PERSHORE Phoenix Dragon Boat Club have completed a successful 2023, finishing fifth in the country.

Competing in 14 and 22-person wooden boats, hosting the head and tail of the dragon, the club took part in several events throughout the country to achieve their fifth-placed finish in the National League table.

The team took part in British Dragon Boat events in Stockton on Tees, Salford Quays, Rotherham, Nottingham and Milton Keynes, with mens, ladies, senior and mixed-boat teams entered.

To the beat of the drum the teams competed, winning ‘bling’ at many, often against much larger teams. The season culminated in the exciting two-day National Event at Holme Pierpoint National Watersports Centre in Nottingham.

In addition, the team attended an International Dragon Boat Festival in Barcelona at the Olympic Water Park, competing against international teams from as far as Canada and Dubai, and again they came home with medals.

Two members of the team - Gwion and Laura - also qualified for the Great Britain teams and competed in Thailand in August, against international teams.