PICTURES: 'Electric atmosphere' at East Sutherland schools' benchball tournament
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All eight primary schools across East Sutherland were represented at the East Sutherland Schools Sports Association (ESSSA) benchball tournament last Tuesday, October 3, hosted at Golspie High School.
A total of 14 teams entered: six girls’ teams, five boys’ teams and three mixed teams. Each team played in a round robin competition with games lasting five minutes each. To get through a total of 31 games, there was a swift turnaround after each game and onto the next.
Trophies were awarded to the girls and boys teams coming first in the Small Schools and Big Schools categories. There was also a mixed class. Pupils received a medal for first and second place.
Edderton athlete Ross Gollan presented the awards along with ward councillor Jim McGillivray. Mr Gollan’s athletics career has been supported by the High Life Highland Athlete Travel Award Scheme. Last year he was called up to make his debut for Great Britain in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.
Four sports leaders from Golspie High School – Grace Howard, Niamh Fox, Robyn Booth and Martha Sutherland – took on the role of referees, as well as two peripatetic PE primary staff, Sheila Gollan and Pat Sutherland. Golspie Primary School volunteer, Gayle MacRae, assisted with the results tables. Everyone was thanked for their contributions and time to make the tournament a success.
Elissa Stevenson, High Life Highland’s active schools co-ordinator helped organise the event.
She said: “It was great to see all schools represented, and so many teams entering, with pupils mixing with other schools in East Sutherland.
“The atmosphere at the event was electric! There was so much encouragement and cheering from the teams’ families, teachers, and fellow pupils.
“The pupils have been busy training during school time and at lunchtimes with the help of some active schools volunteers."
Ms Stevenson added: “It was brilliant to have Ross Gollan, who used to attend this tournament as a child, present the awards, along with Councillor Jim McGillivray who is a great supporter of these events.
“Overall, the event was well-supported and well-attended, which keeps morale high and makes the event a very happy one.”
RESULTS
Small Schools – Girls
First – Lairg Primary School
Second – Helmsdale Primary School
Small Schools – Boys
First – Helmsdale Primary School
Second – Bonar Bridge Primary School
Big Schools – Girls
Joint First – Brora and Dornoch primary
schools
Second – Golspie Primary School
Big Schools – Boys
First – Dornoch Primary School
Second – Golspie Primary School
Mixed Teams
First – Lairg Primary School
Second – Rogart Primary School
