SPORTY pupils at a Darlington school have shown they have winning skills after taking gold at competitions across the region.

The year nine boys rugby team at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, have won the Tees Valley ten-a-side tournament for the first time in the school’s history.

The team beat rivals from Conyers School, in Yarm, with a 15-5 win and will go on to compete in the North-East final, which will be held later this year.

Stewart Souter, head of PE, said: “The boys performed very well as team. Their tackling passing and support play has really improved and it showed in the final against Conyers.

“They are all really looking forward to the North-East final.”

The squad included Nathan Forest, Ross Boddy, Jacob Charles, and Noah Robinson, all 13, and 14-year-olds, James Souter, Dom Dawson, Toby Haithwaite, Tom Freary, Adam Westgarth, Luke Taylor, Chris Potter, Tom Hunter, and Sam Garlick.

Meanwhile, year eight student, Jade Cook, set the fastest time in England for 50 metres breastroke for her age group at the Northumberland and Durham County Championships.

The 12-year-old took gold with her record time of 36.11 seconds at Sunderland Aquatic Centre earlier this month.

Her time secured her a place in the women’s open final against swimmers up to the age of 21, in which she finished seventh in the country.

Dawn Pilbeam, assistant subject leader for PE, said: “A fantastic achievement for Jade. She is such a hard worker in all activities and yet very modest too.

“She is a great role model for all pupils as she manages to balance her sport with her school work too.”