The Lachlan Dragons competed at Sydney’s Darling Harbour last weekend in the Chinese New Year regatta. Fourteen paddlers made the annual trip to compete in the Premier mixed and women’s races. They were be joined by the Orange based Pinnacle Dragons to fill the boat.
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The weather was a very balmy 39.
Paddlers who went to the Chinese New Year regatta for their first time are Mary Laksito, Liz Mitchell, Chris Kronenberg, Bev Pengilly and Ainslie Toole. They are joined by the “old hands” Warren Edwards, Donna Edwards, Beth Thomas, Bill Thomas, Robyn Stephens, Neil Stephens, Deb Abela, Deb Tooley and Deb Churchill,
Although the team didn’t gain a place in any of the finals this year the squad performed brilliantly with five of the seven races in sub one minute time for the 200m events.
The squad entered four different categories, Senior A&B mixed, premiers mixed and the women’s.
Bill Thomas was sweep in his first CNY and did a great job. The other sweeps who should be thanked are Neil Stephens and Deb Clarke (Bathurst).
The team has had at least two paddles together in the last month in preparation for this regatta. This has been a great initiative of club coaches, Carmen Stephen (Forbes) and Pearl Butcher (Pinnacles).
Next month the Lachlan Dragons will also compete in the Canberra regatta. They will be combining with Colour City Orange paddlers in the mixed team.
Six Lachlan Dragon Club members have gained selection in the Western Region team. They will compete at NSW Championships on the 26th March in Penrith. Congratulations to Helen Rowbotham, Claire Davis, Carmen Stephens, Beth Thomas, Rochelle Smith and Warren Edwards. Beth has also been appointed manager for the squad.
With regular weekend training at waterways around the Central West, they have been training the house down or should that be training the lake down.
Already it has been a huge year for the Club with the opening of the Boat Shed and the Dotting of the Eyes ceremony, welcoming new members and competing in three regattas so far with one more to come.
Paddling continues twice per week, leaving from the new Boat Shed on the Forbes Lake – Thursdays at 5.45pm and Sunday mornings at 8.15am.
To 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. Under the guidance of the Club Coach Carmen Stevens, new and old paddlers come together for a great workout.
