PERSHORE Phoenix secured a close second place in the major plate final at the British Dragon Boat Racing Association National League meeting in Nottingham.

The town paddlers starred in the mixed open 200-metre competition with two good displays in the heats securing a plate place.

Phoenix won their semis and then finished just one second behind winners Amathus from Liverpool in the final with a best time of the day and ahead of St Neots in third.

The women's team Pershore Flyers are still looking for new racers but had a respectable day's racing with their crew of 10 against teams of 13.

Phoenix meet on Sundays at 9.30am and Wednesdays at 6.30pm at Arden Sailing Club in Defford.