There was significant success for Baldock and District Canoe Club over the weekend. Biggleswade canoeist Brian McCusker finished third on Saturday in the national Division Three men s kayak event at Orton Mere in Peterborough. The event was promoted by Pr

There was significant success for Baldock and District Canoe Club over the weekend.

Biggleswade canoeist Brian McCusker finished third on Saturday in the national Division Three men's kayak event at Orton Mere in Peterborough.

The event was promoted by Proteus Canoe Club who held the event despite having their clubhouse burned down in a recent arson attack.

A couple of penalties on his first run saw Brian in second place but a missed gate on his second run after a capsize saw him knocked down to finish third.

The Baldock pairing of Carmel Buttimer and Michelle Grudzinski (pictured above) won the Division Four C2 (Canadian Doubles) event.

Their first run saw them capsize and retire but their second run saw them complete the course and take first place with a confident and polished effort.

Their efforts saw them gain a time that would have seen them finish fourth in the Division Four men's kayak event.

On Sunday, McCusker returned to the event on the River Nene to compete in the second Division Three men's kayak event on a changed course.

Despite the continued rain and high winds throughout the day, his determination and enthusiasm could not be dampened.

His first run saw him put up the fastest time of the day, although two penalties did leave him feeling disappointed.

He then put in another fast run which was only a second slower than his first run but without any penalties.

This winning time proved to be unbeatable and was faster than some of the Division One and Two judges.

This win has now given him enough points to gain promotion to Division Two.