- SPORT REPORTS
The Sports
The sports were held on two consecutive days, the heats being run on the first day. Enthusiasm was whipped up to boiling point by various House Captains and it was fortunate for everyone that javelin and discus throwing was relegated to the lower end of the field. The exuberance of many juniors was overwhelming and as their aims are not quite as steady as those of their older counterparts, people within a radius of at least two miles were in mortal danger of being transfixed by a stray javelin.
The running events were carried through admirably although the jumping events were perhaps the most exciting as we watched the tape of the jumping stands shivering to a standstill as though a miniature atom bomb had descended upon it. The long-jump pit was surrounded by a sea of sandy faces as a sprawling mass of legs and arms landed with a flurry of flying sand.
It was noticed that the staff, to whom we owe generous praise, were encouraging and excited, but, of course, they did not have to participate.
Everyone encouraged his or her House and the points were very close, with Lees House winning by a short head.
I feel that we ought to congratulate Joyce Siddall on her remarkable performances for Walton House, and to Keith Lang for obtaining a time of 2 mins. 8 secs, for the half-mile.
The sports were ended successfully, but the following day many competitors were treading gingerly around the school because of stiff muscles and aching arms.
We should like to thank the staff for their enthusiasm and encouragement without which the sports could never have been carried through with success.
SHEILA KNOTT, Upper VI Lit.
The Swimming Gala
The Annual Inter-House Swimming Gala, held at the end of July at the Central Swimming Baths, went off with a splash.
At the commencement of the races the excitement increased and amongst the boys every race was well-contested. It is a pity, however, that this cannot be said of the girls, amongst whom there was a lack of support. Walton House was the only House who had a complete list of entries, and in consequence had a walk-over as far as the Swimming Cup was concerned. The position of the Houses at the end of the Gala was Walton (first place), Fawsitt (second place) and Lees (third place). ,
Finally, I should like to thank all members of the staff, without whom the Swimming Gala would not have been possible; to Mr. Sedgley for acting as starter and to Mr. Higson for presenting the cup to the winning House.
MARGARET NOLAN, Upper VI Lit.
Swimming
The school has had a very successful year with its swimming activities.
For the second time in three years the school gained the Brown Shield in open competition with all the schools in Oldham.
At the Town Gala, again for the second time in three years, the Junior Boys, Senior Boys and Junior Girls were victorious in the respective sections, and in the course of the Gala gained four pennants and a cup.
Both boys and girls have done very well in their tests, and Dyson has passed all the tests, including life-saving, that it is possible for a boy of the second year to pass.
Morris, of the second year, must be congratulated on representing the town.
There is a promising number of swimmers in the first year and we hope to repeat our achievements this season.