U14s go Dragon Boat Racing

Saturday 24th April 2010

Maidenhead Rugby Club’s U14s entered two crews in the Henley Dragons annual Regatta U16 category at Marsh Meadow, Henley on Saturday. They competed against sixteen other crews who came from as far as Worcester over a 200m course on the river in front of a large crowd of supporters.

In the open time trial rounds both the ‘Magic’ crew and the ‘Puff’ crew worked hard to compete and learn how to power the traditional 12 man dragon boats. Over three runs their times were good enough for 'Magic' to enter the ‘Tail’ race for fifth or sixth place against a U16 team from Radley College boat club. ‘Puff’ did even better finishing up in the Final for first or second place against ‘Blazing Paddles’ an U18 team and defending champions from the British Airways Hurricanes Dragon Boat Club.

In the final races of the day, Magic beat the Radley ‘Saspig’ team to finish 5th overall. ‘Puff’ forced ‘Blazing Saddles’ to put in their fastest run of the day holding them off until a few metres form the line, the experienced and older team pulled a metre ahead to give a thrilling finish.

MRFC U14 ‘Puff’ crew took the 2nd overall medals and the 1st place U16 crew trophy.

Everyone enjoyed the day which was competently run by the Henley Dragons club who provided boats, helms and equipment to the visiting teams as well as commentary and refreshments. The weather turned up to the event too drenching everyone in sunshine

"PUFF TEAM" - Harry Kealey (Captain), Owen Langstone, Elliott and Ben Rakaar Thomas, Elliott B.Morgan, Jody Dance, Charlie Thomas, Simon Graham, Matthew Price, Frazer Basford and Chris Hudson.

"MAGIC TEAM"- Raman Sehota (Captain), Peter Watt, Lee Neale, Rhys Rolle, James O'Connor, Callum Burston, Michael White, Jacob Farrell, Harry Arnold, Michael Mc Pherson, Lewis Lloyd.