The day started with Reception and Year 1, with the boys taking part in a multitude of races – from the traditional egg and spoon, through to the sack race, to the 50 metre shuttle relay races.  The enjoyment could be seen on the boys’ faces. This coupled with the joy of receiving medals from the lovely Mrs Notton-Brown, and the excitement of the events, made the morning a very special one.  The standard of the competition was fantastic and Mr Denton and Mr Grose had certainly done an excellent job in Reception and Year 1 PE lessons in helping the pupils prepare for this day. A special mention of the Junior Boys PTA is to be made for their contributions to school sports and for purchasing the medals and trophies.

Years 2 and 3 took to the field immediately after to compete in their events, and once again the level of competition was very high. The boys performed very well, showing that the future standard of athletics at Junior Boys should remain high, with some very closely fought races. In Year 3 Daniel was the pupil to beat as he walked away with the Year 3 Victor Ludorum after winning 3 events; the 100m, 75m, and Potato race!

Following lunch, the older pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 stepped forward to add a fitting climax to the day.  They provided great excitement and tension, demonstrating much talent, and excelled on an afternoon of high competition.  Once again events were decided by the closest of margins as the competition between the boys was evident. However, good sportsmanship abounded and many pupils cheered on those finishing lower down the ranks, or hands were shaken after races.  Proof, again, that a love of sport is engendered in these pupils. We had three field events - long jump, high jump and the cricket ball throw running at the same time as the track programme and this provided for a fantastic spectator experience. 

In Year 4 the Victor Ludorum was shared by Jack winning the 50m, 75m and finishing 2nd in the 200m, and by Josh winning the 400m, 200m and finishing 2nd in the 55m Hurdles.  Year 5’s Victor Ludorum was also shared, with Thomas P winning the Long Jump, High Jump and the 55m Hurdles, and Thomas S winning the 75m, 100m and 200m. In Year 6 William won the 200m, 400m (in a new school record of 1 min 07.46 secs) and the 800m to win the Victor Ludorum for the third year in a row. 

Nick Butterfield, Junior Boys Head of Sports, praised the boys:

“Well done to all the pupils who competed for their sportsmanship and pride for their House’s, making the day one parents, relatives, and staff will remember for a long time.  Thank you!”

See the full gallery here.