HANLEY Swan's Anna Bailey was pipped into the silver medal position at the World Indoor Rowing Championships at Boston University's Agganis Arena in America.

Bailey, who is a member of the Worcestershire-based Old Wrecks Indoor Rowing Club, was edged out of the gold medal position by newcomer Sue Hooten, a US national sculler. However, Bailey still produced a good time of 7:24.5 in the women's 55-59 race, inside her own world record.

She was very pleased with her time and with the progress of her training, still returning to full fitness after another year of niggling injuries.

The UK team was a little smaller than usual this year, but with 60 competing it was still the largest of the overseas teams.

Elsewhere at the World Championships, there were some good performances from other Old Wrecks rowers.

Rachel Armstrong took a good silver in the women's 30-39 race, finishing confidently in a time of 7:24.5.

Alastair Harsant had a tussle in his race, the men's 30-39 lightweight, finishing fifth in a steady time of 6:49.2.

Megan Brown moved up an age category this year, so was no longer in contention with Armstrong.

She faced some stiff opposition in her new group, the women's 40-49, and was disappointed with her time of 7:30.1 which saw her finish in ninth place.

Brian Garner suffered an asthma attack during his event, the men's 50-54 lightweight, but held on to finish ninth with a time of 7:37.1.

In the men's 40-49 race, Kevin Anderson struggled almost from the start, nearly giving up at several points, but encouragement from Bailey got him through to the end, where he finished 43rd in another disappointing time of 6:59.2.