THERE was no stopping The Holt in the Reading and District Schools Under-16 championships at Palmer Park last Thursday.

The Wokingham-based girls were the third highest qualifiers following two rounds, but rose to the occasion on the day and finished with 97 points, sealing victory by winning the sprint relay.

The overall runners-up were Piggott A on 93 points, three ahead of Park House, who had headed the qualifiers.

Others: Waingels College 72, The Abbey 66.5, Denefield 54.5, Maiden Erlegh 54, Reading Girls 53.5, Piggott B also 53.5, Bradfield College 50, Kennet 47, Highdown 43.

Forest A were clear winners of the boys’ event, having been only sixth of the 12 qualifiers.

They totalled 103.5 points, 11.5 more than Maiden Erlegh with Blue Coat A, the top qualifiers, a close-up third on 91.

The top three finished well clear of the fourth school, Others: Little Heath 69, Park House and Piggott 65, Reading School 64.5, Waingels 58, Blue Coat B 47, Brakenhale 43, Forest B 40, St Joseph’s College 16.

The competition was once again competently organised by Brian Day, who described finals day as “both enjoyable and successful” when thanking the competitors and their teachers for taking part.

He added: “I would also like to thank the non-teaching officials without whom the competition could not function - chief recorder Stella Bacon, marksman Brian Bacon, field event referee Jill Wright, who is also the Reading Schools AA president, and official timekeepers Mark Balchin, Carolyn Walker and Alan Hatch.”