AS part of Ravens Wood School’s continued drive to develop athletics, two teams were entered in this year’s national schools cross country championships.

Both the junior and intermediate teams qualified for the south of England final, from which the intermediates qualified for the national event.

Year 10 students Alex Lister, Sam Harvey, Charlie Nagel, Sam Ash, Patrick Herbert, Euan Cattermole, Iain Gauld and Marcus Howell performed with grit and determination in heavy rain to secure the finals place.

And the team enjoyed a top 10 finish at the ESAA English schools cross country national final in Newquay by placing ninth.

Head of enrichment at Ravens Wood Mr Spiers said: “This was the first time we have entered a team in the national cross country competition, so we are delighted to finish in the top 10 in the UK and the students were determined to achieve.

“Our objective for next year will be for both teams to win medals in the final.”