EVESHAM Rowing Club has a new coxed four boat courtesy of a veteran of some 70 years.

Val and Ivor Dudley donated the vessel, which has been named Kittiwake, which was presented to members by chairman John Lomas last month.

The official party was completed by rowing captain, Simon Edwards, vice-captains Andrew Woodward and Carol Lovelock and Duncan MacDonald who played a major role liaising with the Dudleys.

Ahead of the unveiling, Val Dudley said: “As you will know a Kittiwake is a charming little bird which we all hope will fly through the water with grace and speed.

"I trust Kittiwake will live up to all my expectations and naming this boat gives me enormous pleasure. May God bless her and all that row in her – not forgetting the cox who will hopefully keep her on a straight and steady course.”

The traditional first row then took place with Debbie Staite, Nicky Perry, Rosie Macdonald, Tracy Stapleton and cox Emma Elias the proud members to take Kittiwake on her maiden voyage.

  • STELLAR performances from defender Richard Fear and keeper Charlie Priestly proved in vain as Evesham & Badsey lost 4-0 at Winchcombe.

The hosts bagged two goals either side of the interval with Evesham & Badsey gaining little for their hard work and a series of short corners in the second half.

The visitors will look to turn the tables when the rivals renew acquaintances in the new year.

  • ANNABELLE Carter and Linda Carruthers top Broadway Golf Club's Winter League after round one with a strong score of 35.

The dynamic duo finished a point ahead of ladies' captain Brenda Corfield and vice-captain Maggie McDivitt (34) and a further score in front of third-placed pairing Esther Pettitt and Louise McKee (33). Debbie Donoghue and Dawn Cannon (32) sit fourth.

The new campaign attracted some 40 competitors for the six-round challenge with the opener contested through a better ball format. Round two will be a Greensomes contest taking place this month.

The Men's Winter League kicked off with one of its largest fields for years as60 pairs joined the eight-round event.

Jamie Thomas and Barry Williams (47) set the better ball standard ahead of Russ Ralph and Duncan Beale on countback.

Third place went to John Richmond and Mark Magee who brought in an impressive 45 points ahead of Scott Davis and Adam Barnfield, again on countback.

Round two will be another better ball challenge early this month.

  • THE Wychavon Parish Games is drawing to a close with the last of the finals decided this week.

Tomorrow (Thursday), Bretforton and Inkberrow contest the pool final at Lenches Club, while the skittles crown will belong to Broadway or Pershore Holy Cross by the end of Friday night.

The final of the crib went to Broadway in dramatic fashion as the new champions registered a 5-4 triumph over Hill & Moor at Broadway Bowling Club.

All of this year's trophies will be presented at Bretforton Sports Club on Thursday, November 23.