THERE was disappointment for Deal’s Ben Smissen in the world junior rowing championships in Banyoles, Spain.

The Deal Rowing Club 16-year-old had become the first coastal rower to be selected by Great Britain for the world junior championships, and his Junior 18 coxless four boat looked strong medal prospects after winning their heat in style. But they then had to bring in a replacement rower for the semi-finals after Ben Smith, the bowman, went down with food poisoning.

James Morgan, the Deal RC captain, said: “The bowman’s role is crucial because he steers the boat, and to have to bring in a late replacement was bound to affect their performance.”n the semi-finals Smissen and Co finished fourth, and so just they missed out on the final with the top three qualifying.

Morgan added: “Ben was obviously disappointed, but I am sure this will make him even more determined to win selection next year.”