A talented squad of Ripon Grammar School athletes will compete nationally after claiming gold at regional cross-country championships.
The impressive win secures the six-strong senior girls’ team’s place at the national finals in Rugby in December.
Leading the field was Natasha Pointon who beat off stiff competition from more than 30 high-performing athletes to come in first place.
The 15- year-old, from Thirsk, and her teammates were racing against competitors up to two years older selected from county qualifiers throughout Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and Cleveland.
The team also scored fifth, eleventh and thirteenth positions, in addition to first place overall, at the North-East regional finals of the English Schools Athletics Association Cross Country Cup.
Director of sport Adam Milner described the girls’ dominant display at the event at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough, which attracted entrants from 17 schools throughout the region, as ‘phenomenal’.
He said:
“The senior girls were in superb form, demonstrating strength in depth and exceptional teamwork.
“Natasha delivered a commanding and almost effortless first place finish, setting the tone for a dominant and controlled team display - a pleasure to watch.”
She was closely followed by Ellie Walsh, 16, Bobbi Todd, 15, Lottie Day, 16, Tara Pearce, 16, and Holly Nash, 15.
The talented team includes four athletes from last year’s inter girls’ team, who finished 15th nationally.
Mr Milner added:
“They all ran with determination and heart, hunting down every place and ensuring RGS’s convincing victory.
“With the addition of Ellie Walsh and Tara Pearce to the senior ranks this year, the team looks even stronger and will be aiming to improve on that national placing when they compete in Rugby next month."
There were strong results across the board for Ripon Grammar School at the event, with intermediate boys placed seventh, senior boys finishing sixth, and intermediate girls coming eleventh.
Mr Milner said:
“A particular highlight was Isabelle Forsyth’s outstanding fourth-place finish in the intermediate girls’ race — a superb run in a very competitive field.”
He praised the efforts of all the students:
“The commitment, effort and determination shown by all our runners has been outstanding.
"The hard work they put into training — including our Thursday lunchtime running club — is really paying off, and it’s fantastic to see their dedication rewarded with such brilliant results.”
He also highlighted the crucial role played by RGS teaching assistant and keen runner Suzanne Rickard, whose dedication to organising, supporting and motivating the athletes continues to be instrumental in the school’s success.
“Mrs Rickard does an amazing job bringing our teams together, creating such a positive and hardworking atmosphere. None of this would be possible without her continued enthusiasm and leadership.”
He added:
“The collective achievements of RGS’s cross-country teams are a true reflection of their determination, teamwork and school spirit.
“All eyes will be on the senior girls as they head to the national finals in Rugby December, looking to make their mark on the national stage once again.”
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