BRIDPORT Gig Rowing Club’s mixed team, pictured, battled this year’s highest temperatures and fierce competition to achieve second place in the 2014 Mixed Plate Champi-onships, hosted by Carradon Pilot Gig Club in Saltash.

The determined squad gelled immediately and fought their way from fifth place in their first race to an impressive win in the second round, reaching the finish line 40m ahead of their nearest rivals.

Only the winners from the second round heats went forward to the finals which customarily became a contest of nerves and stamina.

Bridport were immediately boxed in by boats on either side until finally, after some clashing of oars, they found water to pull ahead at the first buoy.

Under superb coxing, the squad applied every last watt of energy to valiantly pull clear of two strongly crewed boats, and chased the leader right down to the wire to secure a second place finish.

On Saturday, July 5, 17 gigs from around the area will compete at the Bridport Gig Rowing Regatta in West Bay.

Breakfast baps will be available in the Salthouse from 8am, followed by lunchtime rolls, teas and cakes by the pier, as well as a barbecue.

Racing starts at 11am and there will also be a fitness stall, offering prizes to men, women and children. There will be a raffle and tombola on the day too.