ALEX Gregory and Matt Gotrel helped power Great Britain to victory over old rivals Germany in Italy at the second Rowing World Cup meet of the season.

They were in the winning men's open 'A' eight final crew, who clocked five minutes 26.93 seconds to see off Germany I (5.27.28), USA (5.29.38), New Zealand (5.30.37), Poland (5.34.77) and Germany II (5.35.46) in Varese.

Former Evesham Rowing Club member and Olympic champion Gregory, of Wormington, and Chipping Campden's Gotrel, 26, were joined by Stewart Innes, Pete Reed, Paul Bennett, Mohamed Sbihi, George Nash, Will Satch and cox Henry Fieldman.

The Germans beat GB to European gold three weeks ago and the two crews were drawn side-by-side with the USA on the other flank.

Germany took an early lead with GB fifth in a tight pack before, just after the 500-metre marker, the British combination began to attack and took up second ahead of New Zealand.

The lead had been cut back to just seven-10ths at the 1,500m mark and the vocal British section of the crowd were on their feet.

Stroke for stroke, the GB boat overhauled and then held off the Germans to claim gold.

Gregory, 31, said: "Hopefully, we made the men's eight an exciting race to watch. I'm very pleased to be a part of a great crew now bringing a gold medal home."

Cox Fieldman said: “I think we performed very well and we are all proud of what we achieved. We have made a big step up in the last few weeks.

“We found a really good rhythm through the middle section. There was so much power and intent from the guys.”