RONNIE Sparke has set his sights on impressing at the National Cross Country Championships. The Oaklands Academy athlete continued his winning streak recently when he won a gold medal in the Herts Schools Cross Country Championships. St Albans based Ronni

RONNIE Sparke has set his sights on impressing at the National Cross Country Championships.

The Oaklands Academy athlete continued his winning streak recently when he won a gold medal in the Herts Schools Cross Country Championships. St Albans based Ronnie, aged 16, also claimed the top spot in the South of England Cross Country Championships at the end of January.

Fellow Oaklands athlete Rhys Glastonbury, aged 16, has also shown impressive form to win the 1,500m at the National Welsh Indoor Championships during January. Rhys also claimed a gold medal at the Oxfordshire County Cross Country Championships.

Ronnie and Rhys have qualified for the National Cross Country Championships and the English Schools Championships in Liverpool. Oaklands' Athletics Academy Director, Gary Anderson said: "Ronnie and Rhys are making great progress and have been doing the college proud."

Oaklands' Athletics Academy is aimed at male and female athletes, aged 16-19. Through the academy, students study for a BTEC National Diploma in Sports, as well as receiving top-level athletics coaching.

l HERTS Phoenix hosted the final race of the Metropolitan Cross Country League at Verulamium Park on Saturday.

The Under 13s girls team race was dramatic. Ella Lloyd led the chase, taking first place and Lizzie Bird came in third. Laura Coffey took sixth and Phoenix won the team age group.

The Under 15s boys and Under 17s men held onto second place.

l A STRONG contingent from St Albans Striders made the short journey to Cassiobury Park on Sunday for the the Watford Half Marathon.

Paul Adams finished third in 1 hr 11 mins, with Pablo Plaza taking 14th in 1hr 15mins. Steve Buckle and Matt Ennion, both recording 1.16, played their part to help the team to first place.

Other Striders results: Paul Greaves 1:17, Blake Vivian 1:17, Andy Auld 1:21, Grant West 1:22, Paul Siddle 1:23, Edward Blake 1:23, Richard Harry 1:24, Neal Jordan-Caws 1:29, Liz McKie 1:29, Trevor Clements 1:30, Colin Braybrook 1:31, Mike McManus 1:34, Nick Mackay 1:34, Chris Carradice 1:35, Gwyfor Tyley 1:36, Liz Walls 1:36, Kevin Morris 1:36, Andy Shepherd 1:38, Chris Ferguson 1:38, David Upjohn 1:39, Carol O'Connor 1:40, Ian Nicol 1:40, Nicky Carter 1:41, Rav Marshall 1:42:50, Mike Jack 1:43, Pete Smith:43, Caroline Earp 1:44, Richard Bentley 1:45, Pat Higgins 1:45, Ruth Richards 1:46 and Martin Whitworth 1:47.