Oldham schools shine

Athletics: OLDHAM schools made their mark in the inter-town cross-country races at Bowlee Country Park in Middleton.

More than 300 children from 16 schools in Oldham, Rochdale and the host town battled it out in the first of four Link4Life events, a grand prix series organised by Middleton Harriers.

Alyssa McGiffen, of St Thomas in Leesfield, won the Year Three and Four girls’ 1,000 metre race in four minutes, 46 seconds.

Hulme Grammar’s Alex Selby led the way for the boys.

As for the Year Five and Six group, best girl over 2,000m was Niamh Nugent, of St Anne’s in Royton, in eight minutes, two seconds.

Hulme Grammar runner Jacob Brierley finished runner-up in the boys’ section — he posted a time of eight minutes, 26 seconds and came behind Norden Community’s Marcus Dey.

The remaining meetings — all held at the park — take place on November 5, November 26, February 4.

Trophies and individual awards are handed to the first three finishers in each group.

Middleton Harriers’ 19th annual cross-country race is on March 3 at the same venue.