High-flying students climb to national glory

January 27, 2020

Students at Monmouth Schools for Boys are celebrating after being crowned the overall Welsh champions at an annual climbing competition in Cardiff.

The students rose to the challenge, winning the Wales Cadet Indoor Climbing Championships, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) title, and picking up four runners-up medals.

The team, consisting of four senior and four junior CCF cadets, shone brightly at Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre in Cardiff on Saturday 25th January.

Harry climbed with style and grit on a physically demanding, overhanging route in the senior men’s individual final to take the runners-up spot.

Edward put in a huge effort and was pleasantly surprised to secure the overall bouldering runners-up prize.

Thomas’ blistering pace in the speed climbing event helped the junior men’s team to second place.

Thomas then climbed with finesse in the junior men’s final climb-off with fellow team member Shay.

Shay, with limited experience, put in an impressive and gutsy display as Thomas became the individual junior runner-up.

Ben, Tomos, Toby and Zeb also represented the school with pride.

Mr Matt Peake, from Monmouth School for Boys, said: “Being crowned as the overall national CCF champions and even more impressively winning the entire CCF and Army Cadet Force competition was a remarkable achievement after only two training sessions.

“All our cadets showed incredible determination, grit and a superb team spirit throughout the day.

“With our cadets having had incredible success in this competition over the previous four years, the pressure was on this time.

“Well done to all of our climbers. The future is looking as bright as their t-shirts.”