WEYMOUTH Rowing Club (WRC) played hosts to the Dorset Schools Gig Rowing Championships.

The event was the culmination of a six-week programme, training nine crews from six different schools, and giving the chance for Year Eight to Year 10 students to sample rowing and improve their skills on the water.

This year, WRC has funded this programme without external help, providing an opportunity for approximately 75 students to enjoy time on the water.

Racing on the day were crews from Dorchester Middle School, St Osmund’s, Thomas Hardye, St Mary’s Puddletown, All Saints, Wey Valley School, Budmouth College and IPACA.

The excitement of the students was palpable as they prepared to race and all had great fun competing in the five races.

St Mary’s Puddletown finished first in the Year Eight competition, with St Osmund’s all-girls’ crew taking second.

In the Year Nine race, victory went to Thomas Hardye, with Wey Valley School a close second.

In the Year 10 event, IPACA gained first place by a credible margin.

To decide an overall winning crew, a final was won by Budmouth College with crew members from Years Nine and 10, closely followed by IPACA, with a Year 10 crew gaining second.

Coming in behind them was the Thomas Hardye Year Nine crew and the Wey Valley Year Nine rowers.

The core WRC team of Viv Stratton, Bree Roche and Andrew Goss, supported by club volunteers, have delivered the sixweek programme, climaxing in an afternoon of safe and well managed racing.

This was supported by the club’s safety boat, a RIB from Portland MVS and a Sea Cadets’ launch, ensuring sound health and safety regimes.

Timekeepers on the finishing line were K Wardell and P Pring from British Rowing.