TWENTY crews gathered on the banks of the River Severn in Worcester to compete in the 12th annual 'Race The Dragon' organised by Worcester Dragon Boat Racing Club.

There were 15 local crews, supplemented by two from the Birmingham area, both of whom had local connections, and two from further afield who were joined by two under 18 crews from the British National training squad, which itself boasts six members from Worcester.

The national teams were allowed to enter to gain racing experience prior to their trip to Poland to compete in the European Championships.

In front of big crowds, racing was to the usual format of cup and plate competitions, crews each raced two qualifying heats to determine the nine crews who would enter the cup competition, the remainder to battle it out for the plate.

Star turn at this stage were Sleepy Dragons, a crew of ladies from the Wraysbury and Eton area who marched to their boat in a dazzling array of night dresses!

With the two levels of competition decided the racing would be a lot closer.

The plate minor final saw Payroll Pirates stroll to victory as Droitwich Slayers and Worcester Saucerers became entangled as one of the helms lost control. They sportingly agreed to share second place.

In the plate major final, Princes Trust, again ostensibly a junior crew, overcame the challenge of one of the national teams and a strong team from MG Rover to win on a time of one minute 55.84 seconds.

In the cup minor final a wonderful performance from Worcester Swimming Club, a crew of very young people, brushed aside the challenge of adult crews Alma Dragons and Pearl River Pirates to win in a time of 1.50.48.

Once again claiming a great deal of silverware at the presentations, as well as winning the minor final, they also won best junior and best mixed crew.

Taking away the result of the British squad, the Major final was won by Bristol Empire in 1.47.09, althouigh the real interest locally was the battle between the two crews entered from Qinetiq in Malvern.

AQuatic overcame their rivals Bismarq to take second place and claim the Qinetiq challenge trophy.

The trophies were presented by Hugh Thomas, headmaster of Thornton House Special School who were to benefit from this year's regatta.

Mr Thomas thanked both Worcester Dragons and Lea & Perrins who made a surprise but very generous donation on the day.

The British squad National coach thanks all the competitors for allowing the British Teams to gain valuable experience prior to their international competition.

Anyone wishing to join the club or requiring further information on dragon boating or national training squads can contact club chairman Tim Ward on 01905-773571.