A hop, skip and jump to the front of the class

SPRING IN HER STEP . . . St Martins’ Mary Pickles gives her all in the speed bounce.

THORP Primary pupils pulled off a narrow victory in the Year Five and Six Indoor Athletics Championships at Radclyffe School.

They came out on top after a series of events, edging past closest challengers St Paul’s.

Teams from Limeside, Holy Cross and St Martin’s also impressed during the two-and-a-half hour competition, in front of their proud parents.

They battled it out in standing long jump, standing triple jump, vertical jump, speed bounce, chest push and javelin, before moving on to relay racing.

Thorp went on to represent Oldham at the Greater Manchester Schools’ Athletics Championships at Sport City and, although they missed out on top spot there, it was invaluable experience for the youngsters.

Organiser Lee Whitehead, of Oldham Council’s integrated youth services, said: “It was so close between all of the teams, which made the event even more enjoyable.

“We held the championships late afternoon so some of the parents could go along and watch the action, so there was a great atmosphere.

“We were treated to some stand-out performances from the teams, and we look forward to taking the event back to Radclyffe School next year.”

Whitehead reserved special praise for helpers.

He added: “Young sports leaders from Failsworth School kept things ticking over and were a big help.”