LAST Sunday saw a great deal of eager expectation at Evesham Sailing Club with the Chelmay Cup, one of the major trophies for the year up for grabs.

With three races over the day, ten boats took to the water under cloudy conditions with a steady breeze blowing straight down the river.

With each start being a long beat upstream there was little to choose in the first race with competition being high.

It was only at the midway point that Ian Haywood eventually broke clear to cross the line to take first spot.

However, he didn't have it all his own way with Roger Middleton claiming one of the other races. Again there was no clear leader with Haywood having to take a back seat this time.

It was Edwards, Green and Middleton with Styles not far off the pace who all led for a short time, but eventually, Middleton held on to take a good first place.

Haywood was determined to stamp his authority on events and, in the race that mattered, he was soon on his way.

Although he relaxed in the middle with John Pickford coming very close he held on to win.

With two races out of three to his name he was a well- deserved winner overall.