ATHLETICS

THREE of Orion Harriers' most promising young athletes took part in the 40th English Schools' National Cross-Country Championships in Sefton Park, Liverpool.

Lauren MacGregor, Armanni Antoine-Chagar and Jay Andrews all qualified for the prestigious event through the Essex Schools' trials held in January, and all were looking to impress on the national scene against the country's top runners.

And it proved to be an extremely successful day for the trio as they helped a strong Essex team to a silver medal in the junior girls' section.

In a field of more than 300 runners, MacGregor finished 41st, Antoine-Chagar 46th and Andrews 101st in an outstanding achievement for the girls.

Orion junior team manager Jane Farrier was extremely proud of their efforts, adding: "I am absolutely delighted that Lauren, Armanni and Jay fully justified their selection to compete for Essex Schools in this race.

"It is a mark of the progress they have made this season that they have finished so far up the field against the elite runners in the country.

"The Orion junior set up has gone from strength to strength this season and the club looks forward to progressing still further in the future.

"These are exciting times for our young runners."