On Sunday 15 July the coxless four of James Goble (NCWS), Lucas King (PGW), Freddie Fisher (TEJN) and Charlie Thurston (GRP) raced for Great Britain in the Great Britain versus France Match in Gravelines, France. Having spent three days training on the river in Kingston, they arrived in France last Thursday for three further days of training on the course in Gravelines which next year will host the World University Championships. Having won the trials by 13 seconds much was expected of the boys and in the first half of the race on Sunday all looked as though it was going according to plan as they established a commanding two length lead. However, the French refused to accept that they were beaten and put in a monumental push that brought them back to within a length with 250m to go. The French then began their charge for the line and even though our boys raised their rate of striking to well over 40 the French continued to gain. Spectators' hearts were in their mouths as both crews appeared to cross the line level. A hush descended on the crowd as it waited for the result to be announced. When it finally came - Great Britain by a foot – there was relief and jubilation. The closest race of the day had sealed victory for Team GB in the boys' match (4-3) and contributed to an 8-5 win in the match overall.
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