14 HMS runners travelled to compete in the Northumberland School Cross Country Championship held at Temple Park South Shields. The weather this year was ideal – good soft footing, rather than the frozen ruts of last year.
The first race of the day is the Minor Boys (2600m). First back for HMS was Monty C in an excellent 3rd place. Monty has performed very well in the Schools Cup this year running against Y8 boys so it was great to see him medal at this event. Next home was Ivor T in a brilliant 14th place. Both Monty and Ivor have both been selected to run for Northumberland at an Inter County event in February. Jacob A performed strongly with a competitive 20th placing. These boys were backed up by Rory A, Walt Mc and Bertie T who ran well in their first County Championships.
The Minor Girls ran second for HMS. Kirstie A put her cycling fitness to good use coming in an excellent 10th place. I think Kirstie wanted more mud and hills to slow the quicker runners! Kirstie was backed up with strong performances from Aurelia K, Lizzie L and Tilly C. We only had one Y8 girl qualify this year – Annabelle M. The Y8 pupils compete against the Y9s! Annabelle ran well in a competitive race finishing 46th which was more than half way up the field – great job!
HMS had four Y8 boys qualifying for this event which was excellent. These boys have shown themselves to be an excellent team having made it to the Schools Cup National finals with the help of Monty in Y7. First back for HMS was Charlie M in an excellent 13th place. This gets him an invite to run at the Inter Counties in February. Ossie was next back in 26th. An amazing effort to work his way back through the field after falling – these boys were backed up by Nicholas Y and Tyler B.
The County event is always a highlight of the year for Mr Gaines and Mrs Southern. We were both delighted by the attitude and determination of all the runners from HMS. We look forward to hearing how our athletes do at the Inter Counties in February!
#Respect #Engage #Aspire
