Cross Country Report
Last Saturday 29 March was good weather for ducks and of course, Cross Country.
The 2025 Cross Country Season got underway with the first trial at Centennial Park amidst a deluge! As is so often the case, the boys relished the adverse conditions. One newcomer to the sports’ mum commented that he ‘loved it – mud, rain and all!’ That’s what we like to hear. Racing numbers were depleted across all schools as they got their ‘ducks in a row’ and we can expect some hot competition when the season begins the competition rounds next Term.
The Juniors got underway promptly at 9am and we looked strong, auguring well for our prospects in that division throughout the 2025 season and into future years. We were led up front by Henry Grieve who seems to have grown a good foot since last year and he raced tenaciously. He surged his way into the Top 10, finishing 9th overall to be 4th among the GPS athletes. Jackson Sprott also ran well and hopefully we get to see more of him this year if there are less clashes with his other sporting commitments. He was 16th overall and also inside the GPS Top 10. Zac Robertson strengthened our team as he was 13th among the GPS, Jackson Harris 15th and Harrison Thomas 17th. It was raining Blue St Boys! The Juniors secured 2nd place in the team’s event. It was so good to see the smiles on so many young faces in this age group, especially from those who are new to the sport and in such trying conditions. To that end, congratulations to those on debut: Alex Baxter, Thomas Coleman, Alexander Warren, Patrick Old, Thomas Bentley and Alexander Kirkwood.
Numbers dwindled a little in the older age groups — perhaps the risk of the rain challenging the product in hair, etc. However, we fielded solid teams in both the Intermediates and the Opens. Our Intermediates were led by 2024 Shore Cross Country ‘Machine’ James Warren. He had a super race, starting the season in solid form and securing 11th overall to be 6th amongst the GPS. He was supported by Edward Dunnett who has pleasingly backed up for another season, Digby Wood and Carl Vladica. They were 6th among the GPS Schools teams. The Intermediates are also a team to keep an eye on with Hugo Stewart, Will Bestic, Jonty Jagger and Ben Frantz back in the saddle next Term. We may need to nick a couple of them to strengthen our Opens.
We only had four — albeit very keen — Opens runners toeing the line at Centennial last Saturday. They were led by newly appointed Cross Country leaders for 2025 — James Bestic as Captain and Daniel Becker as Vice Captain. However, it was Tom Gray who bolted from the start line and remained our lead runner for the duration of the race. He finished a very creditable 4th overall to be 2nd among the GPS. No doubt the competition will toughen next Term, but Tom’s strong start augers well. James started conservatively and was picking up positions mid race until he succumbed to a ‘nasty stitch’ that curtailed his progress. It must have been excruciating with the pained expression on his face. No doubt working on more running fitness will be key over the break, so look out Tom Daniel and James Thompson both ran well for their first outing of the season. Our Opens finished a solid 4th among the teams on the day. We hope to be competitive once again in the Opens, although The King’s School look like the team to beat. No doubt The Scots College will also be strong.
So in the ‘wash up’ (it was certainly needed — break out the Napisan!) we are once again in good shape. However, I am certain there are athletes in the School that would make our squad even stronger. If you think that could be you please come and see me. The team is a friendly bunch and we always have room!
Mr Michael Spratt
MIC Cross Country
