IN Sunday's severe weather conditions, a Penarth Rowing Club duo faced crews from across England and Wales in the 2014 Head of the River race in Cardiff.

The race winds its way through the capital city from the Millennium Stadium to the transport bridge in Cardiff Bay, and the Penarth double scull crew of Jack Davies and Gabriel Ackerman fought a fierce battle down the tough waters of the Taff in stormy conditions to record a spectacular victory.

The duo finished more than 12 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals, and coach Nick Hall said the victory was due reward for their hard work in training, and they would now be be going forward for Welsh trials in April. He added: "It was a very good achievement for the first race of the season."

The club is looking forward to competing in regattas throughout England and Wales in the forthcoming season and, at the present time, is looking for 15 to 21 year old males, and also senior rowers in their twenties.

If anyone would like to try rowing - a very physical sport - they can go to the club website where the contact number and email addresses are available.

The club trains twice in the week and on the weekend and Nick said: "It's a very rewarding sport so please feel free to come and try it."