ROWING: CHESTER Regatta's return to the Dee after its two-year break was special for many junior rowers.

It gave members of The King's School, Queen's Park High School and Royal Chester RC their first experience of racing at a regatta on the water they use for training.

And as the 270th anniversary was an invitation event, many had to race in categories above their own age group.

There were some good wins and several close finishes by local juniors who agreed unanimously that the day was a success.

The 141 entries in 42 events was well above the 108 attracted to the 250th anniversary event. It was a well-merited tribute to the efforts of the regatta's new committee after their unsuccessful attempt a year ago to return to The Groves.

Races over 700 metres on a straight course at Dee Fords had to be won on merit, although it was disappointing that only four events attracted more than three entries in over six hours of racing.

Royal Chester won three open races in eights, quad sculls and veteran double sculls. their juniors were also prominent in 15 events with three more winners in J16 double sculls, J14 double sculls and Johnathan Gallagher in novice sculls.

The Grosvenor women's senior II four of Hayley Pearce, Harriet MacLehose, Adele Smith and Alison Evans, coxed by Sarah Armstrong, won their event easily.

Pearce and Evans then teamed up with Adam Moffatt and Steve Goodwin, coxed by Sarah Armstrong, to win the elite mixed four event, beating Royal Chester in the semis and The King's School in the final.

Goodwin and Moffatt also won the elite coxless pairs event, finishing one-and-a-half lengths ahead of their opposition.

The women's veteran B four of Di Moore, Karen Hough, Emma Crosby and Sue Bein, coxed by Steph Slinn, won their event convincingly, crossing the line several lengths ahead of Liverpool Victoria.

The men's vet four of Jeremy Lush, Ad Gideonse, John McMahon and Mike All-wood, coxed by Hugh Oakes, followed suit, winning their event comfortably.

Scullers Richard Allen and Paul Houlston also won senior three and elite single sculls respectively.