Trinity College did Ireland proud in the blazing sunshine at the Henley Royal Regatta yesterday. However, there was disappointment for Ireland's most successful club as Neptune's four lost out in an extremely close heat of the Wyfold.

As expected, the Trinity A crew moved into the next round of the Temple Challenge Cup for college eights - but only by a quarter of a length in a tight race against American college Trinity from Hertford.

"Some of the lads were disappointed with the row, but we made it through," said coach Nick Mahoney.

Trinity now face a Cambridge University eight today. The English crew looked impressive after struggling a little in the early stages against St Andrews of Sydney, Australia, before taking control close to the end and winning by three lengths. They will be formidable opponents today.

Neptune's race against Scottish crew Clyde was disappointing, partly because Neptune might well have won it. But Clyde rated higher throughout and came through with a third of a length to spare.

The Trinity B crew lifted Irish spirits somewhat towards the end of the day. Although the powerful Oxford Brookes crew were never likely to be beaten and moved steadily into a two-and-a-half length lead over their young rivals, Trinity were not about to let it go easily.

In the words of 19-year old Stroke Rob Bowe: "We got the bit between our teeth. We went out to give it a lash, to never let go". The crew lived up to this philosophy and only lost by two thirds of a length in a respectable time of six minutes, 56 seconds.

On another positive note for the Irish, Garda's conquerors Molesey continued their charge for honours in the Thames Challenge Cup with a good win over Tideway Scullers.