IN glorious weather and with the breathtaking backdrop of the Calstock viaduct on the River Tamar, Exeter Canoe Club took on the 12 Canoe Clubs of the South West in the second of the Hasler League races.

Despite the best efforts of the Crediton paddlers, the team had to relinquish top spot in the League to Truro who managed more podium finishes.

Crediton’s Freddie Heard and his dad were once more to the fore, Freddie getting the team off to a flying start by winning the two-mile Junior Race.

In Division Three dad Colin, paired with Duncan Banks, achieving a very creditable second in the 12-mile race for elite paddlers.

Jamie Piper, who farms at New Buildings, led for much of his race only to be pipped for the top spot in a blanket finish, so hectic that one of his competitors capsized before he could cross the line.

Ernie Lloyd and Becky French continued their improvement in Division Seven achieving fifth position in a season’s best time.

Two Blundells’ students, Alex Ward and Alistair Johnson Ferguson, who race for the Exeter Club, both gained first spot in Division Four and Division Six. Unfortunately it was not enough to retain top spot in the League but with four more races to come their race is still open.