Crookhey Hall School arrived at the annual MAM Trophy Athletics meeting with high hopes. We had won the trophy the previous two years and a number of schools were pushing to knock us from the top spot once again.
We arrived at Preston Sports Arena to a light drizzle and a murky looking sky above which was in stark contrast to the effort and performances that were about to take place. The track heats commenced at 11:00 and Crookhey were in fine form.
In the 100m both Jordan Mountford and Leon Hudson qualified in 3rd for the final.
Sean Kelly and Nathan Chadwick both qualified for the 200m final in convincing fashion, setting up what would be the race of the meeting.
Chris Nield eased through his heat for the 400m, but for Jordan Ribchester it was unfortunately a very strong heat and he failed to qualify for the final.
The field events were the next to be conquered. The level of enthusiasm and commitment shown in the track heats was to be transferred to these events also.
In the Long Jump Nathan Chadwick put his speed to good use collecting a very deserved silver medal, being outjumped in the very last jump of the event.
Jordan Mountford dominated the Shot Putt taking a justified Gold medal, with Sean Kelly throwing very well to take the Bronze.
Excellent performances in the Javelin, Discus and High Jump were very unlucky not to be converted into medals.
A light lunch preceded what was to be a very exciting finish to the day. Jordan Mountford got us off to a solid start with a hard fought Bronze medal in the 100m final (not bad for a shot putter!!).
Then we were in for a treat as Sean Kelly and Nathan Chadwick came off the bend both looking strong in the 200m final. Sean appeared to be looking over at Nathan early in the straight, perhaps with some advice to back off a little, yet Nathan was in no mood to comply as he powered down the final 50m to ake the race by no more than half a metre. A brilliant one-two for Crookhey Hall!!!
Chris Nield was extremely brave to finish the 400m in a tenacious third place after an injury had almost prevented him from starting. Another great effort.
Andrew McHale, Mark Cornwell, Kieran Griffin and Matthew Gornall put in stirling performances to complete their 800m & 1500m races on what was proving to be a humid day for distance running. They can all be very proud of their performances.
With the points being tallied up and the nerves beginning to jangle, the 100m relay heats would prove decisive in the final result. With both the A team and B team qualifying for the final we were hopeful of good points in the final. With the B team in a difficult position on the third bend after dropping the baton, the A team pushed on with a great effort, just getting pipped on the line for first by Cedar House.
In what would be a tense wait, Mr Farnworth from Moorbrook school revealed the results. Cedar House had beaten Crookhey Hall by a single point. The MAM trophy would be heading to a new home, for this year at least.
In what can only be described as a brilliant effort, superb commitment and model behaviour the MAM Trophy was a great success and enjoyed by children and staff alike. We look forward to retaining our trophy next year and hope Cedar House look after it for us over the next 12 months.
