Inter Regionals at Llangollen 2006

The gallery has been updated with photos from Llangollen 2006

It was a bright sunny Autumn Saturday, the River level was low for the time of year which made conditions very testing for skill and courage. None of the Premier paddlers were lacking in either, particularly the younger paddlers who attacked the course with great courage. Come Sunday morning however, the river level had risen considerably making the Town falls extremely fast. With no margin for error on river or gate line, in particular gates 11 12 &13 which required a difficult spin or peel-out. Whatever the choice, it had to be spot on. There were some exceptional performances by the West Midlands team. The K1 men team consisting of Rob Neave, Peter Willet and Robin Vassey were outstanding. Keeping perfect close formation with excellent cross-overs, the run was outstanding. The time could not be matched by any other team. A performance reminisant of Richard Fox, Paul McConkey and Mick Berwick. The result would have put them in seventh place in the K1 men individual event.

The Junior K1 men and Canadian Teams also won their event. The Ladies K1 event saw Lizzie Neave taking first place with a 12 second lead over the next paddler. Junior K1 lady, Natalie Wilson, competed in the Senior K1 women in place of injured Hannah. Natalie paddled superbly on such a testing course. The Town Falls seemed to scare many Parents more than the paddlers. You should have seen Natalie’s farther as he munched through all ten of his fingernails. I have only admiration for the courage that Natalie and Claire Kimberly showed, handling water that tested even the best. Claire’s times were really impressive, it is no doubt these young girls have a fantastic future at the top of the sport. The Canadian doubles event went to Oz and Burt with a win, and an impressive time 107.59 +2. The experience of Dave Royle shone through, handling the Town Falls with class to take Third place in the C1 event. There was absolute courage from Adam Burgess paddling C1 on the Town Falls for the first time, it has to be said a great effort from all of the team.
Junior K1 men, what else can be said, but what an exceptional performance from Tom Brady narrowly missing third place. Right next to him James Bailey who took 5th place. Joe Clarke also had an excellent run. The times for Tom were, 98.26, James 100.44 and for Joe 105.39 that will make the senior K1 men look over their shoulder. You can see the incentive for extra training sessions over the winter months. I cannot thank you guys enough for your support at the event and for winning the second year in a row. The West Midlands Committee send their Congratulations and thanks.

View the gallery of pictures taken of SSCC club members at Llangollen by Neil Cowan

Roger Roden