Southampton Canoe Club fielded 20 paddlers at the Reading marathon race on Sunday, demonstrating their steely determination to qualify for the National Hasler Finals later in the year.

If they succeed it will be for the first time in the club's history and, after Sunday's impressive result, they have moved up the rankings to a qualifying place.

The Southampton club, based at Southampton University Boat Hard in Oliver Road, is proving a force to be reckoned with in regional and national competition, drawing on its strengths in both junior and senior competitors.

Notable successes at the weekend were Adam Fadli (junior), who was promoted to Division 8, Adam Sisi (second in under-12 boys), Sian O'Halloran (third under-12 girls lightning competition), Josh Barnes ninth under-12), Niall Dyke (third under-10 lightning) and Jake Lawler fourth under-10).

Senior success included Robert Wylie, who was promoted to Division 7 C1 class, James Hinves, fourth in Division 3, Leon Nicholson first in Division 4 and father and son team Steve and Sam Willis, fourth in Division 5/6 K2.

Southampton Canoe Club has been supported by Sport Relief and the Local Network Fund. For more information about the club call James Hinves on 07834 583 369. The club is currently running adult beginner sessions.