6 March 2019
Last Thursday the cross-country squad ventured down to the rolling hills of the North Wessex Downs to compete at Marlborough College.
The going was good to soft after the persistent rain throughout the morning. Fortunately the clouds parted and provided perfect running and spectating conditions for the boys, parents and coaches alike. The undulating course didn't allow anyone to find a rhythm or comfortable pace, with each of the hills sapping the energy from legs and the final 200m uphill finish making the lungs scream for oxygen.
In a small junior field the Abingdon squad fought hard between each other for the top places. Will d'Arcy and Johnny James continued to display their dominance and finished in 1st and 2nd place respectively. Henry Channon, Ben MacLennan and Matthew Rolfe rounded out the top 7, with only 2 other runners separating the Abingdon 5.
The inter boys finished in a respectable 3rd place with Rowan Miell-Ingram just missing out on an individual podium place, finishing in 4th.
In the senior race Alexander Pennington recorded his first senior victory. He took the race out hard and battled with a Harrow runner until he was able to pull away, powering his way up one of the climbs. Special mention must go to Rory Mitchell (5th year), who finished in 3rd place racing as a senior. James Coode and Oliver Elly rounded out the top 5, helping the Abingdon team to finish in 1st place.
Juniors – 1st Place
Will d'Arcy – 1st
Johnny James – 2nd
Henry Channon – 4th
Ben MacLennan – 5th
Matthew Rolfe – 7th
Inters – 3rd place
Rowan Miell-Ingram – 4th
Tom Rolfe – 10th
Luis Vasconcelos – 12th
Alex Oldham – 21st
Hugo Leedham – 22nd
Dashiell Hathaway – 35th
Seniors – 1st Place
Alexander Pennington – 1st
Rory Mitchell – 3rd
James Coode – 4th
Oliver Elly – 5th
Well done to all who took part.
