SPORTY pupils from across Pendle have been busy in recent weeks demonstrating their all-round abilities in a range of sports.

From cross country to netball and sportshall athletics to cycling, youngsters have turned out in force both indoors and outdoors.

The Pendle Primary School Cross Country Championships attracted more than 100 boys and girls from 10 schools battling it out in muddy and slippery conditions at Holt House.

But the course was well marshalled by students from Fisher More and Park High Schools with two Nelson and Colne College students acting as ‘leader’ and ‘tail end charlie’ in both races.

The course was set by ladies from Trawden Athletics Club and they also helped at the finish line on the day.

And it was Laneshawbridge who completed the double, winning both the girls and boys events.

With the lower the score, the higher the finish, and Laneshawbridge topped the table with 23 points with St Thomas second with 45 points. Earby were third with 66 points.

The top 10 was completed 4 St Michaels (85); 5 Blacko (87), 6 Park (99); 7 Sacred Heart (112); 8 Wheatlwey Lane (115); 9 Holy Saviour (168); 10 Walverden (189).

In the girls event, Laneshawbridge finished top with 23 points with Earby second with 46 and Blacko third with 63.

The remained of the results were: 4 St Thomas (76); 5= St Michaels (111); 5= Wheatley Lane (111); 7 Holy Saviour (129); 8 Sacred Heart (132); 9 Walverden (161). Park were 10th but only had two runners competing, From the mud of the cross country course it was on to the netball courts.

After playing 31 fixtures in the Pendle Central Venue Netball League, four teams took part in the Plate Final at Pendle Vale College.

And since the league first started in September, all the players showed they had come on in leaps and bounds.

On finals night, it was Holy Saviour who finished first after winning all three of their games, beating Chris Church 2-1, Lord Street 3-1 and Castercliff 4-1.

Lord Street were runners-up thanks to a 4-2 win over Castercliff and a 2-1 win against Christ Church while Chris Church were third on account of beating Castercliff 3-1 who were fourth.

“Since the first games back in September the players have made big improvements in their skills and understanding of netball and should be proud of their efforts,” said Neil Stewart, school games organiser for the Pendle School Sport Partnership.

The top six schools across the borough took part in the Pendle Sportshall Athletics finals which were again held at Pendle Vale College on Thursday 5th March.

And here pupils really did get to show off their all-round abilities, competing in the sponge javelin throw, basketball chest push, vertical jump, standing long jump, 5 stride jump, speed bounce and numerous relay runs.

And it could not have been any closer with only 12 points between the top 4 schools - with parents, teachers and class-mates cheering the young athletes that added to an electric atmosphere.

St Joseph’s proved to be the hall stars with 133 points, just eight ahead of second placed Earby while Christ Church were third with 122 points.

Blacko were fourth (120pts), Wheatley Lane fifth (95pts) and Marsden sixth (85pts) “It was a fantastic competition with all athletes performing very well in their respective events,” added Stewart. “It was exciting to have such a close competition and all athletes should be proud of their achievements and effort on the night.

“A big thank you to all the Pendle Vale College who officiated the events so professionally. Also to the students at Fisher More, Marsden Heights, West Craven and Park who helped with the preliminary rounds.”

From the indoor track it was on to the outdoor track for the Pendle Cycle Championships at the Steven Burke Cycle Hub A total of four teams took part in three events, skills relay, team pursuit and individual racing.

And the overall winners were Coates Lane with 12 points with Walverden second with eight, Marsden third with six and Park four with eight.

Coates Lane and Walverden will now represent Pendle in the East Lancashire Cycling Final at the Steven Burke Cycle Hub on May 19.