THE Upton Women's squad are nearly all novices and to move from novice to senior status it is necessary to win a regatta with more than four entries and one of the Upton crews did that with real style at Ironbridge last weekend.

There were no less than 11 entries in the Novice IV's all of whom were determined to win and achieve the valued Senior status. With so many crews entered, racing lasted all day.

Upton first overcame a spirited crew from Avon County at 10am by a clear one and a half lengths. Then they raced against Peterborough who had beaten Star Club from Bedford and again the verdict was one and a half lengths to Upton. This was already a fine Upton performance and the nerves built up over the afternoon till at 3.30 they faced Pengwern Boat Club from Shrewsbury in the final.

Pengwern had already beaten two crews from Llandaff as well as Worcester, Bewdley, Ross and another Peterborough boat. As usual Upton found themselves facing a bigger and younger crew but they showed real determination and intensity.

The Upton crew had a superb start and quickly moved to a half length lead. By half way down the 500 metres course that had been extended to three quarters of a length and then Pengwern began to push back. As the crews stormed past the regatta enclosure Pengwern were closing with every stroke and both sets of supporters were shouting themselves hoarse. This was a thrilling race but over the last 50 metres the Upton crew showed real determination and clung on to their lead eventually winning the race by a canvass (six feet).

Pewter tankards all round including their young cox who did a great job in his first regatta.

These join the two events won by the men's squad this year and the medals and trophies won by Liz Killick in the regional composite crew. She added to her collection on Saturday with a win in Veteran B IV's.

The Upton men achieved their first qualifying win in 1998 and now the women in their first real season of organised competitive crews have joined them.

The club is moving from strength to strength and this has already been by far their most successful year. It is particularly good that both the men's and women's side of the club have now tasted success.