Cornwall's first ladies' rowing crew to compete at the world famous Henley Women's Regatta returned to Cornwall last night delighted with their result in a weekend of gruelling battles against crews from around the world.

The crew, consisting of Helen Britton (cox), Jo Beardshaw (stroke), Kate Conway, Jackie George and Tina Pascoe (bow) had been training for many months with Henley in their sights.

Coach Brian Gamet was delighted with their result, which was entirely unexpected: "I hoped that they would qualify for the regatta at the time trials on the Friday but it would have been wildly optimistic of me to hope that they would get through to the last 16 - I knew that the crews they would be up against are all superb oarswomen who have trained together throughout schools and universities."

After a tough draw at Reading last weekend, which saw the girls eliminated in the first round against a strong Bristol City crew, the girls bounced back with a focused and determined week of training, and fresh hopes for success in the Henley qualifying race on the Friday.

At 8 am on the dot on the following day, Helen steered the boat back alongside the launching pontoons, into the able hands of Matt Pinsent.

With 60 crews from around the country and indeed the world, only 32 would row the 1500 metres fast enough to earn the right to row in the first round of Henley women's regatta that evening. The Greenbank girls did it!

It was a truly spirited and gutsy row which saw the girls beat many strong university and school crews for their place in the Lester Trophy, pulling off their best row together in the last four months of training.

The first round saw them pitted against Imperial Collegeand not only did the girls pull off yet another great row, they beat Imperial College by four lengths.

Down to the final 16 and another day of competition, the racve was scheduled for 3.30 pm race. Bedford High School had pulled off the fastest first round time of all the crews the previous day and were now drawn to meet the girls. After a strong start form the girls, it was the exceptionally well drilled Bedford crew who managed to build a narrow lead which they maintained throughout.

The girls were constantly approached by rowers and spectators as their kit, emblazoned with "Cornwall" was so eye catching. Many people had links to Cornwall or were born in the County and were so proud that Cornwall was represented in such a prestigious event.