Perfect weather conditions enabled team members to demonstrate the skills they had trained to perfection in the past few weeks.

Although the mixed team didn’t gain a place in the finals, the women’s and men’s teams both did. The Men’s team, a mixture of Lachlan Dragons and Orange Colour City paddled with sheer determination in a very close race to gain second place in the finals. They received a very smart trophy.

The Women’s Lachlan Dragons team with four guest paddlers from Orange Colour City and Wagga Bidgee Dragons raced “their hearts out” to place fourth in an extremely close finish.

Under the guidance of the new Club Coach, Carmen Stevens, new and old paddlers came together and worked as well drilled teams for all of the races.

Only three weeks ago, the Lachlan Dragons had their first regatta for the at Orange with full teams in the mixed, men’s and women’s events.  At Orange the mixed team took away second in the finals – a huge achievement against very well drilled sides from around the region.

The Club also congratulates Bill Thomas on his recent accreditation as a Level 3 sweep. This enables Bill to not only sweep on the Forbes Lake for the Club but to also be the sweep for teams in all regatta events.

Further news was received this week with the naming of the Western Region team where six of the Lachlan Dragon Club members gained selection after many weeks of selection trials. Congratulations to Helen Rowbotham, Claire Davis, Carmen Stephens, Beth Thomas, Rochelle Smith and Warren Edwards. Beth has also been appointed manager for the squad.

It has been a huge year for the Club with the construction of the boat shed, the purchase of two boats, new members and competing in two regattas. The Christmas party will be on December 15 at the Forbes Sport and Rec Club with members encouraged to come dressed in the Christmas spirit.

Paddling continues twice a week – Thursdays at 5.45pm and Sunday mornings at 8.15am leaving from the boat shed on Lake Forbes. Anyone who wants to see what dragon boating is all about, to have a paddle or to join the Club, please come along on a Thursday or Sunday. 

- Contributed