11 Secondary and 27 Primary Schools from across Plymouth City challenged each other for the prestigious title of top "Indoor Rowing School" in the city. Some 370 primary children and 209 secondary students totalled 579 participants topping last year's entry of 430. The level 2 school games took place at Plymstock School on Wednesday 6th February under the control of the Plymouth Schools Sports Partnership Rowing Coach Kevin Sellar and his assembled team of 20 volunteers and 56 rowing machines.

Mattiulla Oriakhail Stoke Damerel Primary school set the mark with a fantastic 488 metres on the opening race to break the 5 year standing record for year 6 of 481metres. The girl's race saw Rachael Blain from Glen Park Primary push to the line with 463 metres just 9 metres short of the girl's record. As the day progressed Old Priory previous runners up stretched the lead and secured gold with Widey Court second and Elburton third in the Primary contest. All primary students raced 2minutes GRI and an eight man team relay.

The year 7 -13 event started well for the defending title holders Plymstock with Amy Trotter wining the post 16 event. This was instantly cancelled out in the boy's race with Tom James and Piran Speed taking 1+2 for DHSB in the men's race. Year ten girls saw a battle between last years winner Emmie Hoyte, fight hard against third place Rebecca Butchart. Rebecca had done her home work and trained hard - this was Rebecca's advantage at the half way Rebecca increased her lead and drove hard at 36spm for the last 30 seconds to hold off Emmie who settled for second place. 101.57% v 100% and Kate Little taking third with 99%. The days racing followed suit with 7 students achieving 100 - 102% of the gold standard. The finale of the day came with the "TEAM BOAT RACE" One student from year 7 - 11 all racing on one machine team work crucial. At the half way Plymstock held the lead to see DHSB push through to take the lead and enough points to take the title.

Prizes were sponsored by Plymouth Rowing Forum, Concept2, Mountbatten Water Sports centre and a community Grant from Plymstock and Radford district. Prizes were presented by Councillor Wendy Foster.

Schools now prepare for the Devon and West Regional Championships on the 4th March followed by the Nationals in London on the 14/15 March. Plymouth Schools will be looking to increase on the bronze team medals from last year.

Everyone who took part did themselves proud and I wish all the winners luck in the West Regional Championships and Nationals.