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Dodderers TRFC
  from www.dictionary.com:   dod·der (intr.v.) 
- To shake or tremble, as from old age; totter  - To progress in a feeble, unsteady manner.

 dod'der·er (n.) - one who dodders        
   
   
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DRAGON BOATING!!
Sunday May 17th saw a new challenge for the Dodderers: taking part in a charity afternoon of Dragon Boat Racing in Gloucester Docks! We were one of 15 teams competing in the afternoon.

Each team consisted of 16 paddlers and a "drummer" to keep the pace. The teams raced in groups of three - starting with "heats" from which the fastest 6 went into two semi finals, and then from which the fastest three semi finalists  went into the final.

Despite being mid May the day was windy with several heavy downpours during the afternoon - none of which dampened the spirits of the Dodderer paddlers - most of whom had previously turned up to play touch as usual (in the rain) at the Magpies in the morning!
The team model attractive samurai headbands (with Dods logo) made by our Captain and resident dressmaker. (Who also made the flag!)
Foz's biceps show the benefit of months of steroid abuse
Drummer Hannah Carter supervises the first training session - 30 seconds before the first race....
All aboard for the first heat
As the crew were unexpectedly left two paddlers short - Foz press ganged Andy Curtis (who had come to watch) into service - as well as a passer by! She was with her boy friend - who declined - so well done Jen for helping out!
HEAT 1
Practising as we head for the start. Foz and the Captain show great style at stroke - shame about the back four!
They're off!  The back 12 are ahead of the front 4....
or are they behind?      
HEAT 2
One down two to go. Felix has now replacd Jen.
The improvement in style is noticeable - except Simo - who is having a rest! (seat 5 - starboard!) But it's only the warm up!
Practising manoeuvres
Heat 2 was a much closer race - Team 2 neck and neck with the Dods at the half way mark as Simo gets a lapful of water from Paul Burton....
Anxious faces as we await the result - have we beaten the train
spotters in their anoraks behind?
Result:  Fridge and Simo celebrate a win - by 0.4 sec!
Team Photo
HEAT 3
Hannah in charge
The Dods show perfect co-ordination for the first and only time. Pity it's only the trip to the start.
Another close one! Dods in front by a nose!
But hold on to win - just!
Through to the Semis! Foz gives a team talk and organises a group hug.
The Dods groupies - who gave great support! We would not have got this far without them!
The SEMIS
Another close one! Three in a row with 50 yards to go!
The Dods hold on to snatch it on the line. Into the Final!
THE FINAL
The Dods mean business. Pefect style. Perfect co-ordination. Mental toughness. Determination.
If only they had these qualities.....
Closest race of the day. Dods in Boat 1 in front by a yard at the half way mark.
Still in front with 30 yards to go!
A Photo finish!  Dods lose by a nose - and 0.3 sec!
Hannah looks across as we cross the line - to see Mission Impossible take the lead at the last second....
PRIZE GIVING
Despite our disappointment at losing by such a small margin - we were pleased to win a trophy nonetheless - for the best turned out team! This was presented by the Mayor of Gloucester - unfortunately the ceremony was marred by a homeless person wearing a beany hat, old brown oilskin and someone else's tracksuit. (and he made the headbands which won us the trophy!!)
2nd prize was a crate of Stella so we didn't
do too badly!
We will be back next year! Now we know what to do - taking the main trophy should be a formality! Especially as our time in the afternoon final would have been good enough to win the trophy in the morning regatta!
Congratulations ang a big thank you to Hannah - who almost got hypothermia sitting up high in the drummer's seat  - but who nevertheless kept us on track and took us all the way ....  almost!
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Our euphoria was only slightly tempered by the realisation that we had beaten a team of injured women....
We still left our first opponents trailing.....
winning by 50 yards!