Cross Country
Barker College Invitational, St Ives Showground, 14 May 2023.
Despite the course modifications from last year, the toughness of the showground remained prevalent for the first competitive meet of the season. The early 8:20am course walk-through raised the nerves of all the competitors as Barker showed off their new hilly, muddy and gravelly course – proper Cross Country! The Shore lads were not fearful of the tough 2km loops, which was evident throughout the morning.
The juniors began the morning stampede with a few minor setbacks. Missing the likes of Toby Ward, Jonty Jagger and a rugby-related injury for Hugo Stewart, forcing him to pull out early in the race. These upsets allowed for a few of the other junior talents to step up and fill in the gaps created. James Warren led the Shore charge, followed closely by Benjamin Frantz and Digby Wood. Loki Lam closed out the top four positions in 82nd place (47th in GPS). The boys ended with 7th in the GPS. Solid effort, boys!
The intermediate team soon followed, ready to tackle the 6km distance. The tough course seemed to suit the likes of Daniel Becker, who managed to earn himself a six-place improvement in a great race, finishing 15th in the GPS. JJ Black and Jimmy Thompson battled each other throughout the race finishing next to each other in 44th and 45th, respectively. Blake Alderson closed the top four in 53rd, landing Shore a 6th-place position. Great running, lads.
The Opens were gratefully welcomed with a full team. The returns of the likes of Nathan Stanmore, Ryan Gilmour, and Matt Hogg gave the team great hopes of winning the meet. The Opens were greeted with a fast start as the adrenaline pumped and the competitors raced for positions. Lachy Brown and I led the charge with the front pack, grinding our way around the course. Ryan followed close behind, wrapped up in the excitement of the fast start and his first 8km race. A fast surge on the second lap strung the field out, allowing Lachy (4th) and me (3rd) to grind our way to solid positions. With the help of Mr Benn’s point calling, Nathan was treated to a sprint finish with two national-level runners, placing him 10th in the GPS. With a strong finish from Ryan and James Bestic, the Shore team ended with 34 (47) points. This placed them 1st overall and tied 1st in the GPS with the Scots College. A great way to start the season, but allowing more room to improve as the boys chase the elusive back-to-back premiership.
Machine of the Week: (selected by the coaches and Mr Spratt) Cam Burnett.
Cam Burnett
Shore Cross Country Captain 2023
