MATTHEW Langridge will compete in a European Championship final for the first time on Sunday.

The Northwich rower was part of Great Britain’s men’s pair, along with James Foad, that won their heat at Poznan, in Poland, on Friday morning.

But the duo, who won a silver medal together at the world championships last year, were involved in a close battle with Serbia’s Milos Vasic and Nenad Bedik for the opening 1,500m.

Langridge and Foad then turned on the after-burners in the final 500m to win in 6:29.91 to become one of 10 British boats to record a victory on Lake Malta.

Serbia were second.

Langridge, who turned 32 last week, and Foad progress automatically to the final as a reward.

France, silver medallists at the Olympic Games in London three years ago, will join them there following a comfortable victory in the first heat.

The remaining crews take part in a repechage tomorrow, Saturday.