GREAT Britain women’s quad, including Northwich Rowing Club’s Lucy Burgess, finished fifth in the final on Saturday at the World Under 23s Championships.

The combination were contenders for a medal over the first 1,500m at Varese, in Italy, but could not find a way past New Zealand in third position.

They were pipped on the line to fourth by Germany.

At the front, Russia took gold ahead of Poland.

Meanwhile Burgess, along with Mathilda Hodgkins-Byrne, Holly Nixon and Jo Wratten, had been the fastest crew during Wednesday’s heats.

They matched that time – 6:31.600 – in the final, only for their rivals to improve on their previous showing earlier in the week.

Burgess, 20, was competing at the event for the first time after two previous appearances in Great Britain’s colours at the World Junior Championships in 2011 and again the following year.

On both occasions, she was in a women’s quad scull that placed seventh overall.

Former Grange School Rowing Club star Tom Ford, now at Newcastle University, was part of a men’s eight pushed back into sixth spot in the final on Sunday.

Ed Grisedale, a member at Northwich when he competed at the World Junior Championships three years ago, was in the same boat.

Now 20, he was a winner at Henley Royal Regatta earlier this month as part of an Oxford Brookes University Boat Club eight.

After qualifying for the final by winning a repechage on Friday, the British boat was well-placed in fourth at halfway.

The effort they put in off the start-line took a toll though, and a late surge from hosts Italy left them sixth in a time of 5:37.07.

Defending champions New Zealand took gold ahead of a fast-finishing Australia and the United States.

Great Britain won four medals, three silver and a bronze, after 11 of their 13 boats reached an A final.

Lead coach Peter Sheppard, who trained Burgess’ crew, said: “We had really consistent performances across so many boats.

“Great credit must go to the coaches and the team’s support staff, and of course the rowers.”