IT was a case of third time lucky for Sue Mather at the English Indoor Rowing Championships.

The 63-year-old returned home as the proud owner of a bronze medal, after producing a strong performance at the Manchester Velodrome.

She clocked a time of nine minutes and six seconds, to come third in her women’s 60 to 69 category.

“I’ve had a fourth and a fifth before, so was hopeful of winning a medal,” said Mather, of Ocean View, Oakley Road, Harwich.

“To come back with the bronze was very pleasing.

“My time was slightly slower than my fastest training time, but then the conditions were very different.

“It was so high-octane.

“There was so much going on, people watching and a commentator walking up and down behind us.

“It was terrific fun and great to be part of, although it was nerve-wracking waiting to find out if I’d won a medal.”