EVESHAM Paddle Monsters Canoe and Kayak Club enjoyed an eventful 2014 as the young guns prevailed in the battle for the top.

As well as Canoe England junior squad training in Nottingham and London, members enjoyed paddling on glacial Alpine rivers and throughout the United Kingdom, including on the River Avon around Evesham.

The race was on for a place in the Premier Division and top local kayak between John and Mike Dickinson at the ages of 48 and 15 respectively.

John was hampered by a shoulder injury the previous season and had dropped to Division One, while fast-progressing Mike trained hard with the England junior squad.

An injury-free John started the campaign well to be in early promotion contention, representing England again in the Pan Celtic Cup and winning in the masters categories at the home international series.

But then Mike upped his training as John suffered a back injury and missed a key race before a summer training camp in the French Alps.

The return saw a marked change with the younger paddler pushing strongly into the top five and the more experienced competitor holding onto top 10 results.

Mike placed on the podium and was promoted to the Premier Division, coming 17th overall in his age category in the UK and finishing with a defeat of the Olympic champion at the British open invitation international.

John was ranked second in Division One and first in his UK masters age category.

Mike and brother Edward Dickinson, 12, were promoted to the Premier Division in the canoe doubles, being ranked 27th in the UK and fifth in the under-16s category.

The former was 11th in Division One of the singles, while England regional squad member Edward moved up to 44th in Division Two for kayaks and 13th for his age group as well as 23rd in Division Three for canoe singles and 15th for his age category.

The young duo were both backed by the John Martin’s Charity.

Women’s kayaker Karen Dickinson scored solid results in Division Two, finishing the year ranked 14th and first in her UK masters category.

She has an eye on Division One in 2015.

Evesham’s Matt Stephens, despite being hampered by injury, was promoted into Division One and now aims to challenge for a Premier place this year.

Warren Mantle also gained promotion to Division One after setting a blistering pace at local training sessions.

Stephens and Mantle also showed up well in their opening races in the canoe doubles.

Anyone interested in trying slalom canoeing and kayaking can e-mail info@paddlemonsters.co.uk.