WORCESTER Dragons impressed in the second round of the National League at Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff.
The city's premier dragon boat racing club followed up their solid display in Liverpool over the Bank Holiday weekend.
They put out a team of paddlers from both ends of the age spectrum, with a growing number of juniors easily matching the veterans.
Dragons showed tremendous discipline in tight racing and Josh Allmark commanded the boat from the drum throughout the day.
The crew, including Allmark's mother and sister as well as the Collier twins Jennie and Rob, responded to the challenge presented by the physically stronger opposition.
International junior Luke Bennett again got on with the task without any complaints.
Although the crew may be a little light on grunt, they were technically excellent and their starts belied any shortfall of muscle.
Stealing a march of up to half a boat on the opposition off the start of virtually every race kept them in contention.
It forced the other crews to work even harder for any advantage at the line.
An outstanding tussle with BA Hurricanes in the 500m heats just went in favour of their opponents.
This was followed by disappointment in the rep when the boat 'just sat down' with 100m to go. The result in the semi again just went against the crew by a fraction of a second.
But the result was reversed in the major final of the plate when the crew held a commanding lead throughout, beating Amathus Bees and crews from Millwall and Bristol to finish on a high.
The club are currently recruiting across all age groups but particularly juniors as they compete in a range of events over the summer.
Anyone aged 12 or over is welcome to join in the up-and-coming team sport and is asked to e-mail info@worcester-dragons.org.uk or call 01905-429257.
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