PRIMARY pupils went head-to-head at an inter-school hockey competition.

Some 10 schools took part in the Primary MegaMAT Games first hockey competition, backed by the South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, on the 3G pitches at Furness College’s Channelside campus.

The team of Year 4 pupils from Holy Family triumphed 4-1 against runners-up Victoria Academy in a fast-paced final.

Chetwynde and St Pius shared third place as their closely fought game ended 1-1.

The matches were umpired by 12 Barrow Sixth Form students who are completing their higher sports leader programme at the Rating Lane campus.

The Primary MegaMAT games is a full calendar of multi-sports competitions including hockey, netball, swimming and a host of other sports. It is organised by Chetwynde, which joined the Furness College-led SCMAT in September last year.

Points are accumulated for each of the events coming up with a winner declared in the summer.

Organiser Katy Costa, who is the Head of Key Stage 2 at Chetwynde, said it had been a fantastic morning of sport in the fresh air.

“I have been so impressed by all the pupils’ energy and fair play,” she said. “It is the first time many of these have played in a competitive hockey tournament so it’s a great experience, especially to be able to play in such amazing facilities.”

The other teams who competed in the competition included St Paul’s, St George’s, Vickerstown, South Walney, Newbarns and St James’ schools.

Winners were presented with their medals by Kathryn Kittley, who is the director of marketing and communications at the South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust.

“It has been an exciting morning of hockey on the pitches at Furness College and fantastic to see so many smiling children in mixed teams giving their all and enjoying sport,” she said.

“Katy is a great role model for all these pupils as she has just become an England hockey champion after representing the North West and shows what can be achieved.”