SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Bracknell gathered for the first round of the borough’s indoor athletics championship last week.

With 24 schools competing in the Bracknell Forest Primary Schools Indoor Athletics Championships the teams were split into two heats, with the top six schools from each round being entered into the final at the end of January.

The day got underway with a hurdles race before being put through their paces in the first round of field events.

Chris Vaal, leisure development manager for Bracknell Forest Council who run the event with English Athletics, said: “In the morning session the teams were into their stride immediately with some really close finishes in the hurdles relays.

“The first phase of the field events also produced some close finishes as every athlete gathered points for their teams.

“Next on the track were the individual athletes and with the rest of their teams behind them they strained every sinew to score as many points as they could.

“The two lap relays were a little more sedate but equally competitive, as the lead changed hands a number of times.”

By the second round of field events the leaders were well established but several teams were close to nabbing the coveted top six qualifying spots.

Mr Vaal said the afternoon heats saw another 12 teams determined to qualify.

“If anything, the competition was even closer with just a handful of points separating the teams at the halfway stage,” he said.

“It remained close as the second set of field events took place, but gradually one or two teams opened a gap and looked set for the final. Once again the battle for the remaining qualifying places was quite intense.

“Fox Hill and Winkfield St Marys were tied going into the last race, but Winkfield scored just enough points to pip the gallant Fox Hill team at the post.”

The qualifying teams from the morning were Meadow Vale, St Josephs, Sandy Lane, New Scotland Hill, Uplands and Warfield. The afternoon qualifying teams were Once again the final relay races finally settled matters. Ascot Heath, Whitegrove, Binfield, College Town, Wooden Hill and Winkfield St Marys.

The 12 finalists will meet again for the exciting final on Friday, January 29.