WITH the sporting world grinding to a halt over the weekend, the cream of Wiltshire’s young runners were in Liverpool to represent the county at the English Schools’ Cross County Championships, writes Kevin Fahey.

The Wiltshire squad joined around 2,000 youngsters from around the country for this prestigious event which was watched by an enthusiastic crowd of parents, coaches and friends.

The county contingent certainly had plenty to cheer in the inter girls race as Bea Wood proudly lifted the title to go one better than her silver last year.

The best team result came from the county’s senior boys’ squad, who finished 16th overall.

Patrick Mochan of Royal Wootton Bassett School placed 88th and second scorer, his best performance in a Wiltshire vest at the event.

Malmesbury School’s Ollie Campbell was just behind in 100th.

Another Malmesbury School student to cap a fine season was youngster Naryani Costa-Jafrate.

The 14-year-old county champion battled bravely to finish 85th and top scorer from 344 finishers in the junior girls’ race.

Also of note was the performance of Joe Markey in the junior boys’ race. Markey was racing for Avon, as he is a student at Writhlington School near Radstock, but is a member of Avon Valley Runners and he finished a fine 27th in the junior boys’ raced.