6 December 2022
On Friday, the senior and intermediate cross country teams travelled to Leeds to compete in the final of the English Schools Cross Country Cup competition. Making the most of the opportunity, the squad experienced a tour of the University of Leeds Biological science facilities, discovering the possibilities within biomechanics, physiology and motor control. A brilliant insight into the realm of sport science and its application within human performance, health and disease. Following a short run at The Brownlee Centre the pupils enjoyed a carbo-loading meal before getting an early night before the big day.
The pupils woke to a cold but bright morning, perfect running conditions. The course was a fantastic mix of flats, rises, technical sections and sweeping downhills, offering the opportunity for some fantastic racing.
The pupils didn’t disappoint with the intermediate team placing 5th overall. A tremendous improvement upon last years 13th place. Each athlete knew their role and executed their race plan tremendously, showing maturity and experience. Special mention must go to H.Clarke for finishing 17th and the first Abingdon pupil across the line.
The senior team have had a superb season thus far, winning each race they have entered. They therefore went into this race with high hopes of going one better than last year and taking the overall title. Special mention must go to club captains J.James and W.d’Arcy for taking the race out from the gun, finishing in 4th and 7th respectively, as well as Q.Miell-Ingram who finished 8th and will be returning next year as an Upper Sixth pupil. On the day they were beaten by an excellent Judd School team who placed all 6 runners inside the top 30 places.
This years competition attracted an entry list of 1686 teams from 485 schools nationwide so to finish so highly is a tremendous achievement. Thank you to The Grammar School at Leeds for hosting such a fantastic final.
A full breakdown of the results can be found here.
Individual results Seniors;
J. James – 4th, W. d’Arcy – 7th, Q. Miell-Ingram 8th, O. Sherratt – 50th, J. Charity-Williams – 60th, C. Adams – 70th
Individual results Inters;
H. Clarke – 17th, S. Wood – 34th, R. Allen – 38th, P. Fleming – 62nd, J. Kind – 72nd, H. Owens – 82nd
