FORMER first team coach and player of Tavistock Rugby Club Steve Rush is not afraid of a sporting challenge and paddling up the River Thames was the next on his 'to do' list. Steve, along with his canoe partner and principal of Launceston College Jack Jackson, was among the 650 kayakers and canoeists who took part in the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race. The annual race is a 125 mile paddle from Wiltshire to Westminster, central London, and took place over four days over the Easter holidays. Senior double crews set out on the Saturday to complete the course non-stop through the night to finish the next day. The weather was with a steady easterly headwind and some rain. The pair were part of a group of crews from Launceston College, and it was a first time event for their entrants. Steve said: 'Many, including me, only sat in a kayak for the first time six months ago, and on that occasion we didn't stay sitting in them for too long! However, after a thorough training programme over the dark winter months, all were successful. 'After my end to end Lands End-John O'Groats and the Three Peaks, the DW brings to an end my year of challenges.'