FIVE members of the Armidale Dam Dragons have been selected to represent NSW in a regional squad at the national dragon boat racing titles in April.
Graham Reeves, Brain Barrett, Matt Campbell, Ryan Marshall and Cindy Blanch have spent the last few months attending training sessions on the coast and were recently named in the Northern Region squad.
Although the constant travel has been wearing, the group’s dedication to their sport has paid off and they are relishing the opportunity to show what’s possible for a small, but focused, inland club.
Since forming 14 months ago, Armidale Dam Dragons have enjoyed more than their fair share of placings at the several regattas it attended over the summer months.
Coach and state representative Ryan Marshall said he was certain his crew could improve on form and change its reputation from being “up and coming” to winners.
“We’ve gained a reputation for being strong finishers but with the training program we are now working on we will be strong starters and even stronger finishers,” he said.
“We have a great group of people in our club – we have a lot of fun but they are prepared to work hard to get those results.”
Members attend training sessions at Malpas Dam on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, unless away at a regatta on the coast.
