Hot on the heels of their success in the NSSA Northen Championships, Reece and Finn Pike were joined by the remaining ski team members Noah Bailey and Sean Whillis to compete in the English Outdoor Finals at Swadlincote.

All four lads performed to the best of their ability with a stand out performance by newest member Sean Whillis knocking 3 seconds off his previous best times at Swadlincote.

Sadly the boys were unable to retain their title as the organisers, due to fewer competitors changed the format to just one trophy for males and females, with Friary coming fourth to some very strong mixed teams. Congratulations to local rivals Stafford Grammar School. One consolation was 3rd place medal for Finn Pike in U14 category.

Russ Pike, team coach, said: “This next weekend is the big one. The ESSKIA British Schools Championships will see the boys go head-to-head against the best children from the most prestigious schools across the UK. Over 180 races will start the race at Stoke with The Friary School being the only comprehensive school to qualify.”