MORE than 600 crews took to the water at the annual Stourport Regatta.

The two-day event attracted crews from all over the country as well as one from Holland, with 600 races in all categories.

The Molesey club from London was the most successful with 17 wins, while hosts Stourport Boat Club shared second spot with 12.

Worcester Rowing Club turned in several fine performances with the Senior 3 coxed fours continuing their meteoric progress.

Nick Perkins, David Golding, Phil Vincent -- deputising for the injured Alex Nichol -- and Adam Blackmore led all the way in the 1,100 metre final to but lost by just three feet in the last five strokes. Then they emerged triumphant in a fierce struggle against Monmouth.

Monmouth were warned twice for steering and the crews clashed blades. Worcester were nearly pushed into the bank but kept going, crossing the line just two feet behind the opposition, who were disqualified.

"They would have won easily," said club coach Mark Perkins. "They were delighted with the result and have gone from Nov-ice to Senior 2 in a matter of weeks. They have done remarkably well."

Back in his usual boat, a single, Vincent won the J18 single sculls, beating Beech from Bewdley by two and a half lengths.

Worcester's indoor rowing champion, Jane Fisher, won the Senior 2 single sculls on both days. She has been invited to the GB selection trials next month.

The women's J15 coxed quad - Nicki Freeman, Tamara Hopkins, Laura Telfer, Ruth Brown and cox Faye Hughes - beat the hosts in the semi-final and defeated Newark in the final.

The Veteran D coxed four of Keith Tribe, Gerald Harris, David Birtwhistle, Steve Harries and cox Nicki Freeman beat Hollingworth Lake before losing to Stourport by half a length.