Due to the unavailability of a few paddlers, the Rats combined for the first time with their cross town counterparts in the Womens and Mens Divisions.

Having won all three divisions last year, confidence was high for the Rats Mixed team, but with crews of untested and unknown combinations in the Womens and Mens, it was a wait and see approach.

SWR have never won a heat at any regatta and they had nothing to lose.

So with doggered determination and a belly full of cheese, their first Womens heat win was recorded followed by a second heat win and then another win in the Final in a division that was contested by 12 teams.

In Dragonboating, points are allocated depending on placing’s in the heats with teams who have accrued the most points advancing to the Final.

The Men came 3rd in their first heat which meant they had to win their next heat and rely on other results to advance to the Final.

It was a big ask, but in the next heat, the crew not only won but recorded the fastest heat time on the day.

On announcement of the Finals teams, the Rats were not included, but due to an administrative error this announcement was overturned to include the team. After a great start, it was another impressive win for the crew.

The Mixed crew competed against 15 teams and were untroubled all day and provided the treble in the Final and all -round-end-of-regatta bonding celebrations.

 The River Rats next regatta will be at the previously postponed meet at Urunga next month. If anyone would like to try dragonboating, you are most welcome to ring Deirdre on 0409667372 for more info or go to kmdbc.org.au. The Club is always looking for more paddlers especially men.