Continental Cup Oceania, Mangahao, New Zealand

Oceania Continental Cup held in Mangahao, New Zealand

We had a clean sweep in the Mens K1 event with Anthony Brown winning the event, John Wilkie picking up second and Warwick Draper third. The Aussies were also dominate in the women's event with the Lawence sisters scooping first and second places in the Women's K1. Kate finished first and Jacqui second. In the Men's C1, Matt Gabb picked up second behind Stu MacIntosh of Great Britain.

The Race was held on a technical course and was a good test for the Australians prior to the Team Trials next month. Coach Druce said ' I am really pleased with the pace of the team after a hard weeks training and at this time of the season'

The development of the course has reaped dividends for New Zealand kayaking, with some of the world's premier competitors on the water for the first Continental Cup event since it's Opening in November 2003.

Chasing World Cup points, the event was important to the Oceania paddlers who want to contest World Cup races this year in Greece, Spain and Germany.

The storm that ravaged southern Horowhenua, Paekakariki and Wellington two weeks ago, raised the level of the Mangaore Stream to 90 cumecs, the equivalent of 90 tonnes a second. It reached the level of the dam bridge.

The flood caused damage to the rock work and the newly-completed walkway, however it has been repaired.