Sharks in the News. Report from the Hillingdon Gazette – June 8th 2016

HAREFIELD-BASED Sharks Canoe Club blooded more youngsters in the club’s first appearance at an entry-level event of the year. Sharks development coach Neal Underwood, who managed the team on the day, was pleased with the performance of the debutantes at Kingsland Basin, in London.

He said: “It’s great to see the youngsters in the water and having fun — slalom is a great sport and a friendly sport. “Their success today is fantastic and well-deserved. We are just at the beginning of the season and it is already looking good.

“We have some fantastic coaches at the club and their work is paying dividends, as is the enthusiasm of the paddlers.” Joel Gunnery came fourth overall and was second Junior 14 in the men’s single kayak (K1) event, with Conor Sheehan just behind in fifth place (third J14). Both youngsters finishing high enough to gain promotion to national Division 3. Joseph Rosenfeld was eighth, Meciej Waszcyszak 13th and 10-year-old Alexander Brennan 20th.

Kiara Sheehan impressed in the Ladies’ K1 went, coming first in the J12 and finishing third overall. The Sharks dominated the canoe events, with Josephe Rosenfield taking second place in the men’s singles (C 1) and second J16, with Khaleel Ziauddin third (first, J14) and Conor Shehann fourth (second, J14). In canoe doubles (C2) 14-year-old Amelia Combes, the Sharks’ highest ranking lady paddler, partnered Kiara Sheehan to take second place and first J14 crew and first all-girls crew and they we promoted to division three in C2.

Gunnery and Sheehan were third (second  J14)—Joseph Rosenfeld and Sharks’ sprint coach, Beata kabiaska took fifth. Khaleel Ziauddin and Nleciej Waszcyszak were sixth and Eamon Brennan and Rod Grundy (the only all senior crew) seventh. For more information about the Sharks, visit www.thesharks.or thesharks.org.uk or catuk email Neal Underwood on canoeingta 07951 770 241.