A SPORTING clash with rivalry to rival Liverpool versus Manchester United in football or England versus Australia in Cricket was fought and won on the River Dee.

In what has become one of the most contested and competitive sporting events of the school calendar, the time had come for Queen’s Park High School staff to face their nemeses on the water in the Parents versus Staff Dragon Boat race 2019!

The annual grudge match takes place on the River Dee covering a distance of 300 metres per race with the starting point after the earls eye bend and the finish line just outside Queen’s Park High School Boat House.

Chester and District Standard:

The team that wins the best of three very gruelling races are declared the champions and awarded the coveted Dragon Boat trophy!

Chester and District Standard:

Last year, after a photo finish in the final race it was confirmed a dead heat with the title and trophy being shared by both crews, a controversial decision according to the disputing staff!

This year, the staff team looked formidable and undeterred by the goading chants of the parents aka ‘River Rats’. Dressed in warrior red bandanas they were ready for victory– this had to be their year! The team spirit and resolve to win was almost tangible on both sides and the scene was set for an intense and competitive match.

Chester and District Standard:

After a closely fought battle endured over four heats, which resulted in photo finishes, close scrutiny of the video footage confirmed that the staff had been pipped to the post!

The exhausted teams retired to the QPHS Boat House for a well-earned BBQ courtesy of the PTA and, although the staff felt they had been ‘robbed’, they graciously congratulated their River Rat rivals as they were presented with the winning trophy and crowned champions 2019!

Chester and District Standard:

Headteacher Miss Watterson said: "This event epitomises the community spirit that exists amongst our staff, students and parents alike and is a real highlight on our school calendar. I still can't believe how closely contended the race can be for such novices - imagine what could be achieved if we actually put in some practice first!

"Thank you again to everyone who made this event possible - perhaps 2020 will be the 'Year of the Staff', we can only live in hope!"