Fallen Angels Race Report - Exeter 2007

Positive thinking was the aim of the day………the Dragon Boat was half full not half empty!!!!! Due to illness, babies and honeymoons it was down to the magnificent 12 to take the Fallen Angels dragon boat to Exeter. We all knew that unless we suddenly developed super powers we would probably not win but our spirits were high and we were there to give it our best shot. The venue at Exeter quay side was lovely and the weather glorious. Who would have thought a spot of retail therapy could be fitted in so easily between races!!!. The racing agenda for the day was 3 x 200m sprints in the morning and 3 x 500m hauls in the afternoon. The paddle up to the start line for the first race was a little daunting and there were a few second looks as the magnificent 12 (only 10 actually in the first race!) made their way up. The idea of psyching out the opposition on the start line was a little fruitless but we gave it a go in between smiles. I’m sure those full crews of 20 paddlers plus helm and drummer must have been very scared!!!. All in all the magnificent 12 did very well at giving the other crews a run for their medals. We were very close behind them keeping the pressure on in every race. One professional crew complimented the Fallen Angels on keeping them on their toes and how we had put many full crews to shame. It was an enjoyable day and showed with a full crew working together (no more babies and weddings in race season please!!) we could really do well at our next race.

Carla Jones