GUERNSEY’S junior schools cross-country team were tested all the way by a bigger, stronger Jersey team in the annual inter-insular competition over the dunes of Les Quennevais.

There were four races starting with the Year 5 boys and girls. Next up was the Year 6 girls and, before the final race with the Year 6 boys, it was absolutely equal on points.

Unfortunately, Guernsey’s quintet of Year 6 boys were outclassed by a very powerful Jersey team who secured the victory for the hosts.

The Sarnian team of 24 athletes had been selected from club athletes and those who had run in the Smokebusters cross-country series.

The Year 5 girls ran first and came home as convincing winners. The course of approximately 1,500m was always going to be a challenge but this set of girls show more potential than has been seen for many years and they were up for the challenge.

Rebecca Toll and Kerys Chamberlain set the pace from the start and were soon clear of the field. Sara Marley, who did well to hold off a fast approaching Jersey duo, followed them in third place.

For the Year 5 boys, Alex Rowe (pictured) continued the winning ways as he held off quality Jersey opposition and secured an impressive victory.