MATTHEW Langridge took part in one of the most gruelling tests set to date by head coach Jurgen Grobler during an assessment of Great Britain’s men’s rowing team at Caversham on Saturday.

The Northwich-born rower, in a boat with James Foad, completed three back-to-back time trials over 2,000m with a paddle back to the start the only chance to recover.

The duo, who won silver in the pair at the world championships in August, finished third overall behind victors Mohamed Sbihi and Alex Gregory. Paul Bennett and Matt Gotrel were second.

The squad is to take part in another assessment at Boston in April.