Cross Country
Newington Invitation, Sydney Park – Saturday 29 July
The return of the 8 kilometre races marked the return of the annual GPS vs CAS races. With a few Shore boys competing in the GPS colours, the Shore boys that usually went slightly under the radar were able to express their talents on the tough, hilly course of Sydney Park. Sydney Park’s relentless hills and little room for recovery allowed the winning teams to showcase their toughness and bravery.
The Juniors kicked off the late starting races with a 4 kilometre dash, dodging dogs, prams and heat. Young guns James Warren, Digby Wood and Archie Watson worked with each other around the tough course, finishing strong in 24th, 25th and 27th, respectively. Lam Loki battled his way around the steep hills to close out the Junior Top 4 in 48th, landing Shore 124 points and a consistent 5th place in the GPS. Well done, lads!
The Intermediates followed soon after the Junior field, ready to showcase their talents on the infamous course. Fraser Pandit returns to the 6 kilometre after a couple of weeks of knee problems. This did not seem to phase him as he led the Shore field around with the ever-rising talent of Daniel Becker not far adrift, placing themselves 15th and 17th, respectively. JJ Black cruised around for 33rd, and Ollie Campbell closed out the Intermediate Top 4 in 40th place, placing Shore 5th with 105 points.
Lachy Brown and I represented the GPS team who took on the CAS in the annual clash of Cross Country schoolboy superpowers with, pleasingly, the GPS prevailing yet again in dominant fashion! The rest of the team competed in our iconic blue and white strip and did well, as Ryan Gilmour and James Bestic had their finest races of the season. As Shore continues to chase the GPS premiership, the return of Matt Hogg ensured early season results were secure, and the team closed a 10 point gap in the cumulative point score to only 4! It looks like the GPS premiership will not be decided until the GPS Championships – very exciting!
Machine of the Week: (selected by the coaches and Mr Spratt) Ryan Gilmour
Cam Burnett
Shore Cross Country Captain 2023
