Brighton College pupils showcased their sporting abilities in the Under-13 British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) Games, res-ulting in some fantastic team and individual performances.

With some of the region’s best British institutes competing, Brighton’s 25-person squad, ranging from 12 to 13-year-olds, travelled to Muscat in confident mood after putting weeks of hard practice for the four-day event. They did not disappoint with a number of highlights.

Competing in netball, football, volleyball and athletics, it was the latter where they enjoyed a number of podium finishes. Kai Smith registered third-place finishes in the 100m (A) and shot-put (A) respectively, while Ellie Jackson was second in the high-jump and shot-put (B) categories.

Success continued with Zoe Lindley-Smith taking silver in the high-jump (A), bronze in 800m (A), before triumphing in the triple-jump (A), while Ruby Farrell achieved third-place in the 800m (B).

Brighton was back on the podium after defeating neighbours British International School Abu Dhabi 12-2 in the netball final.

Along with their fourth-place finish in the football competition, Brighton finished the event seventh out of the twelve teams. Despite missing out on the top-three finish, coach Matt Deegan was impressed by the children’s performances.

“It was really encouraging to see so many children do well,” he said.

“This is by far the most impressive showing I’ve seen at the BSME Games since I’ve been here and we are gradually seeing good progress.”