CROSS country is not Ciaran Cooper’s favourite event but the 18-year-old will be pumped up for his final appearance for Wiltshire at the English Schools’ Championships in Blackburn on Saturday, writes Kevin Fahey.

The Swindon New College student cut a frustrated figure at the recent England Indoor Championships as he failed to progress beyond the heats of the under 20 men’s 800m, when he had been a strong contender for a place in the final.

“I don’t know what happened that day but it was very disappointing,” said Cooper.

“I went to Sheffield with the aim of at least making the final but it just didn’t happen. It was a bad day; really weird, but you have to look forward, so I am now raring to go on Saturday.

“It will be a bit emotional being my last one and while cross county is not my best, I still enjoy big events like this. I won’t be under any pressure, so I’ll go there and enjoy myself and do my best for Wiltshire.”

If Cooper can make the top 100 in Blackburn, that will be a career best by some way. Last year, he placed 171st in the senior boys’ race and in previous years, his record reads 209th, 309th and 258th.

“I’m looking forward to the summer and getting back on the track again,” added Cooper, for whom the mud and muck of cross country is clearly a means to an end.

Wiltshire’s challenge in the senior boys’ race is likely to be led by 17-year-old Ridgeway School student Callum Bampton. The multi-time county champion, from Chiseldon, was fifth in the South West Championships and might be more at home on the testing Lancashire course.

Malmesbury School teenager Zoe Wassell should also figure prominently in the inter girls’ age group after a series of impressive performances this year, including a bronze in the regional event.

Also representing the county in that age group is Nova Hreod teenager Chloe Crippen, who earlier this year was named Young Sportswoman of the Year at the Swindon Advertiser Sports Awards.