Cross Country Report – 17 June

Cranbrook/Knox Relays, Upjohn Park Rydalmere

This week’s relays clashed with a high-level club competition down in Nowra, resulting in many top runners from every school not attending. This allowed the Shore team to display our depth, loyalty, and team spirit. As the lads returned to Upjohn Park, these qualities were definitely expressed.  

The pack start of the relay included runners from many all age groups lining up against each other. Six Shore boys lined up together amongst the heights of the seniors, ready to hit out a quick two-kilometre loop of the grassy course. I led the field out, followed by Ben Frantz and Toby Campbell. With the return of Matt Hogg and a fast start from myself, the Senior First Team was looking strong from the first leg. Ben set up the Junior First Team incredibly well, placing themselves in front of the Intermediate First Team. Matt was able to maintain a 20 second gap to hand over to James Bestic, running up an age group. Jonty Jagger, Henry Johnstone, and James Warren remained strong for the Junior First Team throughout the race, showing great qualities of strength and courage. The team landed themselves 2nd place, well-done boys! James passed on to Ryan Gilmour, who was able to increase the gap to second place, landing the Opens Team a dominant first place!  

Nathan Stanmore returned after a few weeks, proving early fitness in his recovery, promising signs for the Opens, who look to challenge for the Premiership next Term. Despite missing the likes of many superstars of the team for many different reasons, including Jock Fenwicke, Jesse Cochrane, Lachy Brown, Toby Ogg, Hugo Stewart, Toby Ward, and Byron Evans, the Shore team displayed great determination among all age groups, sending a stern message to other GPS Schools.  

Lachy Brown competed down at Nowra, where he showed off his strength to the best in the state. Lachy grazed the steep, grass hills of Nowra, pushing the best runners in the state to exhaustion, placing himself 4th in the U18 boys race, landing himself a spot on the NSW team to compete at Nationals in Canberra next Term! Great running, Lachy!  

Machine of the Week: (selected by the coaches and Mr Spratt) Junior Team of Ben Frantz, Jonty Jagger, Henry Johnstone, and James Warren.

Top Image: The team looking relaxed

Cam Burnett 
Shore Cross Country Captain 2023