The final Salford Schools Cross Country race of the season took place at Buile Hill today with medals still be decided in almost all of the categories. We needed strong, determined minds on the start line, to ensure we finished off the season in fine style and that was exactly how it panned out.

In the Year 3 and 4 Boys category, James Brindley were crowned Salford Champions, improving on last year's bronze medal. Jake Royle won an excellent individual bronze medal, supported by outstanding runs from classmates, Josh Greenwood, Oliver Nangle, Alfie Starling and Kieran Boulter. Our youngest runners again turned on the style with Oliver Coppock producing a stunning run to lead home their charge. Together with Jack Gibson, Vincenzo Carinci, James Evans, Harrison H, Zachary Seddon, Harry Johnson, James Hamblett and Riley Callaghan we have an exciting prospect and a chance of defending out title next year. Well done, boys!

Our Year 3 and 4 Girls finished runners up in their category, taking home the silver medals. Asha Mistry just missed out on an individual medal while Imogen Pattison and Evie Thompson had their strongest runs of the year alongside classmates Jenny Sneddon, Gabby Lyth and Libby Cooper. Again, our wealth in talent in the younger year group ensures we will be serious contenders again next year. Well done to Scarlett Aylett, Hermione Crompton, Erin Carinci, Isla Stevenson and Harriet Jones for strong runs today.

Our Year 5 and 6 Boys knew that a medal would unfortunately be beyond them today but that didn't dampen their enthusiasm one bit. Harry Bayman led the way home in 12th place, staking a claim for a place on the Salford team at the Greater Manchester Championships.  Behind him, Joshua Coppock, Ren Smith, Matthew Hughes, Cameron Hall and Jack Madden ran what may well be their last ever cross country race for James Brindley. They pass on the baton with great enthusism, however, to Harry and his classmates Sam Sneddon and Blake Farrow who both showed typical grit and determination in their performances today. Well done to all our boys. 

We have completely dominated the Year 5 and 6 Girls category this year and today was no different as we were declared Salford Champions for the second year running. Marissa Caldwell lead the team home in a thrilling finish, claiming second place on the day. Just behind her, Jasmine Wright was third while the ever improving Bailey-Rae O'Keefe had a stunning run for fourth in a very close finish. Sophia Roiditis was an excellent sixth. As a result of these runs, Marissa Caldwell claimed the individual silver medal in the Year 6 Championship while classmate and friend, Sophia Roiditis secured a very well deserved bronze. In the Year 5 category Jasmine Wright was crowned Salford Champion! Erika Fowles, possibly running her last ever race for James Brindley, was determined to earn a certificate for finishing in the top twenty having narrowly missed out in the previous race. It showed from the start as Erika set off at pace and showed true guts to hang on for a personal best finish in sixteenth place- a very well earned certificate. Maisie Jeffries completed our Year 6 contingent with another solid run despite looking a little tired today; well done, Maisie. Our older girls leave this category in the hands of Jasmine and her classmates Isabelle Gibson, Sophie Potts, Caitlin Lyth, Imogen Woodard and Emily Johnson who have all gained invaluable experience over the longer distance this year. We look forward to watching them continue their fantastic progress next season. 

Thank you once again to our families for their wonderful support throughout the season. It's made the difference. Your children have been superb and we're very proud of their fantastic achievements and individual personal bests. Thanks also to the staff at James Brindley for their help in preparing the children for the events. A special mention for Head coach Mrs Seddon and Miss Jervis.