After rearrangement from Nottingham due to repeated blue/green algae issues onsite, the National Championships we’re fought in Liverpool thanks to the excellent hospitality of Friends of Allonby Canoe Club.
With the event still finding it’s place in the calendar around the recently revised National League, and with European Championships at round the corner, entries were lower than last year, but 28 teams of >150 players took part in 98 games to settle the historic championship.
The event is always designed to ensure that any team can potentially lift the title. As such, this can lead to a mismatch in standard in the first games, but this creates the opportunity for up and coming teams to test themselves against harder opponents, as well as plenty of opportunity for more light hearted play.
At the tight end of the competition the games were intense! Ulster came out winners of the open league for the first time ever, winning a tight final against Dragon 4:3. Kingston Women took the Women’s title, beating a spirited FOA Women’s team on home soil in the final. Pennine Youth took the Under 18 victory, with Ulster demonstrating equal promise for the future with the U16 title.
A big shout out to the dedicated volunteers who made the event happen and a thank you for all teams for the sportsmanship shown and attendance at scrutineering!
Photos at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.609024351405077&type=3
FULL PLACINGS
Open
Cup
Ulster
Dragon
Kingston A
Cherwell
Bridgend Sharks
FOA A
Viking A
Manchester Wildcats A
Plate
Avon
Drunkendub A
Pennine
Rhondda Rhinos
Bowl
Liverpool CC
Eastend
Cumbria Canoeists
Manchester Wildcats B
Shield
FOA B
Bubble Bath
Viking B
Women
Kingston Ladies
FOA W
Rhondda Ladies
Avon Anacondas
Youth
Pennine Youth U18 Winner
Aberfan Youth
Ulster Youth U16 Winner
FOA X
FOA Y