On Saturday 3rd December, our Year 7 and 8 cross country team made the long trip to Merseyside to compete in the final of the English Schools’ Cup. To reach this final, the team competed successfully at county and regional rounds, and by doing so continued a steady run of Blue Coat teams competing on this stage.

There were 24 teams in the final, with 144 runners in the race, held on a coastal course which included fields and sand dunes, so it was both interesting and challenging. Before we arrived, we had targeted a  possible top 10 position so finishing in 12th place overall was an excellent achievement for these boys. Sam Hodgson was 9th, a very fine talent, whilst Jack Webb continued his impressive form, finishing in 34th. Year 7 runners were next with Will Thompson in 79th, Chris Parker 81st and Josh Griggs in 101st. Tom Bryce was 122nd.

To compete at a national final in any sport is a great achievement and, indeed, experience, and I would certainly like to thank these boys for their efforts in all training sessions and competitions. Thank you also to those parents who were there in support and to Mr Cowell who was with us for the weekend. We already look forward to the challenge next year will bring.

Mr Cook, Athletics coach