WORCESTER Dragon Boat Racing Club were joined by 20 visiting crews in the eighth round of the British Dragon Boat Racing Association National League.

The competition began with 200m sprints between the crews who were seeded to produce close finishes.

Only the fastest six went forward to the finals and Worcester Dragons were triumphant in their dash with crews from Milton Keynes and Henley, just rewards for their recent training focus on start technique.

The 2005 honours were reversed in the major final of the sprints with Batchworth edging out Amathus to show that they remain a major force, despite recent defeats.

Worcester Dragons missed a place in the cup competition by the smallest margin in their repechage tussle with Amathus after disappointment in the opening heat of the 450m competition.

The repechage performance set the pattern for their remaining races, putting the crew in pole position to leave the opposition snapping at their tail.

The local club secured their place in the major final of the plate with a magnificent effort against Henley Eyot and runners-up Severn Warriors in the semi-finals, pushing both crews into the minor final.

Severn Warriors took centre stage in the minor final with a nail-biting finish ahead of Henley Eyot and Fallen Angels.

But the local glory went to Worcester Dragons with their major final win, overcoming the challenge of Thames Raging Dragons and Cardiff.

The final win was all the sweeter after the frustration caused by creative helming by the opposition crews.

Bristol Empire Dragons proved to be top of the tree in the standard division, just falling short in the minor final of the cup behind BA Hurricanes and Three River Serpents, whose win rewarded their five-hour journey to compete in Worcester.

Amathus continued their assault on the league title with a win in the cup against Batchworth and Kingston Royals which will make the meeting in Peterborough in September the decisive ninth round.

Worcester Dragons are now looking forward to the national finals but are also keen to attract more juniors to join current under 18 members to represent the club in the junior championships taking place in September.

The club train on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings from their base opposite the fountains and cathedral. New paddlers, both young and old, are welcome.

It is also an ideal opportunity for new junior members to prepare for the forthcoming championship.

Call 01905-429257 or email chairman@worcester-drag ons.org.uk for more information.