16 October 2017
On the final Friday of half term both Junior and Intermediate cross country teams headed to Blessed George Napier School to compete in the first round of the English School's Athletic Association Cross Country Cup. With many 1st and 3rd year athletes making their cross country debut for Abingdon there was an air of nervous anticipation when walking the course. Conditions were firm and flat underfoot which made for some fast racing.
In the junior event Abingdon took the team win with our first 4 athletes crossing the line within the top 10. A special mention must go to 1st year Alexander Darbishire for a fantastic result in his first race for Abingdon.
Callum Aiken – 5th
Benjamin MacLennan – 6th
Robin Hambidge -7th
Alexander Darbishire -10th
Jonathan Pannett-Smith – 14th
Geordie Anderson – 24th
The Intermediate race was led out by Rowan Miell-Ingram who commanded the race from start to finish, holding off some strong opposition to take the individual win. Notable performances also came from Freddie Cunningham, Sebastian McAllan, and Thomas Kent. The Intermediate team placed 3rd overall behind two well conditioned teams from Blessed George Napier and Lord Williams's Thame.
Rowan Miell-Ingram – 1st
Freddie Cunningham – 7th
Seb McAllan – 12th
Thomas Kent – 14th
Ed Spackman – 15th
Cameron Butcher – 21st
These strong performances have earned both sides qualification to the Regional Round of the competition and the chance to fight for a place at the National Final.
The Regional Round will be held at Lincroft School, Oakley, Bedfordshire (MK43 7RE) on Saturday 11 November.
A promising start to the season and well done to all those involved.
