Over 40 runners arrived at a very cold, windy Backwell School to compete in this years County Cross County Championships. It was a brilliant event that provided a real challenge for runners of all ages and despite getting started a little late, the Sidcot team rose to the challenge and we were very proud of the achievements of everyone.
The Third Form boys were first to take the course and were keen to get started. The field was string and all worked hard as a team. Best placed runner was Max Weatherley.
The Fourth Form girls were next to run. Nerves were high but were soon dispelled once they had completed the first lap. Bea Russe and Ottie Hoddell were placed 15th and 16th respectively in a very tough group that kept a fast pace. Nyree Perry showed real determination and commitment to her team.
The Older Boys, Fifth and Sixth Form, when off next in the longest of the races, nearly 5km! The senior boys team ran with three runners, all with smiles on their faces. Running as a team Miles Kilpatrick, Beau Noya and Will Lloyd all came in 9th, 10th and 11th!
The Inter Boys consisted of all Lower Fifth runners in a race with Lower and Upper Fifth students who all worked hard and ran really well. Will Sandiford and his long strides took him out to the top group and held on to get 12th with the rest of the team coming in not far behind in a real team performance.
Then, it was the turn of the Older Girls and the Fifth Form girls team was a real highlight. Some new students to the School were selected and were all in great spirits as they approached the start. They all ran spectacularly and in the last Lap Anouk Zander came 7th. Rosie Bellinger gave her some encouraging words as she started the final lap and she turned the after burners on! Anouk managed to catch the front runners and earn herself a Bronze Medal! Pauli and Alyssa not far behind!
The Fourth Form boys ran next and, with a team that were struck with illness in the morning, the majority of our runners were in Lower Fifth and faced some excellent older aged Upper Fifth runners, but all showed remarkable resilience. Notably, Henry Garret who once realised that our two reserves were already used volunteered himself at the last minute to make up the team and ran hard. Henry's run was truly full of grit and determination and he should be proud of himself. Al Buro was out highest placed runner and ran confidently with the top group!
The final race was the year 7 girls and they really saved the best until last. A lovely group of girls who spend the day supporting and cheering all of the previous runners from Sidcot, smiling and laughing despite the cold! The race was excellent and Ester Wring took the lead early on and not only held it but simply ran an exemplary race finishing 1st with a significant lead! Summer Adams coming in 8th and hopefully qualifying for the Avon Champs in the new year, with Jamie Greengrass and Tilly Mead not far behind.
We are so proud of our runners. Cross Country is not only a physical discipline but requires a great deal of mental strength. The course was tough and all runners managed to break through 'the wall' as it would have been easy to stop and give up. No one did and in fact all ran their hearts out and represented the School beautifully.
Well done!
Matt Lloyd
Director of Sport
