ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV

The weather gods smiled on Stoke Newington last week as competitors in the Dragon Boat Challenge enjoyed a day of rowing and socialising on one of the hottest days of the year.

The sultry conditions suited Kier Wallis who went one position better than last year to become champions of the 11th London Construction Industry Dragon Boat Challenge supported by ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV magazine.

Racing as ‘& Gromit’ the 10 runners and accompanying drummer narrowly beat the Blenheim Blasters to take top spot on the podium.

The day’s other winners were Redsky IT, which raised the most money for charity, and AECOM, which won the cup for best mixed team.           

The event has become as much a show of creativity as of strength. Among this year’s crop of imaginative team names were Bunch of Oars, Crash Bam Wallop and Skanska Aquaholics.

The T-shirt slogan calling on team members to unleash their inner pirate was taken literally by Andrews and Dickens who took to the water as The Jolly Rogerers. In coming seventh the Jolly Rogerers did a lot better than ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV’s own team of blackbeards who trailed in 28th and last.

Crew members from Kiley Riley Parkeray managed to unleash their inner sailor dressed as Popeye, but coming in 21st place it seems that they may have forgotten to eat their spinach before the race …

So far the event has raised at least £9,600 for Crash, the construction and property charity that raises money for the homeless.

• The final Construction Industry Dragon Boat Challenge takes place in Cardiff on Wednesday 15th July. To enter a crew get in touch with Laura Brant at laura@gable-events.co.uk

Scores on the oars

1 & Gromit, Kier Wallis

2 Blenheim Blasters, Blenheim House Construction

3 Skanksa Aquaholics, Skanska Barts & The London

Charity Trophy winner
Red Mullets, Redsky IT

Mixed crew winner
The Long Strokes, AECOM