There have been more athletic successes at John Kyrle High School recently. The school was well represented in the District Cross Country Trials, which were held recently at St Mary's RC High School; an event where 45 John Kyrle athletes from all age groups were trialling for a place in the District team.

On the day, conditions underfoot were unsurprisingly muddy and wet, but the students coped well with the new course this year. Between them they collected several medals, even though some races had over 50 contestants entering.

Pride of place must go to Briony Bishop, who saw off strong competition in the Junior girls' race from John Kyrle's own Bethan Samuel, to finish first. Bethan was close behind in 3rd place. In the Minors' events for Year 7 athletes, James Blackwell came home with a silver medal, despite sustaining a knee injury. Maisie Tucker and Otto Mendlesson just missed out on the silverware, both finishing in 4th place. In the Junior boys' race, Sam Johnson and Cameron Terry fought hard to finish well within the top 10, both qualifying for the District squad. Holly Clark and Harriet Andrews will also represent the Intermediate Girls at the finals in February, alongside Arthur Godden and Connor Creed in the Senior Boys squad.Meanwhile, the indoor athletes have also chalked up successes. On two separate evenings, U12 (Year 7) and U13 (Year 8) Girls and Boys competed against seven other schools at Whitecross School in Sportshall Athletics. Events on the track included the Obstacle Race, 2 Lap Relay, 8 Lap Paarlauf, whilst field events included the Standing Long Jump, Vertical Jump and Speed Bounce. Each team showed a mixture of enthusiasm and determination as well as speed and agility. The U13 Girls won all of their track events.Good luck to the U12 and U13 Girls' teams, who have qualified to the next stage, the Winter Games at Hereford Leisure Centre on Wednesday 12th February as well as all the John Kyrle cross country runners who are participating in the County Finals at Hereford Racecourse.

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.