English Schools CC Champs

The championships this year were at Ardingly Showground, West Sussex, on a fine Saturday though with a biting easterly wind blowing across the course. The going underfoot was firm following a dry spell in the two weeks leading up to this event. Each race had 350 starters representing 46 counties across England. 

Junior Boys 2850m

George Keen only started running with us at the turn of 2025. He had already been 3rd in the Essex Schools and 5th in the South East Schools Inter Counties, and he wanted to have a real go in this event. This would prove a stern test for George but he was up for the challenge. He was also aware that the first 10 boys across the line would represent England in a week's time. He got a great start and at the halfway point he was lying 7th. Could he hang on? He gave it everything but, after fully committing in the early stage of the race, he found the second half tough. To be honest, he did well to finish after such a quick start. He eventually placed 44th, putting over 300 county athletes behind him in his first major championship race. George was 3rd home for Essex, who placed 6th from the 46 counties. He will gain a lot from this experience. 

Inter Boys 4800m

We had no fewer than four lads running for Essex. We had high hopes of a possible Essex victory but unfortunately we ended up in 6th place - however we did finish 1st in the eight-to-score competition, which earned the lads a certificate. Harry Stockill ran a great race throughout and was never far away from the leading group. He had been hoping for a top 20 place. He hung on well to place 22nd and was 2nd home for Essex - a fine effort and a mere 20 seconds off a top 10 place and that England vest. His teammates had been hoping to be battling out alongside him but it ended up being 'just one of those days'. George Watkins and Luka Norden started towards the back of the 350-strong field, but to their credit they moved through the field for 90th (George) and 106th (Luka), being 3rd and 4th scorers for Essex. Oscar Eaton got out with Harry but found the hills tough, ending up 168th. This was Oscar's first big championship race and he will gain from the experience.

Inter Girls 3750m

Jasmine Hall, our International swimmer, turned her attentions to this race. Despite being a bottom year runner Jasmine led the Hertfordshire team home in 118th - a great performance in the circumstances. 2nd claim athlete Isla Fulling made her debut for Hertfordshire, placing 255th and 4th home for her county. Like Jasmine, Isla is a bottom year athlete.