It was a great weekend of racing with over 500 paddlers competing, but for the women to return with silver medals made it a memorable experience.

The Endeavour Dragons combined with Bathurst Pan Dragons and Colour City Orange to compete as the Western Waratahs.

In an amazing effort against strong competition the women’s team blasted home in the 2km race on Saturday to take out the silver medal.

Canberra’s top club, Sudu Dragons, only managed to overtake the Western Waratahs in the last 100m of the race.

It was a first medal win for several of the team members who have only been paddling for seven months or less.

“It was a privilege to steer the boat with such a team, Bill Thomas called it a mighty achievement with all 11 of the Parkes women in the boat.

On Sunday the Western Waratahs competed in the different 200m race categories with the women’s team qualifying for the finals.

The race was unfortunately cancelled due to deteriorating conditions.

The four men of the Parkes crew made up half of the men’s team and put in a great effort.

As the conditions deteriorated with a 45km headwind in the afternoon, Bill commended the crews for their disciplined response to commands in the trying conditions.

“It was a privilege to steer the boat with such a team,” he said.

He also thanked Warren Edwards for coaching the team up to fitness for regatta level.

The community races form a big part of the event, and Bill and Beth Thomas volunteered to sweep, drum and coach junior and senior teams on both days.

The silver medalists from Parkes were Beth Thomas, Christina Kronenburg, Louise Moore, Deb Tooley, Deb Churchill, Donna Edwards and Robyn Teet, Deb Abela, Linda Snyman, Maggi Barnard and Rochelle Smith. 

Parkes Dragon Boat Club welcomes new members.

Contact 0418253045 for more information if you would like to come out for a try at Lake Endeavour on Sundays at 9am and Thursdays at 6pm.

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