BLAKEDOWN Scout Group's canoe polo team were soaked in success after winning a tournament at their home base.

They proved they were the hosts with the most by triumphing in the Blakedown Open at Belbroughton.

Blakedown A defeated Soak, from Stratford Upon Avon, in a thrilling golden goal final, with Nigel Elwell bagging the winner after it ended 3-3 in normal time.

Their second string team, Blakedown B, finished third after a play-off victory over Cherwell.

Teams from all over the country took part in the event and it was the first time in three years that the host team had won.

They enjoyed more success at the UK Club Championships in Doncaster at the weekend.

Because of their league status in the lower end of the national scale, Blakedown were forced to compete in the bottom half of the competition, meaning the highest they could finish was 13th.

And after remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament that was precisely where they finished, winning their section which included Manchester A, Hull's Greenstar and St Albans B.

The A team were a little disappointed that the rules prevented them from playing in the top half of the draw because they fancied a crack at the leading sides.

There were also impressive performances from Blakedown youth team who were fourth after playing seven games and Blakedown B who finished a creditable 23rd after their six games.

It continues an encouraging year for the club's junior section after the under-18s were finalists at the London Boat Show in January.

Next for the club is the Merseyside International next month.

Blakedown are fast emerging as one of the top up-and-coming canoe polo clubs in the country having taken up the sport competitively seven years ago.

Lottery funding has helped them establish facilities including two international standard pitches.

Blakedown also boast a range of equipment from plastic kayaks and paddles to buoyancy aids, helmets and balls.

The club, which is run by the 12th Kidderminster Blak-edown Scout Group, has several teams.

They compete in the national swimming pool league during the winter and take part in events across Britain and Europe over the summer.

For more details about playing water polo, visit the club's website at www.blakedownvsu.co.uk/bvsu/