HASLINGTON stole the Crewe and Nantwich Sportshall Athletics urban crown with a stunning display of running, throwing and jumping.
Year 5 and 6 primary school kids from Haslington, Wistaston, Hunger-ford, Bickerton, Leighton and Mill-fields had battled through the heats to make the finals, held at Shavington High School on Wednesday. They started their campaign back in November.
After a keenly-contested final Haslington clocked up 645 points to wrestle the title from holders Hungerford, who put up a good fight to finish third. Wistaston were second with 621 points.
Haslington have now qualified to take part in the Cheshire Inter-Borough Sportshall Athletics Competition on Monday March 26, at Wood-ford Lodge, Winsford.
Organiser Niall McGregor, of Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council's sports development team, said: 'It was yet another brilliant indoor athletic event with some close races between the schools.
'The young people showed great potential and I would encourage them to join Crewe and Nantwich AC to further develop their skills.
'Thanks to volunteers from local high schools, South Cheshire College and MMU Cheshire for their help, along with teachers and parents.'
Council leader, Cllr Brian Silvester, added: 'Events like this encourage children to live more active lives.'
Youngsters and parents were treated to a motivational session with a former athletics great and an aspiring local talent before the event got underway.
Phil Brown, a sprinter who won Olympic silver in the 4x100m at Los Angeles in 1984, and also won Commonwealth and European golds, joined forces with Stapeley star Hayley Jones, who is currently at the top of the UK rankings for 200m at U20 level, to give advice to onlookers.
Then the kids got down to business in sprinting tests, standing and triple jumps, and ball-throwing contests. The rural final is on January 20, at Malbank School, from 4pm.
* Youngsters train at Crewe and Nantwich AC between 6.30pm-7.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. First session is free. Contact 01270 537232 for details.
