Schools Cross Country competition took centre stage, with 650 children taking part over the Prospect course.

And while everyone was a `winner' West End Primary School once again showed that they are best, taking two team categories.

The Somerset school captured both the Under-10 Boys and Over 10 Girls divisions to emphasise their superiority.

The Under-10 Boys totalled 44 points to easily beat out second placed Saltus (138) and Southampton Glebe (142), while their female counterparts tallied 88, as they held off Southampton Glebe (118) and neighbours Somerset Primary (131).

Victor Scott topped the Under-10 Boys division with 63 points, followed by Port Royal (100) and Francis Patton (123), while Saltus emerged in the Over-10 Boys category, outdistancing Somerset Primary (98) and Prospect (119).

Individually, Francis Patton's Tiffany Talbot just edged out Dannielle Watson and Sherri Minors for first place in the Under-10 Girls. Talbot clocked 10 minutes, 50 seconds, compared to 10:52 and 10:54 for Watson and minors respectively.

Among the Under-10 boys Henry Talbot of Saltus topped the list with a time of 9:25, followed by the defending champion Jason Dill (9:37), who had to settle for second this time, and Shane Morrissey (9:40).

Akila Mills of Gilbert Institute romped home in the Over-10 Girls, her 10:30 clocking outstripping Charmae Benjamin (10:49) and Tenille Simons (10:53).

Finally, in the Over-10 Boys it was Prospect Primary's Jeremiah Smith head and shoulders above the rest as he finished in 9:03 followed by Phillip Thomas (9:11) and Lamont Marshall (9:17).

Prize presenter Kavin Smith, veteran track, cross country and road runner probably summed it up best, telling the youth: "It seems like only yesterday that I was on the other side of the fence.

"I have to say to the younger kids `take advantage of your younger days, because time goes by fast'.'' Also on hand to present prizes were well-known runner Jennifer Fisher and politician Terry Lister, the latter of which said he was pleased with the turn-out by fathers in support of their young ones.

"If we continue this we can all be proud together,'' said Lister.

Photos by Tamell Simons CHAMPIONS -- Saltus' champion Over-10 Boys team display their wares after yesterday's triumph.

ONE IN A MILL-ION -- Gilbert Institute's Akila Mills, shows off her gold medal after capturing first place in the Over-10 Girls division at the Primary Schools Cross Country Championships.