DISMAL conditions in Bristol greeted Worcester Dragons for the third event of the racing season.

Minimal cover against torrential rain at times did little to dampen the spirit of the crew or the buzz in the boat after a convincing win in the final race of the day.

A stoic performance in Liverpool the previous weekend in similar testing conditions barely prepared the crew for the onslaught of weather that had wreaked havoc with the Ten Tors challenge.

The club have welcomed many new paddlers for 2007 but the commitment to training on and off the water over the winter paid dividends.

They made the semi-finals in the combined 200m racing class.

Conditions worsened for the 500m class and the programme was revised which made the heats crucial to cup qualification.

Strong and more experienced opposition edged the crew out into the plate semi-finals but a magnificent effort in the final race provided a high to end an inspired day of racing.

After back-to-back events, the season takes a lull until June 3 but the club then enter their busiest period.

They welcome local crews training for the 17th Race the Dragon Regatta on June 17.

Anyone interested in more details or entering a crew can visit www.worcester-dragons. org.uk.