ALEX Carter is determined to end his career in the English Schools’ Cross Country Championships with a flourish in Castle Donington on Saturday, writes Kevin Fahey.

The 18-year-old St Laurence School student will be making his fifth and final appearance in the event which he first graced in the Wiltshire colours five years ago when placing 30th in the junior boys’ race.

Carter, who lives in Winsley, has improved massively since and in his past two appearances has won bronze medals.

Another medal would be a fitting end to a sparkling junior career and following his sixth in the Inter Counties last weekend.

“Hopefully I can win another medal but it is going to be a tough race,” said Carter.

The Howorth twins Robert and John of St Augustine’s Catholic College will relish competing at the top of the junior boys’ age group Carter’s performance in the final race of the British Athletics Cross Challenge proved right on the money.

He produced one of his best runs of the winter to not only finish sixth in a strong U20 men’s race but also secure overall victory in the series and the £500 top prize.

“That was a good way to end the Cross Challenge season,” said Carter.

“Everything helps with the costs of travel, shoes and kit so it is very nice to get the overall prize. I was also really pleased with my run.

“I was not expecting to finish as high as sixth but when I saw the final results afterwards and realised that there was only five seconds between third and me then I did feel a bit gutted but overall I can’t be disappointed.

“I also have to remember I have another year in this age group so I can come back again,” added Carter.

After the English Schools’ event in Leicestershire this weekend, Carter finally bows out on duty for Wales in the Home Countries International.

County champion Will Stockley, who also competes at Castle Conington, would have hoped for a high position in Birmingham but the Semington teenager suffered a heavy fall early on.

“Will never got going again and eventually dropped out,” said Team Bath AC coach Adrian Clover. “We will put that one down to experience.”

Westbury’s Hayden Bailey was 28th in the U13 boys’ race and Caitlin Wosika from Trowbridge finished 86th in the U15 girls’ race.

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