The English Schools Athletics Association Track and Field Cup is the most prestigious team event in the athletics calendar. At the start of May, qualification heats are held in 44 different counties, leading to 7 regional rounds, ultimately deciding upon the top 12 teams in each of the four age groups who compete at the National Final, held this year at Gateshead International Stadium on Saturday 3 July.

The Brentwood School Junior Girls Athletics team, led by their inspirational staff Mrs Knowles, Mrs Juniper and Mrs Knightbridge departed for Newcastle at 10.00am on Friday 2 July and arrived at the stadium early next morning after a restful night at a local hotel. The event ran with clinical precision and our girls' outstanding preparation was clear as they warmed up for their individual events physiologically and psychologically each with an individual points target in mind.

After the track events, we were tied for first place with the impressive athletes from James Allen's Girls' School. All girls competed brilliantly in their track events, but special mention should be made of Nicole McKechnie (27 points - 200m), Christy Dailly (27 points - 800m) and Maddie Gough (24 points - 1500m). Brentwood knew that James Allen's Girls' School would apply further pressure as they were very strong in the field; led by a 30 metre discus thrower who has consistently scored an outstanding 32 points.

Brentwood School competed with great determination and effort and produced some excellent performances. Nicole McKechie and Christy Dailly again led the team from the front securing a combined total of 49 points in the Long Jump, Naomi Kpogho scored an impressive 17 points in the Shot and Jess Burns is to be commended for attaining 18 points in the Javelin.

In the final standings, Southend High School for Girls won bronze, Brentwood School won silver and James Allen's Girls' School run out deserved champions. Director of Sport Mr Jeff Kayne commented "This is a magnificent achievement and I should like to congratulate all pupils and staff who have been involved in this superb athletics season."