There were some outstanding performances from all three Southend line-ups when the Independent Schools' East Anglian regional cross-country championships were staged at Stoke College.

A host of youngsters from Crowstone, Alleyn Court and Thorpe Hall won through to represent the region in the national finals at Prince Thorpe College, Warwickshire, on March 3.

Biggest success for Crowstone came in the under-12 boys where Kieran Quinn was overall champion and James Burnett third. Their winning team was completed by Matthew Pearce, James Maloney, Andrew Thompson and George Williamson.

There was further Crowstone success in the boys' competition in the under-10 age group. They again won the team event with Spencer Wells second individually with backing from Daniel Walden, Sam Spence, Jack Cripps, Joshua Bambury and Oliver Tatton-Bennett.

The under-12 girls were runners-up through Eleanor Bland, Claire Walden, Leanne Robinson, Sarah Edkins, Anna Spence and Emily Baker.

Thorpe Hall had 44 pupils from years three to 11 participating in the regional event.

All pupils ran exceptionally well and were a credit to the school.

Most successful were the under-16 boys, who won, while the under-10 and under-12 girls were both fourth.

Individuals off to Warwickshire next month (with placings) are: Sophie Brand (8th), Jonathan Bentley (8th), Katy Wallrock (6th), Tom Fulton (2nd), Oliver Playle (5th), Andrew Prior (4th),James Bourne (5th).

Alleyn Court had a large number of pupils taking part at Stoke College where more than 20 schools were involved.

The year four girls won their team event with Natalie Clark second, Theo Beckett tenth, Rebecca Hatwell 11th and Emma Horsnell 12th.

This success was repeated by the year five and six girls who emerged champs with Natasha Bailey second, Lucie Manna third, Harriet Wilcox fourth and Melissa Bourne 14th.

In the year four boys' race Richard Morrissey took individual honours with Louis Richards finishing fifth, Ben Roback 13th and Chris Gardiner 25th. The team finished second.

The years five and six boys' race also proved very successful for Alleyn Court. George Bray was fourth, Luke Evans seventh, Josh Daughtry 14th and Jay Collison 15th with the team coming second overall.

Matthew Clark was third and Joe Baglow sixth in the years seven and eight race which ended another very successful day for Alleyn Court's runners.

Off to Warwickshire - above, Thorpe Hall's super seven, (back to front, left to right): Sophie Bentley, Katy Wallrock and Tom Fulton. Front row: Jonathon Bentley, James Bourne, Oliver Playle and Andrew Prior.

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

College nets more results

Greensward College are continuing their heroics in the world of basketball.

Their under-16 girls won through to the semi-finals of the national cup with a 77-58 win in Exeter against Maynard.

Then, in the local Sunny D three on three competition at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, Garon's Park, both the under-16 girls and boys from Hockley based Greensward won through to the next round at Lea Valley on March 12.

The boys' line-up of Liam Hughes, James Mason, Chris Hayes and Gary Walkling had victories over Basildon's Barstable and Westcliff High on their way to beating Gaynes, Romford, in the final.

Also through to the Lee Valley date are the under-14 and 16 girls from Cornelius Vermuyden School, Canvey, along with the under-14 boys from St Thomas More, Westcliff. They all finished in qualifying runners-up spots at Garons' Park.

Blues' training

Southend United's Football in the Community team are holding a soccer training week at Eastwood High School between Tuesday, February 22 and Friday, February 25.

The four day football camp, which includes skill sessions, five-a-sides and prizes, runs from 10am to 3pm daily at a cost of £40. To book your place call 01702 341351.

Sign-up for course

Former Southend United and Chelsea striker Bill Garner will be opening the doors of his half-term Sport Action activity school at Thorpe Hall next week.

It runs from Monday to Friday and sports covered are football, tennis and golf.

The cost is £40 and it's open for youngsters aged six to 14. Full details from 01702 582340.

MacDonald's soccer feast

Coerver Coaching will hold a four-day soccer school under the direction of Cliff MacDonald at Furtherwick Park School, Canvey, from February 22-25.

Open to girls and boys aged 5-13 cost is £35 and full details are available from 01268 680838 or 07887 615283.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.