Students of Bishop Westcott Girls? School rang in Christmas early at the annual sports meet. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, Nov. 30: Girls of the Bishop Westcott Girls? School, Namkum, galloped into another male bastion today when they rode out on horses at their 27th annual sports meet.

This is for the first time in the history of the school that girls have mastered and displayed their equestrian skills. The resounding applause from the spectators for the Class VII students was enough to tell them that their efforts had not gone in vain.

The exhibition brought back memories for General Officer Commanding 23 Infantry Division Major Dalip Bhardwaj, the chief guest on the occasion. ?It was fascinating to watch the students riding the horses. It took me back to my schooldays, where even we worked hard to prove ourselves in all the major sports events,? he added. A few girls also wowed spectators by breaking four layers of tiles with one blow.

If the grit was on display, so was the colour, not to forget the music.

Students transported the spectators to the beaches of Goa, with a Goan dance, Fishers from Goa.

That was followed by Christmas Bonanza, as students in cute Santa costumes heralded the Yuletide season, with soulful carols. The march past was another attraction as students marched in sync with the boisterous all-girl school band.

Members of the three houses of the school, Joy, Peace and Faith, fought against each other for the most-coveted championship title. The track and field events, yoga and karate saw the toughest fight.

Peace house who was declared the winner with 280 points, followed by Faith with 260 points. The third place went to Joy house with 251points.

The programme was coordinated by teacher M. Harinaryan.

The judges present on the occasion were Renu Bhardwaj, Kabir Bakshi and D. Philip.