Just champion!

Cross country running

OLDHAM’S Minor Boys were crowned Greater Manchester Schools’ Cross-Country champions at the finals in Longford Park, Stretford.

The town had 61 athletes in action in various categories at the prestigious championships, the largest squad among the other nine Greater Manchester boroughs.

And it was the youngest boys (Year Sevens) who took top honours, lead home by Aaron Langley (Saddleworth), who was third individual, and backed by top-10 finishers Crompton House duo Robert Smith (fifth) and Ryan Kent (eighth).

The junior boys (Years Eight and Nine) also performed superbly, finishing as runners-up to Tameside thanks to Adam Howard (Counthill, third), Jake Ragan (Saddleworth, 10th), Paddy Jagger (Failsworth, 15th) and Matt Singleton (Crompton House, 17th).

At Inter Boys level (Years 10 and 11), Oldham’s best performers were Michael Smith (Crompton House, 10th) and Daniel McMunn (Blue Coat, 11th) as the team were placed fourth.

Blue Coat’s Sam Witter (13th) was best for the senior boys but they failed to supply four finishers for the team award.

Although the girls teams failed to get among the medals, there were some excellent individual displays.

Top of the heap was Crompton House pupil Kirsty Ashworth, who won the Minor Girls level, with Blue Coat’s Lucy Vernon finishing a fine eighth.

Emma Peters (Blue Coat) turned in a good effort to claim runners-up spot in the Junior Girls’ race, while Hulme’s Jane Augsberger was placed a highly-creditable eighth in the Inter Girls’ race.

Two of the girls, Peters and Augsberger, have been selected to represent the county in the National finals next month, along with Howard for the boys.