EXETER'S dragon boat team, Exe-Calibre, finished the Henley Winter Series in stunning form this week.

The series comprises four long distance time trials over a circular course on the River Thames of about 7km with a turn around an island at each end of the course. A crew of 20 paddlers, helm and drummer represented Exe-Calibre at the final Henley Winter Series.

The crew brought home the trophy for most improved club for the third time with a time of 31 minutes 59 seconds – an improvement of nearly five minutes from the first race of the series in November. Only one club crew has recorded a faster time this season.

Lisa Hayes, Exe-Calibre head coach, said: "I am so proud of the team, for this race we set our goals to beat our nearest rival, go faster than our previous best time of 34 minutes 27 seconds and try to keep ahead of all the other crews who set off behind us, who would be chasing us.

"We surpassed my expectation achieving all these goals in a spectacular display of team work, belief and absolute commitment."

Last year a successful summer race season saw Exe-Calibre open crew promoted to the Premier League following their win of the Standard League.

This year the club goal is to make its mark in its first year in the Premier League and to enter an excellent second open crew into the Standard League.

For more information email junior@execalibre.co.uk, text Dragon to 07921 554378 or view the Junior Exe-Calibre Face book page or the club webpage at www.execalibre.co.uk