STEVE FENNEL, of Judd School at Tonbridge, came close to an individual medal in the English Schools cross country championships at Maidstone's Mote Park (Alan Newman writes).

Fennel ran an aggressive race at the front of the senior boys field of 266 athletes from 44 counties but could not quite break into a podium position.

A powerful sprint off the final hill was rewarded with fourth place and an English Schools vest for the international match at Ayr in Scotland next month.

This was the individual highlight for Kent schools representatives on a day when the county town welcomed competitors from Northumbria to the Channel Islands and everywhere between.

The weather conditions in Mote Park were changeable and the course provided a tough challenge but the organisation of the Kent Schools Athletic Association, supported by local clubs and an army of volunteers, ensured a successful event.

Kent finished fifth in the senior boys team race with Andrew Welch (Harvey Grammar) providing excellent support to Fennel in 16th position.

James Davis, Nick Slade, Tom Collins and Daniel Bradley completed the scoring six that finished just three points behind Greater Manchester.

The intermediate boys team went one better to finish fourth, only 14 points behind bronze medallists, Hampshire.

Tristram Ford (Tonbridge School) started the scoring in 16th position closely followed by Jack Tyler (Howard School).

The early stages had seen local favourite Jamie Ross-Davies (Maidstone Grammar) from Penenden Heath in the mix at the front but an unfortunate fall cost many places as Adam Bailey, Sam Dobin and Ben Tyler just missed out on precious metal rewards.

The junior boys were unable to make much impact although Kurt Wolfe (Sevenoaks School) and Lawrence Clemence (Rochester Maths) were prominent scorers for Kent.

The senior girls finished an impressive eighth overall with county champion Terri Wiley (Minster College) leading the team home in 34th position.

The intermediate girls had expected to struggle after leading contenders Joanne Roberts and Natalie Gray had been forced to withdraw through injury.

Lily Martin and Chloe Mitchell made the top hundred with Catherine Saville (Aylesford School) the next counter.

The junior girls rallied to finish an excellent seventh team with Megan Edward, Amy Smith and Holly Samuel charging at the front for Kent.