Athletics
On Saturday 30 June, our intermediate and junior girls’ teams competed at the 33rd National Track and Field Cup Final which was rather conveniently held this year at Melbourne Park, Chelmsford. The competition is unusual in athletics as it is a genuine team event and performance rather than finishing position is all important. Each athlete is required to compete in two events and inevitably this involves significant training in order to develop their technique in two disciplines. Similarly, their dedicated members of staff must solve complex jigsaw puzzles to ensure combinations score the optimum number of points. Our Intermediate Girls competed brilliantly throughout the day. Nicole McKechnie recorded a Track and Field Cup Final National Record by winning the 300m convincingly in 40.7s, beating the previous record by nearly 3 seconds. Christy Daily secured maximum points in the 800m winning in 2.21 and Alexandra Morrison produced 10.34m in the Triple Jump. Lastly, Beatrice Akinmolayen secured 26 individual points in the shot with a fine throw of 9.50m. In the final analysis, our girls finished 4th with only 9 points separating them from second place.
The Junior Girls were magnificent from start to finish. At half way, we were placed third, (7 points in arrears to the first place team), hence we knew we had to produce our best throughout the afternoon. Emily Shaw scored maximum points in the javelin with a splendid throw of 27.75m and Charlotte Walters threw the Discus 24.99m which is an outstanding performance. Ella Lindsay and Zoe Thompson both won their 200m heats convincingly recording times under 28 seconds. As the relay approached, rumours began to circulate that we were clear; all that was needed was for the baton to get round safely. The girls showed tremendous focus and concentration and completed the relay in 57.6 seconds to secure an additional 20 points. We waited anxiously for the final result to be announced hoping that our sums were accurate. Eventually, the result was confirmed and our Junior Girls were crowned National Champions; a remarkable achievement
Cricket
The U15B team has advanced to the Final of the Mid-Essex Cup with a fine victory over Moulsham during midweek. Similarly, the 1st XI was in dominant mood in their annual fixture versus the Gentlemen of Essex. England U19 international Kishen Velani bowled 17 overs returning figures of 5-71. Richard Horswill made a splendid debut for the 1st XI and enjoyed an excellent opening partnership with Kristen Ali which set the foundation for an easy victory. This week, they have been playing in the annual festival at St John’s. Our boys defeated Tiffen School and Colfe’s, but unfortunately their final tie against the hosts, St John’s, Leatherhead fell victim to the incessant rain. However, as a result of our two previous victories we were crowned champions. The U14A team played in an outstanding Essex Cup semi-final against Felsted which saw the scores tied. The team bowled extremely well with fine performances from Matthew Bell (3-16), Rishi Patel (3-21) and Stephen Heywood (2-6), but credit must go to Felsted’s No. 9 and 10 who scored 14 and 22 respectively to tie the scores.
Triathlon
We are delighted to commend the continued success of James Kidd. Recently, he competed in the GE Canary Wharf Triathlon which is a Senior Elite Race including professional Olympic Athletes from USA, Australia and Africa James finished 42nd which is an exceptional achievement. He also represented Havering at the London Youth Games and was crowned champion in the Year 11 Aquathlon event.
Posted by Nichola Haynes