ONE hundred rugby players in Ipswich were today able to call themselves world record breakers after successfully completing a rowing challenge. Pupils between the ages of 13 and 18 from St Joseph's College, in Belstead Road, beat the current record for high schools by rowing one million metres in 15 hours, 10 minutes and 7.

ONE hundred students in Ipswich were today able to call themselves world record breakers after successfully completing a rowing challenge.

Pupils between the ages of 13 and 18 from St Joseph's College, in Belstead Road, beat the current record for high schools by rowing one million metres in 15 hours, 10 minutes and 7.1 seconds.

The previous record, held by Niskayuna High School, in New York, was 17 hours, 39 minutes, 25 seconds.

The event, which started on Thursday evening, saw all students on duty for the whole 15-hour session. Using four rowing machines, the boys rowed for two minutes at a time covering as great a distance as possible, looking to average 500m for each two minute stint including change-overs.

Graham Richards, director of rugby at the school, said: “I am delighted with the result. The whole experience was fantastic. Seeing the school all working together made me feel very proud to be part of the event and the College.”

There was a carnival atmosphere throughout the event with fellow students providing music to keep their spirits up. Sixth form students were also on duty to monitor their progress and the PTA provided food and drink for the rowers and helpers throughout the night.

Confirmation is expected shortly from Concept 2, a rowing machine company in America, following receipt of all documentation from the College.

The proceeds from the sponsorship of the event will be split equally between the South African rugby tour to take place in 2010 and the College's Lasallian Developing World Projects.

Is your school taking part in any special challenges? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.