CONIFERS stole the show as Budmouth held the first-ever primary school crosscountry event in Weymouth.

The Westham-based school blew the competition away to win six of eight races, held in glorious sunshine.

More than 100 students from eight schools across Years 3 to 6 took part in the meeting, which doubled as the first primary school sporting festivity since Covid-19.

Competitors in Years 3 to 4 ran a course approximately 850m in length, while the upper two Years ran three-quarters of a mile.

Conifers' strength in depth really shone through as their B team won all their races, while the A team added another two victories.

READ MORE: Portland United to promote youth in run-in

The first triumph came in race one for Year 3 and 4 girls as Conifers held off the challenge of St. Augustine's and Atlantic.

Chickerell won race two for Year 3 and 4 boys ahead of Conifers and St. Augustine's.

Conifers' girls doubled up in race three, for Years 5 and 6, fending off competition from Chickerell with St Augustine's taking their third podium spot.

Holy Trinity got in on the winning act for Years 5 and 6 boys, beating Conifers into second with St. Augustine's once more on the rostrum.

Event organiser Andy David said: "Covid has had a terrible impact on grassroots sport and we are unlikely to see the true ramifications for many years yet.

"The physical impact is easy to see but less easy to see will be the mental health issues that have been documented in several recent reports from the Youth Sports Trust.

"The benefits of sport are well documented so it is essential that we try and rebuild the opportunities that existed before Covid and encourage all children to exercise in a safe environment.

"Seeing children laugh, cheer and conquer a new challenge whilst exercising was a wonderful sight and we look forward to hosting some more events over the summer term."