Cross Country
Waverley and St Aloysius’ Invitation, Upjohn Park Rydalmere, 29 April 2023
The Waverley and St. Aloysius’ Invitational marked the return of the cross-country season, and the Shore lads were fired up and ready to take on the challenge. The shorter distance of the 4x2km relay race was a dream come true for many of the boys, and the excitement was palpable as we arrived at the course. Even the drizzling rain during warm-up couldn’t dampen our spirits. In fact, it only seemed to energise us even more as we prepared to tackle the muddy terrain ahead.
The mass start, consisting of every age group, threw the debutant year 7’s into the deep end. However, this did not seem to worry the 15-person Junior team as they fought through the muddy, tough course amongst the towering seniors. This confidence was put on display by the Junior first team consisting of Benjamin Frantz, Toby Ward, Lachlan Boys and Thomas Capes, who powered through to an outstanding 4th place (2nd in GPS), setting up their season well whilst simultaneously getting the rest of the team excited for the future of Shore Cross Country.
The Intermediate team suffered an early setback as Jack Riding, one of the teams’ strongest runners, was unable to attend due to a transport mishap! However, the Intermediate first team were not deterred, led out by a solid opening run from James Bestic in his less preferred distance, setting up a strong performance. JJ Black stepped in for Jack as he debuted, with Fraser Pandit and Daniel Becker completing the team. The Intermediate first team finished in 5th place overall (3rd in GPS), a big improvement from last year’s 17th place. The intermediate teams left with great hope amongst the lads to get up to the elusive 1st place at future meets, to possibly fulfil the team’s goal to sweep every age group.
An hour before the race the Opens team were not too sure how they might perform. Nathan Stanmore’s late arrival caused a scare, and debutant Ryan Gilmour was an unfamiliar factor, and his ability to handle the pressure of being part of a group of three experienced XC schoolboys was uncertain. These worries were soon dispelled as Ryan got out to a flying start putting himself amongst national representatives, followed closely by Vice-Captain, Jock Fenwicke. The two boys set up the First and Second Open team fantastically, as they handed over to their second runner in 5th and 8th overall. Lachy Brown put on a clinical performance, tearing up the course and closing a 100m gap and turning it into a 200m lead, setting up Nathan Stanmore for an expected domination of the Upjohn course to extend the lead to 400m. I managed to hold our strong position and crossed the line in first place. The commanding victory set the tone for the season, earning the Open Team a target on their back for other aspirational Schools in 2023. The Second and Third open teams both had two other debutants, Byron Evans and Toby Ogg, finished strongly, just missing a top 10 position in the Opens field.
Machine of the Week: (selected by the coaches and Spratty) Ryan Gilmour
Next week, the Shore lads will take on the fast, flat gravel roads of Centennial Park, eager to show the field their strength and passion for the sport. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for this talented and dedicated team.
C Burnett
Shore Cross Country Captain 2023
