All eight Primary Schools across East Sutherland were represented at the East Sutherland Schools Sports Association (ESSSA) Benchball Tournament on Tuesday 3rd October, hosted at Golspie High School.
A total of 14 teams entered: six girls’ teams, five boys teams and three mixed teams. Each category played in a ‘round robin’ competition with games lasting 5 minutes each. To get through a total of 31 games, there was a swift turnaround after each game and onto the next.
Four Sports Leaders from Golspie High School (Grace Howard, Niamh Fox, Robyn Booth and Martha Sutherland) took on the role as referees, as well as two peripatetic PE primary staff (Mrs Gollan and Mrs 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 who assisted with the organisation of the event, 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 team’s 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. This contributes directly to getting more children more active!
“Trophies were awarded to the schools coming first in the Small Schools, Big Schools, and Mixed categories, as well as each pupil receiving a medal for first and second place.
“It was brilliant to have Ross Gollan, ‘Great Britain Athlete for Mountain and Trail Running’ and also the Highland ‘Athlete Travel Award Scheme’ (ATAS) athlete, who hails from Edderton – and who used to attend this tournament as a child!) – to 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.”
The results are as follows:
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 & 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
