Cross Country Report
Sydney Park – Saturday 6 August 2022
It was our turn to step up and host last Saturday. We did so at Sydney Park in sublime weather amongst just about every dog, and their owners, in the Inner West! Thankfully there were no collisions. We utilised an old favourite course that I had been carrying about in my hip pocket for years – possibly around 20 years! Originally devised by a Cross Country enthusiast and colleague from Newington College who sought out just about every hill in the park – it proved to be a challenge and a ‘proper’ Cross Country test! As is the case when you need to run such an event, the old cliché ‘many hands make light work’ couldn’t be truer and members of the wider Shore Cross Country fraternity rallied in number, with parents and staff chipping in to set up the course, marshal and run the event. It was lovely to receive numerous commendations from staff, competitors and parents from our brother schools as we were packing up. A big shout out of thanks to George Davis from Year 11, who took all the wonderful photos this week in support of the event.
Racing commenced at 9.00am with the Juniors. Most of the Shore Team were not in attendance due to injury, sickness and clashes with other Shore sporting commitments, and it was left to Loki Lam and Leo Ryan to represent us. They ran well and did their best, ending up 61st and 82nd respectively, yet without two more runners we were unable to fill a team.
The flipside being that the Intermediates were buoyed by Jack Riding who was able to join us to make up a very competitive team consisting of himself, Jesse Cochrane, Jimmy Nicholas and Patrick Zhang. Jesse led the way and looked to be getting back into form and finished a fine 11th. Jack was a most pleasing 25th and has much potential to improve. He held off a fast-finishing Jimmy in 27th, who built very well into the race, learning from past experiences where he has paid for early enthusiasm. Patrick was a solid 37th. The team found themselves in a commendable 5th place overall.
Our Open runners were hoping to repeat their performance of their last visit to Sydney Park, yet recent illness did them no favours. Despite running bravely, Lachy Brown, still not feeling 100%, was our first athlete home in 9th place. James Bestic had a nasty bout of asthma during the week, but, as usual, once he started racing his competitive juices flowed and he ended up in a miraculous and tenacious 11th! Nuts! Cam Burnett has also been crook and did well to finish a most pleasing 13th. Nathan Stanmore had a blinder, despite not looking forward to the hills pre-race, he started conservatively, building into his race and rounded out our team result after placing 15th. The team found themselves on the top step of the podium once again! I must check, but I think they have not been beaten this season! Matt Hogg deserves a call out as he was 18th, maybe paying the price a little for early exuberance in his race.
We look forward to the GPS Championships tomorrow at Upjohn Park, Rydalmere. The Shore Open Team looks to have their hands on the silverware, but it’s always wise not to count your chickens before they have hatched …
Good running,
Mr M. J. Spratt
MIC, Cross Country
Top Image Credit: Shore Cross Country ‘Intermediate Team’.
