Fifty James Brindley runners toed the line for the first round of the Salford Schools Cross Country Championships today at Bolton Road playing Fields. Both our girls teams were looking to make a positive start to their title defences while our boys have shown that they are more than capable on getting in the act.

In the first race of the day, Jake Royle made his season debut, finishing in an excellent 3rd place.  Behind, teammate Josh Greenwood chased him all the way home for a superb 5th place finish. Both boys are firmly in the hunt for an individual medal this year. Alfie Starling made a fantastic school debut, showing pace and stamina to finish strongly in 22nd place with Kieran Boulter running well for 51st. Our remaining boys packed incredibly well immediately behind Kieran, showing that they have the potential to medal in this category in the future- well done to Oliver, Vincenzo, Jack, James H, Olly-Lee, Henry, James E, Riley and Harry on great runs. Keep up the great work, boys! Our school championships this year will be a truly nail biting race! 

The Year 3 & 4 Girls race was next. Asha Mistry (4th), Imogen Pattison (7th) and Evie Thompson (18th) all ran well great races to put themselves at the front of the field while a number of private battles brought the best out of Erin Carinci (35th), Gabby Lyth (36th), Hermione Crompton (47th) and Libby Cooper (48th). There were great runs for some of our youngest runners with Evie Fowler (51st) , Mya Mboge (57th) and Maddison Farrell (63rd) all coping well against the older opposition as Claudia Worrall (61st) continues to improve, race on race. Vanessa, Izabell, Isla, Jennifer and Darcey all produced pleasing runs to help our team secure what could be vital points. Well done to all our girls.

Harry Bayman (12th) and Matthew Greenwood (14th) were to the fore of the Year 5 and 6 Boys race, with the boys keen to stake a claim for a place on the Salford Team for the Greater Manchester Championships later this winter. Behind them, Tyler Weaver ran a steady race for 38th place and shows good promise going forward. Sam Sneddon, Ren Smith, Matthew Hughes and Cameron Hall all pushed hard to secure points for our team. Well done, boys. 

The final race of the day was the Year 5 & 6 Girls who, like the older boys, go up and down the steep banked hill at Bolton Road.  Marissa Caldwell (2nd), Jasmine Wright (3rd), Sophia Roiditis (5th) and Bailey-Rae O'Keefe (8th) all ran exceptional races for top ten finishes as they too look to stake claims to represent Salford later in the year. Maisie Jeffries (16th) and Isabelle Gibson (32nd) both ran very strong races and continue to improve with each race. The girls were separated by teammate, Erika Fowles (29th) who showed talent and typical grit and determination to finish in between her peers. The heavy underfoot conditions made the going even tougher than usual but our remaining girls rallied superbly well to all finish within the top sixty five places and ensure that they secure points to help their team. Well done to Caitlin (35th), Khloe (37th), Sophie (41st), Izzy (49th), Emily (59th), Lucy (60th) and Kamilla (64th).  We're really proud of all of you.

Our final thanks is once again extended to our families for your continued support. It couldn't happen without you and the enthusiasm of your children. 

The next race (Round 2 of the Salford Championships) will take place at Buile Hill Park on Saturday 25th November. More information can be found here: https://www.jamesbrindleyprimary.com/salford-schools-xc-mini-site/

RESULTS