THE record-equalling total of 11 Craven qualifiers for North Yorkshire's team to contest last Saturday's English Schools Cross-country Finals at the Royal Norfolk Showground faced a predictably tough examination (writes Roger Ingham).

Competing against the best of 44 county sides, they produced some creditable performances not least from Ingleton Middle School's Sam Hutchinson.

Despite conceding a year in age to most of his rivals in the junior boys (years eight and nine), he played a significant role in helping his team to a splendid sixth position.

Hutchinson finished 52nd, but only four other year eight ahletes finished ahead of him. With the top eight winning automatic selection for England, a place could well be within his grasp next time around.

Also on the scoresheet to help North Yorkshire to that top-six placing was fellow Skipton Athletics Club member James Mountain, of Ermysted's Grammar School, who finished just outside the top 100. The team title went to Essex.

North Yorkshire's next best team placing was in the junior girls' event where Giggleswick School's Claire Lilley was the county's third runner home, contributing significantly to her team's lofty 12th position. Greater Manchester just pipped Hampshire for top spot.

This was no mean achievement for Lilley, who finished 82nd individually, for she has been tied to the county hockey team and was unable to prepare specifically for this event.

In the intermediate boys, South Craven School's Aaron Fletcher - likewise finishing in the 80s - had the distinction of leading North Yorkshire's challenge.