Latest successes from young stars
Our resident powerlifter Josh Lynch was part of the NW1 Strength and Conditioning squad that took on other weightlifters from Wales and England at a special event for Olympic Clubs in Manchester on Saturday, April 23.
The sports scholar came away victorious from his category, setting new personal bests in the snatch and clean and jerk.
After setting a new Welsh record at the National Schools’ Championships in January, the 12 year-old bettered that achievement by lifting 47kg in the snatch, and was also successful in lifting 60kg in the clean and jerk.
Unfortunately as the competition was not held in Wales Josh’s old records will stand for the time being.
Martyna Ruszkowska, Tom Cuddihy and Zach Speakman all competed at the Swim Wales National Finals, which were held in Swansea over the Easter break.
It proved to be a successful and busy meeting for Martyna, who produced a number of exceptional performances to come away with seven silver medals from the competition.
These included 100m freestyle and backstroke, 200m backstroke, in addition to 200 and 400m individual medley success.
She narrowly missed out on further medals, finishing fourth in both the 200m and 400m freestyle.
Additional medal success came from Zach, who continued his fine form in the water with silver in the 200m butterfly and bronze in the 1,500m freestyle events.
Mr Ruszkowski, said: “It was a wonderful effort from all three pupils and they are to be congratulated for their efforts.
“Martyna once again proved why she is regarded as one of the finest swimmers in the country in her age group, and Zac also continued his impressive progression in the face of stern competition.
“Tom also did himself and the school proud and we look forward to even more success with these three pupils in the not-too-distant future.”
Josh Thomas received the Bill Beattie award for Young Player of the Season at Colwyn Bay Hockey Club’s end of season presentation evening, which took place on Saturday, April 17.
The goalkeeper has made a sterling contribution to the men’s second team this season, having moved up from the third team despite being just 15 years-old.
His fine play has also caught the attention of regional scouts, who called him up to the North Wales U16 squad recently.
The talented sportsman has also enjoyed a fine year in school colours, having been a prominent figure for both hockey and rugby sides this season.
Mr Boyd, said: “This award is testament to how much Josh has improved throughout the season for both school and club, and the recognition is richly deserved.
“He is a very talented individual in a number of sports and has enjoyed a fine year. The sky is the limit in terms of just how much he can develop in the future."
Josh said that he “was not expecting to win”, and added that he was “shocked” when he name was announced.
A group of our talented sailors performed well at a national championship event.
The eight pupils tested their skills against some of the best sailors in the country at both the Welsh Youth and Junior National Championships, which were held in Pwllheli on April 23-24.
The pair of Zac Blomeley and Ewan Luke produced the school’s best performance of the day, finishing runner-up in the Feva class, with 12 year-old Felix Corson finishing in fifth.
Aidan Skinner finished in sixth place with two crews which consisted of Tirion Jones and Kathleen Cheesley, with Ruby Hodgson coming in seventh.
In the 29er class Daisy Lee-Browne and partner Chloe Butterworth narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in a highly competitive fleet.
Mr Cashell, said: “The first day saw four races over the course of seven hours on the water. A long day by all accounts, it was only a nights rest before racing was to return on the Sunday.
“Another two races were to follow in lighter, gusty and shifty, winds. This proved to be the difference and well done to all our sailors for their sterling efforts.”
Teddy Roberts achieved a gold medal in the 200m butterfly at the Liverpool Sprint Meet, despite not being fully fit after injury ruled him out of the Swim Wales national finals.
In addition to his gold, he gained a pair of Bronze medals for his efforts in the 100m and 50m butterfly events in times of 1:12:67 and 32:92 respectively, while also claiming bronze in the 50m freestyle.
The gifted swimmer maintained his rank as number one in Wales in the 100m fly in the aged 13 category, while he is also now ranked third in the 200m discipline.
Mr Ruszkowski, said: “It was great to see Teddy performing as well as he did despite not yet being at optimum fitness due to injury.
“When he is 100 per cent we should see even better results, which will hope fully see him reach number one nationally in all three butterfly distances by the end of the competition calendar.
“Teddy is one of the most naturally gifted swimmers in his age bracket anywhere in the country, and he has shown tremendous commitment to recover from injury which is already paying dividends.”
Daniel Pearce put his new qualification to good use by stepping in to referee an U13 rugby match between Colwyn Bay and Ruthin on Saturday, April 23.
The 16 year-old was able to officiate after completing his Welsh Rugby Union refereeing certificate last October at the school.
Daniel is following in the footsteps of many other pupils who have gone down the referee route in recent years, such as ex-pupil, Stephen Hambley, who is a current Level 6 official and who has taken charge of world class sevens contests with a 40,000 audience.
Mr Boyd, said: “It was great to see Daniel giving up his own time to referee a youth rugby match, and we are thrilled that he represented the school in a dignified manner.
“We offer a number of extra-curricular courses here that are entirely optional, but our pupils show tremendous dedication in wanting to gain more out of their education, which is extremely pleasing.
“This experience will do Daniel the world of good and I am delighted that he is putting his referee qualifications to the test.”
Indoor cricketer Aaron Sherrington was part of the triumphant Wales side that came away victorious from a Tri-Nations competition, which was held last weekend at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
The 12 year-old was one of seven players from North Wales competing at the event, and played a big part in their win over Scotland; taking a wicket and bowling two maidens in the success.
Wales would take the title after winning their final game in thrilling fashion to take bragging rights from the nearby nations.
Mr Leach, said: “This is great news and congratulations go to Aaron and the Welsh side for their outstanding effort.
“For Aaron to contribute to the success of the Welsh side shows tremendous composure to perform under pressure, and everyone is very proud of his performance.”