Ice Dragons dominate ACT State Titles

The Ice Dragons once again proved that they are beyond doubt the dominant team in the CDBA with a clean sweep of all Sports divisions at the Canberra Festival Regatta held on Lake Burley Griffin on March 14/15.

This regatta also decided the ACT State titles for 2009 and attracted all local sports teams as well as a plethora of interstate and corporate teams.

Saturday’s 500 metre races were keenly contested with winning performances in the Women’s, Opens and Mixed categories. The Women and Open racers won both their heats by several boat lengths and reproduced that form in the final for emphatic victories. The three Ice Dragons mixed teams also dominated their heats, and the A final produced an epic battle between Ice Dragons Black and White, with Black the narrowest of winners.

Sunday dawned with strong winds and an ever-increasing chop on the lake, which made for some interesting racing, especially for the drummers perched high at the front of the boats! The frenetic 200 metre sprints were contested by sports and corporate teams alike, several of whom the Ice Dragons assisted with coaching, sweeping, drumming and the occasional paddle.

Once again, the women dominated from start to finish, shrugging off their rivals and showing that they are well on their way to defending their National titles. The Opens had to fight hard for their victories against several determined local and interstate teams, but surged away in the last 50 metres of the final.

The three mixed teams had renewed competition from strong Sydney opposition to content with. All teams raced in thrilling finals. The Aqua team had to wait a considerable time before being awarded third place in the B final; barely a second separated first and third. Once again Black and White were locked in a pitch battle in the A final, but this time the DSA team from Sydney joined them in a thrilling race in rough waters which only contributed to the drama. The Black team led the early section, but DSA came through to snatch the win from the fast-finishing White team, with Black a dragon’s breath away in third place. However, this result did not affect the ACT placings, and Ice Dragons were champions.

The weekend’s festivities culminated in the presentation of shirts to those selected in the ACT Premier Men’s, Premier Women’s and Grand Masters Women’s teams for the upcoming National titles in Caloundra, Queensland. Ice Dragons dominate the premier teams and the prestigious positions of ACT Captain and Vice Captain were awarded to Ice Dragons Jasmine Robinson and Lachie Sillar  respectively. Congratulations to all selected, and  bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!!!