THE final cross country run of the OCRA Tavistock Area Schools Series took place at Leg O’ Mutton, Yelverton on March 28. After two wet events it was a relief to have a dry, sunny afternoon, although it was still cold for runners, officials, spectators and marshals.

Scores were tight coming into the final race with Meavy and St Peter’s neck and neck over both age groups. This final event started with a fun run for Years 1 and 2 children. This was well attended by Whitchurch and Horrabridge schools and gave the younger children a taster for what is to come next year. Medals were awarded to the first three girls and boys home.

Next was the year 3/4 girls’ race which went according to plan with 1, Claudia Jones of Meavy (School Games Cross Country winner), 2 Orla White of St Peter’s, 3 Anya McAulay (Meavy).

In the boys’ Year 3/4 race Jamie Carlton (Whitchurch) was second in the first race and emerged triumphant in the second and third races. James Waites, also Whitchurch, was second in both the second and third races. Oliver Walker of Tavistock came in eighth in the first race, and third in races 2 and 3. Joshua Allott of Meavy was sixth, fourth and fourth and Harry Witcher of St Peter’s first, eighth and seventh.

The Year 5/6 third girls’ race managed to produce some surprises with Penny Jones winning the first race and Freya Page the second race and Penny coming second - Bea Venner of Whitchurch had been third in both races.

When the girls came in, it was Lara Dix of St Peter’s who was first, Bea Venner second, Niamh Petch of Tavistock third, Bea Kinnear (St Peter’s) fourth, Freya Page fifth and Penny Jones sixth.

The year 5/6 boys race was won by Joel Lake of Tavistock (second and first in previous races) followed by William Elliott of Tavistock (fourth and third), Nicolas Maczugowski (St Peter’s first and second), Fynn Baker of Milton Abbot, and Rory Cox of St Andrew’s.

Winners of series medals – individuals Year 3/4 Girls - gold Claudia Jones, silver Orla White, bronze Anya McAulay. Boys – gold Jamie Carlton, silver Oliver Walker and Joshua Allott, bronze Harry Witcher. Year 5/6 girls – gold Freya Page, silver Bea Venner, bronze Penny Jones. Year 5/6boys – gold Joel Lake, silver Nicolas Maczugowski, bronze William Elliott.

Teams - Year 3/4 overall team gold and team trophy – Meavy (also first small school), second place and first large school team gold medals – St Peter’s. Third place and second large school team silver medals – Whitchurch.

Seventh and second place small school silver medals – Gulworthy. Year 5/6 overall team gold and team shield – St Peter’s (first large school); second place and first small school team gold medals – Meavy. Third place and second large school team silver medals – St Andrew’s.

There were no other complete small school teams so the silver medals for the small schools have been divided between the boys of Mary Tavy and Brentor and the girls of the Federation team (Lady Modiford’s and Meavy combined team).

Mhairi McCall from OCRA said: ‘Thanks are due to many people – particularly our volunteer marshals and officials, without whom, the races could not take place. Also to the parents for their excellent support and the teaching staff who collate the teams and take responsibility for them. I am already looking forward to next year.’

‘Meavy year 3 and 4 boys and girls and St Peter’s Year 5 and 6 girls took part in the School Games County Cross Country finals at Paignton on March.

Meavy Girls came in second place, with Claudia Jones winning, in the Year 3/4 girls’ race and St Peter’s girls came in 3rd place in the Year 5/6 race.

For two West Devon schools to do so well at county level is a fantastic achievement and I am so proud of them.’