ST. ANDREW’S PRIMARY ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS

  Laden with jumping mats, vortex, relay batons, 3 silver trophies, the school banner and, of course, the mascot bear, St. Andrew’s team set off for the Halstead District Athletics competition hosted by the Ramsey Academy.  We felt excited, anxious, determined and proud, all at the same time! 
 
First off were three of our youngest athletes, Freia Challis, Seb Poter and Gracie Hamilton.  They set the standard for the day with impressive wins in the standing long jump, 50m sprint and vortex throw respectively.  Katie Higgins followed.  With her super sprinting speed and formidable throwing power she dominated her events, demonstrating why she is county champion.  Refusing to let the occasion overwhelm them, Daisy Harrington, Jessica Howard and Sunny Percival also took gold in their very first athletics meet.
 
St. Andrew’s athletes displayed great technique in the field events.  In the lead up to the competition new girl, Angel Danil, had established a lower KS2 standing long jump record of 1.84m and she did not disappoint on the day.  Ben Johnstone used all his experience when under pressure in the vortex event and produced a magnificent personal best throw of 38.77m.
 
The competition on the track was fierce and our runners battled hard.  The highlight was Mia Toms majestic sprint down the home straight to win her 600m race.  The diligent practice of the relay runners paid off as all four relay teams combined slick changeovers and fast sprinting to win both the Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 trophies.
 
St. Andrew’s were crowned champions and awarded the Primary Athletics trophy, having won a total of 19 individual events.  Congratulations to all 29 athletes who contributed to this success, almost one quarter of our KS2 children.  The squad showed great team spirit, sportsmanship and effort, making them very worthy champions.  The three silver trophies have returned to school for the 13^th consecutive year. 
Well done to: