FOR Gemma Shepherd it was a fitting finale to her English Schools’ Championships career, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

With a first medal in her pocket from her farewell appearance on the track in senior girls’ 1,500m last summer, the 18-year-old Sheldon School student celebrated her final time in a Wiltshire vest with a career best result in cross country.

Over a super-fast course at Wollaton Park, Nottingham, Shepherd uncorked a memorable run to make the top ten in ninth place – and eclipse her previous best of 11th she achieved in the inter girls’ age group three years ago.

“It is the first time I have ever made the top 10 on the country so I am really pleased with that,” said Shepherd, who lives in Yatesbury.

“The course was very fast and that definitely suited me. While I struggled a bit at the start to keep up with the leaders as the race progressed I picked up people one by one.”

While the early front runners faded, Shepherd just got stronger and then used her renowned sprint speed to secure that dream top ten spot.

“It was a downhill finish and when I heard someone shout to a girl in front that she was 10th I was determined to make sure I got her,” added Shepherd.

It was Charlotte-Tara Murphy of Cambridgeshire who Shepherd caught and beat by a second to finish ninth and she was only eight seconds adrift of South West champion Poppy Tank.

“I have had a good schools’ career and while I felt I did better on the track, it was very satisfying to finally get that top ten in the cross country as well,” said Shepherd.

Shepherd was easily Wiltshire’s top performer on what was ultimately a disappointing day for the county.

Henry Dixon, St Augustines Catholic College, was Wiltshire’s leading runner in the inter boys’ race in 102nd but Hayden Bailey of Matravers was disappointingly outside the top 200.

There was also disappointment for St Augustine’s Catholic College’s Rory Howorth, who started the junior boys’ race strongly but then had to drop out at 1k after feeling ill.

In the inter girls’ race, leading county runner was Corsham School’s Jade Littlechild in 82nd with Caroline Brenchley of St Mary’s Calne just behind in 85th but John of Gaunt’s Caitlin Wosika was outside the top 200.

Hardenhuish’s Cameron Perkins was the county’s leading runner in the senior boys’ finishing 132nd but Will Stockley of Melksham Oak was forced to withdraw from the team on the eve of the event due to a recurring injury that has hampered his winter season.

Abigail Burn finished 87th in the junior girls’ race.