The second race of the Salford METS series took place at Cleavley Track today in much cooler, damper weather. After the first race, our girls team were leading the team competition, while our boys lay in a strong second place.

In the girls race,  Marissa Caldwell (1st) set off at a ferocious pace with only Jasmine Wright (2nd) able to follow. Behind them, Sophia Roiditis (5th), Bailey-Rae O'Keefe (9th), Asha Mistry (11th) and Imogen Pattison (14th) showed intent to be to the fore. Behind the leading pack, another flood of James Brindley runners entered the wood, each trying to earn as many points for the team as they could. Coming out back onto the track, Maisie Jeffries (17th), had worked her way through the field well while Grace Aylett (20th) and sister Scarlett Aylett (23rd) were locked in a fierce battle on their season debuts. Sophie Potts (27th) continues to impress with her enthusiasm and natural talent while there were improved runs from Izzy Fowler (34th), Emily Johnson (43rd), Erin Carinci (45th) and Harriet Jones (63rd) as they continue to improve their fitness.

In the boys race, Harry Bayman ran a tactically mature race, sitting off the early pace and finishing strongly to finish a great 6th place. Oliver Coppock (40th) ran a great race, finishing at speed and giving the impression that there is much more yet to come. Sam Sneddon (41st) continues to improve in his second outing and will undoubtedly get stronger as the season continues. Jack Gibson (46th) and James Hamblett (52nd) yet again had superb runs and there were impressive season debuts for Olly-Lee Preston (64th), Rocco Cooney and Henry Maudsley (71st). Well done to all our boys and a special mention to those (including Oliver Aitken-Doherty) who completed the race with only one shoe having seen it prized away by the thick mud just before the forest. 

Thank you, as ever, to our fantastic parents for your support and time too; it is very much appreciated by the children and staff at school.

Our next race sees us back at Cleavley track next Saturday (7th October) for the final race of the Salford METS series. As before, we'll meet at 09:30am.  After the race, the prize giving will include team awards for the winning team and individual awards for the first race in each race over the three-race series. It's then on to the prestigious Salford Schools Cross Country Championships where runners will compete in their own age groups and for the opportunity to represent the City of Salford at the Greater Manchester Cross Country Championships in February. Well done to all our runners today. 

Official results will be available shortly here:

http://www.salfordmetac.co.uk/salford-schools-cross-country-results