A lightweight crew from Worcester Dragons acquitted themselves well in the first National League meeting of the season.

Some late withdrawals upset the balance of the crew, who were left to compete against a strong turnout of premier crews among 18 crews racing in Surrey Docks.

Racing was as close as ever in the 250m class and less than half a second assured the crew of a place in their first major final and a top six placing.

The main league qualifying races over 500m were a stiff challenge for the crew with four vacancies in the boat.

With Thames (previously Texaco) Dragons stronger than ever and Batchworth at full strength, the heats were something of a formality, but proved to be a confidence booster for Worcester.

Despite a consistent run in the reps, the club just missed out on the major final and were left to race for pride in the minor final.

A fantastic effort in a head-to-head with a Thames crew saw Worcester finish on a high in their fastest time of the day by four seconds, earning points for a well deserved fourth place.

Liverpool is the venue for the next round, and Worcester expect to take a stronger crew to this favoured venue.

Preparations are now underway for the club's Race the Dragon Regatta to be held on June 23.

For more details call 01905-773571 or email: regatta@ worcester-dragons.org.uk

n Four members of Worcester Dragons have qualified to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Poland in July at under 18 level.

Jenny Barnes is representing her country for the third time, having qualified for last year's event in Sweden and the World Championships in Philadelphia.

Competing

Tina Young is chosen for the second time after also competing in the United States, while Emily Tyler and Kyle Roberts are competing internationally for the first time.

Two more juniors, James Rawlings and Matthew Collier, just missed out on selection but are hoping to join the others at next year's World Championships in Shanghai.

The quartet are hoping to attract sponsorship from local companies for the trip to Poland, which costs £500 per person. Anyone interested should contact Tim Ward on 01905-773571.