Good prep pays at Ilkley schools

8:54am Friday 3rd October 2008

About 720 youngsters – some from as far afield as Sedbergh in Cumbria – competed in the 13th annual Bingley Harriers’ Schools’ Cross-Country Challenge in Myrtle Park.

And among the 600 finishers can be seen the growing trend of preparatory schools from Ilkley prospering thanks to the influence of Ilkley Harriers.

Moorfield provided both the individual winner of the Year Five girls’ race in Tassy Heslop and the third-placed finisher in Jemmima Elgood, while they also won the team prize.

Meanwhile, Westville House lifted the Year Five boys’ team prize and had the winner of the Year Six boys’ race in James Woodward.

Ilkley Grammar, not to be outdone, won the Year Seven and Eight girls’ team prize, while Ermysted’s from Skipton won both the Year Seven and Eight boys’ team and the Year 11, 12 and 13 boys’ team prizes.

Closer to home, Bradford Grammar did the double in the Year Six team races, while Oakbank lifted the Year Nine and Ten boys’ team award.