By Mark Tugwell

Lindfield and Blackthorns schools entered both a girls and boys team into the district cross-country event at Warden Park Secondary last month. The children had to run in gruelling conditions with many runners slipping on the wet mud as the rain came down. Despite this, both schools did exceptionally well. The Lindfield boys team came 3rd with five runners qualifying for the next round and the Lindfield girls finished 6th with three girls qualifying. The Blackthorns boys team finished 4th with one boy qualifying for the next round and the Blackthorns girls finished 5th with one girl qualifying.

An excellent achievement for both schools. On top of this, both the girls and boys races were won by pupils from our schools. Jacob Rodderick, from Lindfield Primary, ran amongst the front group of runners from early on in the boys’ race. At the three quarter mark, Jacob broke away from the group and stretched out an impressive lead to win the race.

B Crouch, from Blackthorns Primary, took the lead in the girl’s race within the first half of the run. She maintained a steady pace throughout, before accelerating within the last 100 meters to pull further away from the runners behind her. A fantastic run from both pupils.