THE THIRD annual West Devon primary schools cross country league, which was organised by Tavistock Athletic Club, was held last week. The league consists of three races (one in February and March, with the final at Meavy in April). The first race of the series was hosted by St Peters School in Tavistock. Unlike the races to come the St Peters course is a flat fast course around the school grounds. Conditions were cold, wet and windy on the day, but this didn't deter the 160 runners from 12 local primary schools from some excellent running. Following the short course fun run, the girls' race went off to the cheers of the large crowd. It was Annabel Longdon (Tavistock) who took the race by the scruff of the neck, to be chased by Emma Champion (St Peters), Danielle Long (Princetown) and Lauren Dawe (Milton Abbot). But Annabel proved too strong and lengthened her lead on the second lap. The chasers finished in the same order. It was the home girls' team of St Peters who were first team, followed by Whitchurch and Tavistock. The boys' race was an equally exciting affair as they raced over the three laps (two miles). Harry Eaton (Milton Abbot) looked far too strong and led Will Carter (Tavistock) and Aaron Johnson (Horrabridge) home. Good support running by Milton Abbot boys, Tom Green (seventh), Finlay Ross (eighth) and Oliver Hyde (tenth) gave Milton Abbot the boys' team win on the day. Combined girls and boys team scores shows how close the league is going to be. Tavistock lead on 37 points, but are closely followed by Milton Abbot, St Peters and Whitchurch all on 36. Organisers congratulated all those who competed. The next race is at Princetown Primary at 2pm on March 6.
