NEW Swindon Schools’ champion Dara Kelly won’t forget her success in the district cross country championships at Nova Hreod Academy on Saturday, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

“That is definitely my best ever victory,” said Kelly, who is a student at Lydiard Park Academy and lives in Shaw.

“I was second when I first ran it (the Swindon Schools’ Cross Country Championships) as a Year Seven student but I have not done so well since finishing fifth and seventh.

“I am just so pleased to win and beat my training partner Sophia (Bonnetti).

The pair are both coached by Bryan Clinton at Swindon Harriers so know each other’s strengths and weaknesses well.

They were also a class apart from their rivals as they dominated the inter girls’ age group race from the gun.

“We ran together neck and neck the entire way,” added Kelly.

“On the last lap we both started sprinting and kicked hard at the same time but I just had that little bit extra and beat Sophia by less than a metre. It was so close.”

It was also arguably the most exciting race of the day and coach Clinton said Kelly will be a popular winner.

“Dara is a very bubbly, lively character and is the life and soul of our training group,” said Clinton.

“She has also worked very hard in training. She struggled a bit at the start of the season but she has come through that and this win will be massive for her and her confidence.

“This is a big title for her to win.”

Next, Kelly will take that confidence into the Wiltshire Schools’ Championships at Sheldon School, Chippenham, on January 14 when he will hope to ability to represent the county at the South West Championships in Truro.

“I have never got through before so hopefully this year will be my time,” said Kelly.

A popular winner was Jack Rockett from the host school Nova Hreod as he held off the challenge from Martin Newbold and Matthew Smith to lift the inter boys’ title.

Another successful Harrier was Megan Poole.

Already the reigning county schools’ 1500m champion the 13-year-old Isambard Community Schoolgirl lifted the junior girls’ title at the first time of asking as she beat Ridgeway School’s Ayla Tonkin and Lavinia Rai of Lydiard Park.

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

Minor girls: 1 Beth Davidse (Ridge); 2 Josie Ryder (Com); 3 Kelly Marsh (Com); 4 Olivia James (LPA); 5 Jessica Kinneir (St. Joes); 6 Caitlin Gulliver (High); 7 Ellie Kirkland (Dorcan); 8 Isbelle Trussell (Dorcan); 9 Evie Banwell - Moore (Com); 10 Emily Gulliver (High); 11 Weronika Tarnowska (LPA); 12 Vuiera Flowles (LPA); 13 Paige Blaire (Com); 14 Olivia Evans (ICS); 15 Millie Kasucke (High); 16 Kimmie Shapland; 17 Molly Flat (Com); 18 Daniella Reynolds (High); 19 Jenna Cox (Nova); 20 Heather Evans (LPA); 21 Tiya Dix (Nova); 22 Naomi W-M (St. Joes); 23 Jamelia Francis (SA); 24 Irii Banks (Com); 25 Natasha Longman (Com); 26 Leila James (Com); 27 Katie Vates (Nova); 28 Lily Shapland (Ridge); 29 Jaiden Lee Alderton (Ridge); 30 Scarlett O’Brien (Ridge); 31 No result; 32 Maisy Wheedon (Com); 33 Chloe Bell (LPA); 34 Rachel Smith (Com); 35 Anna Kinderman (Ridge); 36 Charlotte Davis (Nova); 37 Ruby Thomas (High); 38 Zoe Malcolm (Ridge); 39 Grace Hodge (LPA); 40 Amelia Shove (LPA); 41 Anya Plack (LPA); 42 Diasy Shepperd (Com); 43 Evie Harper (High); 44 Kaydence Walsh (St. Joes); 45 Emily Forbes (Ridge); 46 Lily Measey (ICS); 47 Faith Green (Ridge); 48 Lily Kaye (Nova); 49 Hannah Potts (Ridge); 50 Nyree Kirby (ICS); 51 Alicia Hawkins (Nova); 52 Kiara Borczuch (St. Joes); 53 Jamelia Branford (Kings); 54 Megan Thomas (Nova); 55 Sophie Ockwell (Kings); 56 Amy Lesfield (Kings); 57 Caroline Powrey (SA); 58 Smith (Ridge); 59 Hampton (Ridge); 60 Issy Keen (Ridge); 61 Davis (Ridge); 62 Nicole Williams (SA); 63 Lucy Morcumb (Ridge); 64 Juliette Bonnetti (Ridge); 65 Izabella Manta (Kings); 66 Allen (Ridge); 67 Scarlett Cuthbert (St. Joes); 68 Erin Faye (Kings); 69 Jazmine Heath (Kings); 70 Molly Carpenter (Church); 71 Shannon Stephenson (Nova); 72 Shannon Preston (SA); 73 Diana Tekiana (SA); 74 Tia Surnige (Kings); 75 Emily Sayer (ICS); 76 Kelsey Lloyd (Kings); 77 Ruby Sheppard (Nova); 78 Becky Chadwick (Kings); 79 Jasmine Fittett (ICS); 80 Bryna Dasha B (St. Joes); 81 Sara Day (ICS); 82 Bryanne Dasha B (St. Joes); 83 Shannon Hibert (Kings); 84 Ruby Summers (Kings); 85 No result; 86 Perry Hammond (Kings); 87 Phoebe Dance (Nova); 88 Chloe Arnold (SA); 89 Chloe WW (SA); 90 Megan Tanner (High); 91 Rachel Saint (Ridge).

Minor boys: 1 Connor Watts (Com); 2 Sam White (Ridge); 3 Dom Bitmead (LPA); 4 Lewis Evans (LPA); 5 alex Kiravr (ICS); 6 Flynn Walters (Nova); 7 Sam Cleary (Kings); 8 Danny Hayward (High); 9 Harry Dearsly (Kings); 10 Reece Prouse - Edwards (Com); 11 Ben Cleary (Kings); 12 Tistan Gale (LPA); 13 Kovey Vines (ICS); 14 Frnacesco Gugliotta (St. Joes); 15 Josh Hockin (Ridge); 16 Vincent Banda (Ridge); 17 Jae Partridge (Com); 18 Abdullah (Church); 19 Alvin Dadzie (St. Joes); 20 Bobby Parfitt (ICS); 21 Campbell (Ridge); 22 Riley Embling (Ridge); 23 Saul Haines (St. Joes); 24 Callum O’Donnell (Com); 25 Zed Snell (Com); 26 Torben Reve (LPA); 27 Frank Harrison (Ridge); 28 Max Brackenbury (Ridge); 29 Zachary Sparkes (St. Joes); 30 Jake Daniels (LPA); 31 Jonah Sparkes (St. Joes); 32 Bertie J - Matiaus (Ridge); 33 Lucas Simpson (High); 34 Futail Riaz (Kings); 35 James Heaton (SA); 36 Oscar Howarth (ICS); 37 Matai Duciuc (Dorcan); 38 James Hawkins (Com); 39 Jamie Clark (St. Joes); 40 Zak Rawlins (Ridge); 41 Ethan Maycock (Kings); 42 Lewis King (Kings); 43 Jamal Ally (SA); 44 Harvey Lane (High); 45 Bruno Tweedale (Ridge); 46 Callum WJ (Nova); 47 Jamie Hilton (Com); 48 Jay Lewis (St. Joes); 49 Louie Racey (Com); 50 Toby Maslin (Com); 51 Jude Mills (Dorcan); 52 James Stokes (Com); 53 Ambler (Ridge); 54 Jomeal Roahomaun (LPA); 55 Tympteusz Kopanski (St. Joes); 56 Jack Butler (Com); 57 Neil Watson (SA); 58 Josh Padgett (Com); 59 Alex Beije (Nova); 60 Zion Dias (St. Joes); 61 Harrison Ryiliby (High); 62 Matt Dobinson (Ridge); 63 Canfer - Smith (Ridge); 64 Louis Clayborough (Com); 65 Nico Caviller (Nova); 66 Scott Dobson (Nova); 67 No result; 68 Morgan Bowen (ICS); 69 Harvey Hancock (Nova); 70 Sanee Kanji (Dorcan); 71 Ryan Spencer (Nova); 72 Will Saunders (LPA); 73 Chris Barret (St. Joes); 74 Luke Mills (LPA); 75 Ollie Johanson (Com); 76 Sam Mellem (Com); 77 Ben Canning (St. Joes); 78 Tim Leroy - Tegoy (Com); 79 Brock (Ridge); 80 Alfie Howletts (Com); 81 Daniel Sollis (Nova); 82 Kasper Kwiecunsim (LPA); 83 Ayres (Ridge); 84 Jack Tupman (Com); 85 Milan Chindarana (ICS); 86 Lewis Rothwell (SA); 87 Denis Nae (ICS); 88 Nicolas Winnow (Nova); 89 George Aldred (St. Joes); 90 Daniel Ibitoye (St. Joes); 91 George Bull (Nova); 92 Sam Gardiner (Kings); 93 Jo Taylor (ICS); 94 Dylan Schofield (LPA); 95 Killick Jennon (Church); 96 Almark David (Church); 97 Tyeled Stroud (Church); 98 Lloyd (Ridge); 99 Alfie Drinkwater (Nova); 100 Daniel Aris (ICS); 101 Michael Brown (ICS); 102 Evan Martin (SA); 103 Connor Swatton (SA); 104 Aaron Desmond (Nova); 105 Kyle Havgh (St. Joes); 106 Charlie HD (Nova); 107 Harry Law (ICS); 108 Leo Masi (St. Joes); 109 Taylor Dunn (Church); 110 Ben Berry (ICS); 111 James R - Beck (ICS); 112 Ben Foster (ICS); 113 Milo Smith (Nova); 114 Jacob HD (Nova); 115 Quayum Lawal (SA); 116 Tyler Dunn (Church); 117 Lucas Garvey (Kings); 118 Matteus Gonzalez (Church); 119 Kieran White (LPA).

Junior girls: 1 Megan Poole (ICS); 2 Ayla Tonkin (Ridge); 3 Lavinia Rai (LPA); 4 Amelia Skittral (High); 5 Olivia Moore (Com); 6 Emilee Bradbury (LPA); 7 Anya Cornago (High); 8 Leona Malaru (LPA); 9 Sarah King (Nova); 10 Lucy Drury (ICS); 11 Nicola Kaezor (Com); 12 Amber Joseph (High); 13 Jazmine Passmore (Kings); 14 Danielle Stewart (LPA); 15 Alice Neighbour (Kings); 16 Katie Loach (ICS); 17 Ellie McGuigan (High); 18 Eliza Thomas (Com); 19 Tess Armstrong (High); 20 Coral Cooke (Kings); 21 Morggan Oldridge (High); 22 Fliss Tilley (High); 23 Isabel Day (Ridge); 24 Martha Griffiths (Ridge); 25 Maisey Ralph (Nova); 26 Sophie Smythe (Dorcan); 27 Sophie Day (ICS); 28 Sophie Hill (Ridge); 29 Molly De Boer (Dorcan); 30 Eleanor Evans (Ridge); 31 Jessica De Mello (St. Joes); 32 Katie King (St. Joes); 33 Maegan Watts (Com); 34 Mia Cole (High); 35 Cim Charlton (ICS); 36 Lucy Beafield (Com); 37 Amy Baker (Nova); 38 Eloise Joynson (High); 39 Estyer Williams (High); 40 Sarah Jones (ICS); 41 Asha Selith (LPA); 42 Daisy Palmer (Ridge); 43 Bethany Selwood (SA); 44 Mara Ferrier (SA); 45 Ellie Beeden (ICS); 46 Ruby Coward (Kings); 47 Sophie Foley - F (St. Joes); 48 Lilly Pastore (High); 49 Amy Lester (Ridge); 50 Kianna Polha (St. Joes); 51 Megan Piatek (St. Joes); 52 Elenca Figuera (Com); 53 Naomi Forbes (Ridge); 54 Shannon Harper (Dorcan); 55 Anna Takacs (Ridge); 56 Jennelly Rodrigues (St. Joes); 57 Tea Lowe (Dorcan); 58 Ella Reindl (High); 59 Rebecca Burdett (Kings); 60 Megan Taylor (Nova); 61 Moll Carter (Kings); 62 Maya Rivar (ICS); 63 Bethany Franklin (Kings); 64 Danielle Montgomery (Church); 65 Sarnai (SA); inbayar (Ridge); 66 Emily Reed (Kings); 67 Isabella Dempster (Ridge); 68 Amelie Duperon (Nova); 69 Bryony Argrave (Nova); 70 Chelsea Parker (Nova); 71 Jessica Oakley (ICS); 72 Lauren Gibbons (ICS); 73 Kiia Staffell (Nova); 74 Maria Witkowska (LPA); 75 Jessica B- B (St. Joes); 76 Ellie Styles (Nova); 77 Libby Wade (ICS); 78 Nastaran Karami (Nova); 79 Elsa Maunganidze (ICS); 80 Makarita Naceva (ICS); 81 Kayla Homer (ICS); 82 Amy Bandandon (Kings); 83 Parker (Kings); 84 Rebecca Davies (Ridge); 85 Phoebe Marshman (Ridge); 86 Myah Green (Ridge); 87 Molly Portlock (ICS); 88 Isabelle Humphreys (ICS); 89 Ninoshca Cabral (St. Joes); 90 Tiffany Priest (ICS); 91 Megan Newbury (Church); 92 Demi Savoury (Church); 93 Emily Bristow (Kings); 94 Daisy Taylor (ICS).

Junior boys: 1 Patrick Mochan (LPA); 2 Joseph Knibb (St. Joes); 3 Thomas Moore (Ridge); 4 Harry Cunningham (Ridge); 5 Dan Grant (LPA); 6 Rian Clarke (High); 7 Cian Ware (Com); 8 Harry Woods (Ridge); 9 Jack Gunning (Com); 10 Brad Poole (LPA); 11 James Rankin - Acosta (Ridge); 12 William Palmer (Ridge); 13 Tom Stokes (Com); 14 Marshall Fitchett (Nova); 15 Archie Thomas (High); 16 Alex Reeves (Ridge); 17 Tadgh O’Callaghan (Ridge); 18 Lewis Roze (LPA); 19 Harvie Greenwood (Ridge); 20 Harley Holdship (High); 21 Noah Beech (Ridge); 22 Steve Tilley (High); 23 Matt Courtney (ICS); 24 Jay Gilbert (Nova); 25 Malachi Willis (Dorcan); 26 Jamie Ash (LPA); 27 Noah Parker (Kings); 28 Daniel Towle (Kings); 29 Josh Quesnel (Nova); 30 Levi Robertson (SA); 31 Kurt Webster (LPA); 32 Jacob Minter (ICS); 33 Oliver Endicott (ICS); 34 Owen Miller (ICS); 35 Jake Sollis (Nova); 36 George Eutice (Nova); 37 Kai Easen (ICS); 38 Lucas Ramanek (Dorcan); 39 Finley Garraway (Ridge); 40 Charlie Hampson (Ridge); 41 Dan Triggs; 42 Lewis Bentley Pearson (LPA); 43 Oscar Pearcey (High); 44 Ben Lawnsiac (LPA); 45 Callum Teal (Nova); 46 Nathaniel Knibb (St. Joes); 47 Sam Morse (Ridge); 48 Sam Wheedon (Com); 49 Jamie Watson (LPA); 50 Ethan Carter (Kings); 51 Finn Banwell - Moore (Com); 52 Dan Eastell (Ridge); 53 Manny Ally (SA); 54 Joshua Brown; 55 Ashley Ray (Kings); 56 Oliver Byrne (St. Joes); 57 Bill Harris (Church); 58 Jacob Mann (Nova); 59 Rueben Moorby (Nova); 60 Nathan Clinch (Dorcan); 61 Quinny Alexander (ICS); 62 Jack Lampard (Nova); 63 Alfie Lee (St. Joes); 64 Jude Devine (Ridge); 65 Matt Adams (Kings); 66 Jake Hobbs (Nova); 67 Vasiles (Nova); 68 Euan Gault (Ridge); 69 Jordan Woodward (Church); 70 George Traincome (Nova); 71 Ben Wollen (Kings); 72 Sean Abrahams (ICS); 73 Tyler Blair (Com); 74 Pierce Williams (Ridge); 75 Sammy Harris (Church); 76 Kane Smith (Nova); 77 Jack Davis (Nova); 78 Ricardo (Nova); 79 Dillon Grimwades (ICS); 80 Riley Read (Ridge); 81 Oliver Complan - Dear (Kings); 82 No result; 83 Ross Lester (Ridge); 84 Tyrese Cham (Nova); 85 Alex Bachelor (LPA); 86 Ethan Meady (Kings); 87 Butler (Kings); 88 Tyler Hiller (Kings); 89 Gregory Campbell (ICS); 90 No result; 91 Zane Pinnock (Nova); 92 No result; 93 TJ Smith (Nova); 94 Nick Moore (Church).

Intermediate girls: 1 Dara Kelly (LPA); 2 Sophia Bonnetti (Ridge); 3 Mair Pugh (Nova); 4 Mya Laroque (Com); 5 Georgina Robbins (LPA); 6 Amelia Mulraney (LPA); 7 Jordan Lee Allen (Nova); 8 Jamie Kimber (Dorcan); 9 Mia Gough (Ridge); 10 Tianni Owens (Nova); 11 Hannah Hockin (Ridge); 12 Hannah Bailey (Kings); 13 Meline Selba (Nova); 14 Maddy Tonkin (Ridge); 15 Megan Burkhardt (Com); 16 Louisa Wood (Com); 17 Lucia Arthurs (ICS); 18 Georgia Hewes (ICS); 19 Samantha Ryall (ICS); 20 Eloise Brown (Kings); 21 Nicole Farr (SA); 22 Veronic Smirnova (SA); 23 Amy Smith (Nova); 24 Chloe Buckle (Dorcan); 25 Korrine Se (Nova); 26 Anna Jervis (Com); 27 Indy Sharland (Com).

Intermediate boys: 1 Jack Rockett (Nova); 2 Martin Newbold (SA); 3 Matthew Smith (Ridge); 4 Jack Tilling (LPA); 5 Harry Mackinna (Dorcan); 6 Kieran Lawler (Com); 7 Tom Carter (Com); 8 Harry Timbrell (Com); 9 Lewis Roberts (Com); 10 Karah Dodson (Nova); 11 Ty Misfad (LPA); 12 Alec harwar (Com); 13 Jack Lewis (Ridge); 14 Dan Philips (Com); 15 Lucas Peachey (ICS); 16 Dylan Caddle (LPA); 17 Josh Fox (Ridge); 18 Connor Carpernter (Nova); 19 George Leibb (Kings); 20 Thomas Freeman (Dorcan); 21 Corey Francome (Kings); 22 Jack Starkey (Church); 23 James Stuart (ICS); 24 Max Methange (Ridge); 25 Bailey Hansra (Ridge); 26 Matt Stone (Ridge); 27 Sam Waddall (Com); 28 Ethan Rutherford (Nova); 29 Ethan Ullah (Nova); 30 Josh Drury (Nova); 31 Jamie Boan (Com); 32 Edward King (LPA); 33 Nathan Riven (ICS); 34 Harrison Pearson (Com); 35 Alex O’Dell (Kings); 36 Harry Harvey (Kings); 37 Andre Norris (LPA); 38 Kyle Marr (Nova); 39 Hubert Webb (Nova); 40 Connor Twin (Nova); 41 Will Barron (Com); 42 George King (LPA); 43 John Robert; 44 Tommy Graham (Kings); 45 Will Prior (Nova); 46 Robbie Green (Ridge); 47 Ewan Turner (Ridge); 48 Toby Leslie (Ridge); 49 Tom Philips (Com); 50 Will Hickey (Com); 51 Tom Legg (Com); 52 Ethan Andrews (ICS); 53 Nigel Harris (Church); 54 Matthew Selwood (Nova); 55 Daniel Mazzotta (Dorcan); 56 Callum Little (Com); 57 Ethan Pearson (Com); 58 Marceli Gruski (Church).

OVERALL RESULTS

Minor girls: Commonweal A 68, Lydiard Park Academy (LPA) 96, Highworth 145, Ridgeway A 161, Nova 258, St Joe’s 270, Isambard 345, Kingsdown 366.

Minor boys: Ridgeway A 103, Commonweal A 115, LPA 129; Kingsdown 144, St Joe’s 164, Isambard 227, Ridgeway B 260, Commonweal B 212, Nova 311, Swindon Academy 426, Churchfields 531.

Junior girls: Highworth A 80, Isambard 129, LPA 146, Ridgeway A 149, Commonweal A 155, Kingsdown 214, Highworth B 240, St Joe’s 267, Nova 268, Ridgeway B 373.
Junior Boys: Ridgeway A 54, LPA 91, Highworth 147, Ridgeway B 188, Commonweal A 201, Nova 213, Isambard 220, Kingsdown 296.

Inter girls: Nova 81

Inter boys: Commonweal A 56, Bova 101, Ridgeway A 108, LPA 142, Kingsdown 214, Commonweal B 229.