Glory for St Albans club members at World Championships

MEMBERS of the St Albans and Hertsmere Canoe Club helped Great Britain to World Championship glory in Canada.

The GB women beat Germany 4-3 to win gold in a dramatic final clash in the Canoe Polo World Championships, hosted in Edmonton last month. St Albans and Hertsmere club members Pippa Grayson, Ceri Winter and Ginny Coyles were all involved, along with coach Elen Winter. GB enjoyed some resounding victories in the early rounds and beat New Zealand 3-2 in a tough semi-final clash.

Alan Vessey, from St Albans and Hertsmere, captained the GB men's team as they took sixth spot overall from 24 competing nations, missing out on the semi finals on goal difference.

In the Under 21 competition, Ed Feltham, from St Albans and Hertsmere, scored as GB beat Germany 5-4 in a thrilling opening match. GB continued the early rounds without losing a match and in the semi final defeated Germany 3-1.

The final against France could not have been closer. After full time it was 0-0 so extra time was played and then team GB scored with a golden goal.

At Harefield on the Grand Union canal, the St Albans and Hertsmere club staged a very successful two day national slalom competition. More than 200 entries were received from paddlers from all over the country.

Richard Pingram was promoted to Division Three K1 and Tom Hollis to Division Three C1 and Division Three K1. Many other club members earned points to move them up their divisions. The event was supported by club members and friends who helped make it such a success with the club offering special thanks to Clancy Docwra and the Coy Carp pub for use of their land and Catherine for her barge. This was the first national ranking slalom run at Harefield and it is hoped this will be repeated.

The club train at the Potters Bar pool on a Thursday night and start again in September. Contact Stuart Meakins on 01438 714209 for more information.