Reed admits more work is needed to catch arch-rivals

By Sportsbeat staff

ANDY Triggs-Hodge and Peter Reed claimed a commanding men's pair semi-final win at the Rowing World Cup in Lucerne - but admitted they still needed to raise their game.

CHALLENGE: Peter Reed and Andy Triggs-Hodge admit more improvement is needed ahead of the World Cup men's pair final in Lucerne (Getty Images)

The British duo are still smarting from a ninth consecutive defeat to world champions Eric Murray and Hamish Bond at the Henley Royal Regatta last weekend.

And there is speculation this could be their last outing in the pair, with British coach Jurgen Grobler considering merging them back into the men's four - the title they won at the Beijing Olympics - ahead of the World Rowing Championships later this year.

Triggs-Hodge and Reed won their semi-final in 6.29.26, but Kiwis Murray and Bond clocked 6.27.78 and seemed to have more in the tank at the finish.

"That was a better race than the heat," said Reed.  

"Andy's rhythm in the first half set us up well. 

"There were three fast crews around us and some of them were racing for selection for the World Championships but that didn't put us under pressure.  

"I felt we came home with our heads high and in relaxed form but we know who the big opposition will be tomorrow."

Elsewhere, six other British crews advanced to Sunday's finals with semi-final victories.