The final race of the Salford METS XC Series 2017 took place today at Cleavley Track with our number of actively competing runners this season hitting a massive 66! A large and enthusiastic thank you is extended to each and everyone of our athletes and their families for supporting their school. We are very grateful. A special mention is also reserved for school coach, Mrs Seddon for her dedication to preparing children for races.

In the girls race, we'd everything to play for with the team lining up to defend their lead. Almost 30 girls toed the start line for James Brindley and the pace was quick from the off. At the front of the field, Jasmine Wright put in yet another assured performance that resulted in her being crowned Year 6 Girls Champion 2017. Behind her, our team once again packed incredibly well, racing both their opponents and each other for every available place. A special mention this week to Erin Carinci who took a nasty tumble in the woods (caught on camera) but bounced straight up and ran courageously on to the finish. Darcey Greenhalgh spent some time having to retrieve a shoe from the glue-like mud but composed herself well to get back into the race. Isabelle Gibson continues to improve race upon race while Mya Mboge ran a great race to improve by close to twenty places today. The strong team performance ensured that our girls team were crowned Series Champions 2017. Among our very large contingent of girls, Asha Mistry, Imogen Pattison, Evie Thompson and Hermione Crompton are showing that they are running themselves into great form ahead of the opening round of the Salford Schools Cross Country Championships next month. Among our Year 6 contingent, Stalwarts including Bailey-Rae O'Keefe, Kara Pritchard, Khloe Boulter and Lucy Thompson will look to build upon their early season form to assist our Senior Girls in their push for glory in what will be their last year at the Championships. Meanwhile, the team spirit among our youngest girls has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of the season, so far- they've really embraced the challenge of competing against much older girls. It will undoubtedly stand them in great shape for the upcoming Salford Schools Championships where they will only have to compete against girls up to Year 4. The racing will also prove to be excellent preparation for our annual School Cross Country Championships in January. They've all been absolutely fantastic and are a great credit to their school. 

In the boys race, our team produced their strongest finish yet with four runners inside the top 20 places. Matthew Greenwood led the team home with an excellent 8th place finish. He was very ably supported by the fantastic Harry Bayman, Josh Greenwood and Tyler Weaver in 9th, 12th and 19th places respectively. It's been great to see a number of new faces competing among the boys this season, all of whom are showing that they have great potential. Well done to Jack Gibson (a stunning 33rd place), Olly-Lee Preston, James Evans, Henry Maudsley, Harry Johnson and Riley Callaghan. Alongside our many seasoned professionals (Kieran Boulter, Matthew Hughes, Sam Sneddon and Blake Farrow to name a few), you've really strengthened our team, helping us to an excellent third place in the Salford METS Series. We look forward to seeing how you get on in the Salford Schools.

We hope you enjoy viewing the race videos and photographs below.

Next Race: Salford Schools Race 1- Saturday 04 November at Bolton Road Playing Fields (For more information, click the link below)

https://www.jamesbrindleyprimary.com/salford-schools-xc-mini-site/