Another Successful Nationals for Worcester

Another Successful Nationals for Worcester

Worcester Dragons members raced in 6 classes at the weekend securing a haul of trophies and medals.

As well as the Dragons and DragonFlies open crews the club raced in mixed, ladies, seniors, under 18s and also the Breast Cancer Survivors challenge where they came second in both 200m and 500m disciplines. With up to 21 races over the weekend many new faces to the club joined the old hands to cause some upsets at all distances. Batchworth Dragons and Amathus, eventual champions, proved to be too strong for the Dragons but many medals and trophies were missed and won by a fraction of a second. Memorable races for all crews over 1000m - bronze medal, 500m mixed - silver medal and 500m open - fourth by 0.3 seconds after a 6m charge for third in the final 80m of the race. The secret weapon for the club were the hoards of members cheering the racing crew on in the key races, absolutely magnificent.

2011 has heralded a massive increase in membership and competition for places within the club. After their recent exploits in Dublin with a mostly Grand Dragons qualifying crew the club raced in the senior category for the first time absolutely destroying Kingston Royals with clear water in the 500m discipline. The increased number of women members from the reinvigorated Breast Cancer Survivor and supporters initiative has provided sufficient contenders for almost two ladies crews. The ladies faced the challenge of largely international class competition from the other clubs but nevertheless raced with style and commitment - the Worcester Way. The under 18 members provided the core of a Worcester led under 18 crew who triumphed against capable opposition, winning both 200m and 500m grand finals.

After vying with peer group club Exe-Calibre throughout the season the weekend showdown proved that Worcester have the edge for stamina and an explosive finish. There were heroes and heroines over the weekend taking on the massive challenge of race after race with little recovery time but as DragonFlies helm Maggie Inglis commented "Everyone was fantastic!"