Hertfordshire Schools: St Albans Sat. 6th Feb

Five Woodford Green youngsters toed the line in these annual championships at a very windy Verulanium Park. In the Senior Girls race over 4,200 metres Alicia McArdell (right, below) ran strongly to gain 3rd place and automatic selection for the All England Schools next month.

Younger sister Hollie McArdell ran in the Year 7 girls race over 2,600 metres and, after being 15th after the small loop of a 1k, Hollie ran strongly on the final stages to claim an excellent 9th out of 70 starters. Hollie is awaiting confirmation that she will represent Herts Schools next month in their Inter Counties match.

In the Primary Schools Boys race over 1600 metres with 200 starters, Maxwell Chinn got a good start and after taking the pace in the early stages he then had to concede to Adam Grimes on the downhill section. He still managed to gain an excellent 2nd place which secures a County Schools vest next month in Leicestershire. Behind Maxwell was William Bayley, having a very good run in 30th spot.

In the Primary Schools Girls race, also over 1600 metres, Holly Hudson, (left) a Year 4 girl competing against girls from Years 5 and 6, was not put off in the slightest. From a large field of 200 again, Holly was always in the top 20 throughout, coming in 16th place. This excellent performance has earned Holly a reserve spot for the Inter Counties, having been just 12 seconds off automatic selection.

In such windy conditions I must praise all five of our athletes who all exceeded expectation. I must also thank coach Steve Cody in his support to the primary school children and giving such good advice on the day. (By John Stow)