The year nine football team from Billericay's Mayflower School are through to the last 32 of a national competition.

The English Schools event, sponsored by Heinz Ketchup, started with over 300 teams back in September.

Mayflower reached round six after a very impressive 4-0 defeat of Northgate High School, from Ipswich.

The game started at a furious pace with Mayflower dominant in every area of the pitch.

They took the lead midway through the half when James Morkunas headed home from close range after a pinpoint cross from Paul Turner.

Mayflower should have been further ahead but for Morkunas and Zaki Hassan missing chances with only the keeper to beat.

The second-half saw an onslaught of pressure on the Northgate defence and May-flower increased their lead when Turner chased what seemed a lost cause, but managed to hook the ball back for Morkunas to net his second with a fine volley.

With the Mayflower defence of Groves, Lynch, Tredgold and Williams looking very solid it was a case of how many the home side would score.

The third goal came when David Martin crossed for Faris Pervez to score with a well-directed header. Northgate rarely threatened and, with Darren Skudder outstanding at the heart of midfield, May-flower continued to pile forward in search of more goals.

Pervez finally ended the rout with his second and Mayflower's fourth with a low drive in the final few moments.

Mayflower's Dean Wells said: "The boys were outstanding. They did not give Northgate a chance to play and thoroughly deserved their victory.

"Now we are in the last 32 of a national event we eagerly await the draw. There won't be many teams that will relish the trip to Mayflower in the next round."

Leaving their opponents in the red - Mayflower (left) enjoyed some tremendous Heinz Ketchup Cup success

Picture: NICK ANSELL

Rugby dream shattered

Having already won the Essex Cup this year, the year ten rugby union team from Westcliff High School for Boys had high hopes of success in the national competition for the Daily Mail Cup.

However, after conceding 13 points in the first 20 minutes before they came to life, Westcliff lost to Chichester High in their bid for a place in the last 16.

In the second-half Westcliff put up a brave display against a big, strong and well-drilled opposition, but could not break the Chichester defence.

A bitterly disappointed Westcliff team felt that, with a better first 20 minutes, the game would have been there for the taking. They will now be continuing the season with a series of friendly fixtures.

Gustoff on form

Forward Louise Gustoff, from Canvey's Cornelius Vermuyden School, was in superb form as Essex Girls under-15 basketball team won their way through to the semi-finals of the national competition with a thrilling 64-60 win at Greensward College, Hockley.

The team was skippered by the host school's Vicky Wilmore, the England international, who, along with Greensward colleague Jo Andrews, did an outstanding job in the guard position.

But it was Gustoff who really caught the eye as Essex marched on in a competition they have never previously won.

Meanwhile, Greensward's under-19 girls could be heading for glory in the national cup after travelling to Siddalmoor, Rochdale, Lancashire, at the weekend.

The Hockley team triumphed 84-44 and will now host either Sheffield College or Cheam, Surrey, in their bid for further progress along the final trail.

Jo Andrews - top guard

Motor dealer puts his shirt on school

The Southend High School for Boys millennium ski trip takes place at Easter when Tim Brooking, the teacher in charge, takes a party of 120 boys and girls to California.

The group fly out to experience the American way of life on April 17 and the itinerary includes two days in Hollywood and a trip to the MGM theme park.

However, the main reason for the trip is to ski Mammoth Mountain.

Leading such a large party can have its problems and one could be keeping an eye on so many pupils all dressed differently - particularly while navigating them through airport and passport control.

Fortunately, John East, dealer principal of Leigh-based Chrysler and Lexus dealership Hadleigh Carport, has come forward with help by providing the whole party with polo shirts bearing the school crest.

So all pupils will be easily identifiable, helping with safety and organisation.

Said Tim Brooking: "We are very lucky to have received such a generous gesture from Hadleigh Carport. Keeping an eye on the whereabouts of 120 youngsters in an airport can be a nightmare."

John East added: "Hadleigh Carport are delighted to be involved with this ski trip to America - the home of Chrysler Jeep which is 'the American legend'. I am sure the staff and pupils will have a wonderful time."

Getting shirty - John East, of Hadleigh Carport, (left) hands over the new polo shirts to Southend High's Tim Brooking while ski-ing pupils (left to right) Daniel Schade (13), Alex Bell (14) and Daniel Harris (13) look on.

Picture: MIKE BELLENIE

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.