Two schools hit the national trail

CROMPTON HOUSE and Blue Coat will fly the flag for Oldham in the next stage of the English Schools Cross-Country Championships.

Boys and girls representing schools from Greater Manchester and Cheshire converged on Oldham Edge for a qualifying round.

And Crompton House, who boast a rich tradition in the sport, put their best foot forward to reach the regional finals at Canon Slade School, Bolton, on Saturday, November 14.

Ryan Kent, Chris Brown, Robert Smith, Tom Ashton, Jack Morrow and Jamie Burrows combined to win the junior boys’ event.

Crompton House were fourth — the last qualifying position — in the junior girls, and fourth again in the intermediate boys.

Blue Coat, who organised the event, claimed the runners-up spot in the intermediate girls behind Loreto Grammar to book their place.

Junior girls: 1, Loreto Grammar; 2, Altrincham Grammar; 3, Ashton-on-Mersey; 4, Crompton House.

Junior boys: 1, Crompton House; 2, West Hill; 3, Manchester Grammar; 4, St Matthew’s, Manchester.

Intermediate girls: Loreto Grammar; 2, Blue Coat; 3, Ashton-on-Mersey; 4, Cardinal Langley.

Intermediate boys: 1, West Hill; 2, Manchester Grammar; 3, St Matthew’s, Manchester; 4, Crompton House.