchase missed out on the trials through injury.

But, the King's Worcester product is sure to be reunited with his 2007 World bronze medal 72kg doubles partner Mark Hunter for the World Cup series and Beijing.

l EVESHAM Rowing club's Junior 16 Boys Performance squad was crowned Junior Club Team of the Year at last week's Herefordshire and Worcestershire Sports Awa-rds.

Sponsored by the University of Worcester, the award was presented by Malcolm Armstrong, head of sport and exercise science.

The award follows hot on the heels of the club's success at last month's Wychavon District Council's Sports Recognition Awards evening.