HERNE House took victory in the annual Swanmead Cross Country competition.

The whole school enjoyed winter sunshine but conditions were muddy and wet underfoot for the event on Ilminster Recreation Ground.

All 260 pupils took part, cheered on by a large group of parents and members of the community, with Year 7 and 8 pupils attacking the dreaded Herne Hill as part of their route.

Great individual performances included pupils Zach Walters, Mikayla Cullingford and Danielle Bristow, who were crowned year group champions for a second successive year.

Year 8 boy Jack Read went one better and was year group champion for a third successive year.

The children who competed in their house colours took part in a close competition, with Herne House coming out top.

Many of the runners now look forward to representing the school at the annual Somerset Middle Schools Cross Country Championship, hosted by Swanmead on the Rec later in the year.

Head teacher Mark Walker said: “This is one of those occasions when you are very proud of each and every pupil in your school. The fun, support and dedication they show each other during this competition is always so refreshing.

“I would like to thank the representatives from Ilminster Lions who kindly gave up their time to support and marshal our cross country event. As ever, we are indebted to them for their help with this.”

 

RESULTS:

Year 5 girls: 1 Bethany Garland, 2 Isabelle Applegate, 3 Charlotte Bristow; Year 5 boys: 1 Harvey Webber, 2 Josh Key, 3 Oscar Knight; Year 6 girls: 1 Isobel Elks, 2 Natasha Tremlett, 3 Amy Hart; Year 6 boys: 1 Zach Walters, 2 Lewis Hole, 3 Kane Lee; Year 7 girls: 1 Mikayla Cullingford, 2 Millie Tolman, 3 Shannon Munn; Year 7 boys: 1 Ryan Garland, 2 Ollie Webber, 3 Ryan Whitworth; Year 8 girls: 1 Danielle Bristow, 2 Shannon Male, 3 Lucy Lee; Year 8 boys: 1 Jack Read, 2 Ryan Jeffery, 3 Tom Singleton. House placings: 1 Herne, 2 Minster, 3 Isle.