WORCESTER Swimming Club youngsters made a splash at the dragon boat regatta to retain the junior trophy.

They were among a number of impressive displays at Worcester Dragon Boat Racing Club's 13th Race the Dragon Regatta at the weekend.

The Wailers, Worcester Swimming Clubs' youngest-ever crew, were outstanding against the adult competition, retaining both the junior trophy and the best placed mixed award against seven other qualifying crews.

The crew won their place race against Saucerers from Lea & Perrins (sponsors of the cup) and Cardiff Powerblades, one of the visiting crews.

Drab and damp conditions had greeted the 24 crews taking part, many of them supporting the club's nominated charity Acorns Children's Hospice.

Hereford Lions and David Williams, prospective 2004 transatlantic rower, joined the festivities to promote their efforts for Acorns and the event is likely to prove lucrative for the Three Counties Appeal.

An presentation evening will be held in July, when all the collections have been made and the total for all charities supported by the event is known.

Intra-company rivalry was a feature of the day with three crews from QinetiQ and two from DEFRA and the Reality group.

Q-Qru were the victors over BritaniQ and OlympiQ in The Q Crew Challenge, against the form shown in the qualifying heats.

Q-Qru went on to secure both magnificent silver plate trophies, recording the fastest time in the plate competition in a thrilling final with Alma Dragons and The School Bus.

The winning margin of 14 hundredths of a second, ahead of Alma, the closest of the day.

Other visitors were the ladies representing British Airways from Wraysbury near Heathrow who came eighth overall and were awarded the ladies trophy.

Most colourful crew on the day were without question Drag-on-Boaters, from Land Rover, who raced all day in drag, turning a few heads along the way to their victory over Festival Housing and Droitwich Slayers in the minor final of the plate.

The climax of the day was the head to head in the major final of the Lea & Perrins Cup between Reality Raiders and Stourport Boat Club and surprise finalists Fallen Angels, racing with just 14.

Stourport Boat Club's times through the day made them favourites, but a polished performance from the Raiders and a tremendous drive for the line proved decisive leaving little for the experienced eyes of the finish line judges from Worcester Swimming Club.

Fallen Angels completed their day with a solid performance to take third place.

The club will be holding a 'come and try it' session on Sunday, June 22 at their club house next to Worcester Cricket Ground.

For futher information and details call 01905 773571.