WORCESTER Dragon Boat Racing Club took part in the eighth round of the British National League competition based at Worcester's Pitchcroft Racecourse.

Twenty crews from across the UK descended on Worcester to race in superb conditions.

The weather was ideal with opening races over 200 metres specifically seeded to bring the closest crews together from the start of the event.

Top seeds were first out of the gates with the fastest three teams overall meeting in the final.

The result set the scene for the day with favourites Batchworth pushed into second place by top team Amathus from Liverpool. Henley completed the line- up.

The event was the first in Worcester to be attended by Breast Cancer Awareness crew Pool of Life, visiting from Liverpool.

They battled throughout the day against the far more experienced crews and, while not winning races, thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Worcester accomplished their first task of qualifying for the cup in some style, running their opening heat in the 450m races with a top six time, much to the surprise of the third seeded crew alongside them.

The performance confirmed that the club's recent training focus of timing and stroke shape were really paying off with greater boat speed.

The programme for the day provided few opportunities to paddle through where the result was lost, because further qualifying was always there for fastest runners-up.

The opening cup heat proved to be a lost battle after a poor start, but the following repecharge was probably Worcester's best race of the day, stealing first place from Henley to secure a semi-final place.

Again, the programme was harsh with tough opposition and a winner-takes-all entry to the finals.

A close third place was not fast enough to get the Worcester crew into the finals so a place race followed in quick succession.

The Three River Serpents crew from Durham were too strong, but Worcester nosed second place ahead of BA Hurricanes, recording a first win over BA this year. Fallen Angels from Pershore were beaten by less than a second in the plate minor final.

The major final was taken again by Amathus from Batchworth with Thames Taniwhas just behind.

Just two events remain this season -- an event in Peterborough and the National Cup in September.

The club, however, train all year. Anyone interested in the sport should email info @worcester-dragons.org.uk for further information.