TWO Jersey athletes have gained places in the England schools’ cross-country team after some brilliant performances in the national championships last weekend.

Intermediate Felicity Johnson-Deeley and junior Danielle Leerson qualified when running in the English Schools championships at Stanford Hall, Loughborough, last Saturday. They will compete against Wales in Bangor this Saturday.

Felicity, a pupil of Jersey College for Girls, had her sights set on a top 20 place – but at the half way point it became apparent that a top ten place could be a possibility. She then produced a tremendous finish to move up the field and gain eighth spot from the 330 starters.

Danielle, of Le Rocquier, competing in the junior girls’ event, produced the race of her life. Being determined to finish in the top ten and improving on last year’s 14th, she was in contention in the front group all the way and in an exciting finish gained fifth spot overall.

The course was extremely tough, despite the good weather, with many uphill sections, especially the last half mile.The top ten finishers in each race are selected to represent England in the Home Countries Schools International.

The others in the Jersey who also performed well last weekend were Oliver Terry (Victoria College); Daniel Robinson (Haute Vallée), Elliott Dorey (Hautlieu); Chloe Turmel (Le Rocquier).

• Picture: Danielle Leerson (left) and Felicity Johnson-Deeley wearing their England Schools cross-country kit