ST BARNABAS ‘stamped’ their authority on the Blackburn with Darwen Primary Schools Orienteering competition to book their place in the county finals.

The super Saints finished in first place and have now mapped a route to the the SPAR Lancashire School Games were they will represent the borough against teams from across the region.

A total of 12 teams took part in the annual competition that was held at Feniscowles Recreation ground.

Schools were given different time slots throughout the during the day to complete a generic course to see who would progress to represent Blackburn & Darwen at the School Games in Blackpool in July.

Children were split into pairs and each pair was given a map of the grounds, which showed them where each station was, and a card that needed to be stamped with 10 specific stamps situated around the grounds.

Their challenge was to complete the course in the fastest time possible.

The scoring was based on how quickly the children got around the 10 station course and back to the start, the three quickest times from each school were then added together to get a final score.

The format also encouraged the children to work as a team as they were required to stay with their partners whilst completing the course.

Lower Darwen’s fastest three pairs came in with a time of 41 minutes and 55 seconds which was enough to take the bronze medals. The Redeemer won silver after clocking 38mins 9secs but it was St Barnabas’ from Darwen who were the fastest with an impressive time of 34mins 29secs to claim the title.

St Barnabas’ will now progress to represent Blackburn and Darwen in Blackpool at the SPAR Lancashire School Games on 2nd July.

Andrew Mercer School Games Organiser said: “It was great to see the children reading their maps and coming up with strategies to collect the stamps as quickly as possible.

“I would like to thank Feniscowles Sports Club for hosting the competition and staff from the club for their help setting up the course.

“I wish St Barnabas the best of luck in the county finals and hope they can again be amongst the medals in Blackpool.”

The SPAR Lancashire School Games are sponsored by Lancashire business, James Hall & Co who are sponsoring the games for a 13th year.

Peter Dodding, sales and marketing director at James Hall & Co said: “We are thrilled to be able to continue our support for the Games. Last year the games reached over 94,000 Lancashire school children – an amazing achievement and one we can’t wait to repeat in 2019.”

A series of regionals events, covering 24 sports will be held, culminating with the Games that will be held at Blackpool’s Stanley Park on July 2 where 2600 children will represent their district and school.

New for 2019 will be a number of participation events to promote inclusivity in sport - including dodgeball, angling, volleyball and climbing.

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