Woodbridge School: National Cross Country Champions 2016!
Miss Sanders reports: Three out of our four Cross Country teams travelled up to Liverpool on Friday 2nd December to compete in the ESAA XC National Cup competition. Departing Woodbridge School excitedly, the runners were looking forward to having a night away but it was evident they were anxious about the race the following day – especially as a number of runners had been off school ill during the week. Although every runner had done the hard work to get the Nationals, competing in the area and regionals rounds, they wanted to give it their all and do their best. Arriving in Liverpool, Mr Goddard and Mr Turner took the three teams for a quick jaunt (well, run) around the docks to stretch their legs, before we all headed out to Zizzi’s for a carb-filled dinner and birthday celebrations for Amy Graham.
Saturday morning arrived. All runners stocked up on breakfast as they knew they needed the energy for their race and we made our way to The Range School in Formby. Luckily, the weather was kind to us – although a little chilly with a bit of wind. After walking the course, the Inter girls were up first. With their numbers on and chips around their ankles, they were lined up in their pens and ready to go. We heard Woodbridge School mentioned on the loud speaker, the organisers explaining that Dr Challoner’s High School and we were the only two schools with three teams competing at the Nationals, which made it even more exciting. The start was difficult, with all 140 competitors trying to get to the front of the pack, but Sarah Barker managed to fight her way through. It was an anxious time waiting at the finish line to see Woodbridge vests cross, but finally they came in sight. With only the first four counting towards our final score, the other two runners knew they have to work hard to prevent the oppositions’ 3rd and 4th runners from getting a better placing. Finally our results were in, 10th (Sarah Barker), 33rd, 52nd & 96th, which put us 12th overall out of 24 teams. Well done!
The Junior boys were next – very excited and definitely up for their race! Again, waiting in their pens for the starting gun, the boys knew they had to work hard to ensure they got themselves in a good position at the start. All six got away well, and towards the front of the pack, and at the finish line, they crossed in great positions… top five perhaps?
While waiting for the Junior boys’ results to come through, as there had been some issues, the Junior girls were last to run and although anxious, they were all determined to do their best. All penned in and waiting in anticipation for the starting gun, the team looked ready. With Bea Thomas fighting her way through, along with Molly Marshall just behind, it looked promising. Finally the girls came through the finish line – shattered but glad it was all over.
Still no news for the Junior boys’ results… then the Junior girls’ came through – 52nd, 58th, 76th, & 99th, putting us 19th out of 24th, another great result. Well done!
Finally, the Junior boys’ results were in…. Not fifth, nor fourth, third or even second… We had come FIRST! We were National Champions (by just 1 point!)… what an extraordinary achievement. Placings were 14th (Charlie Turner), 22nd, 23rd, & 54th. The boys were ecstatic and couldn’t stop jumping around – tears were flowing too (from Miss Sanders mainly).
All three teams should be extremely proud of what they achieved on Saturday – just getting to Nationals is a superb achievement, but actually winning is just phenomenal. Bruce Andrews, Secretary of the Suffolk Schools Athletics Association, told Mr Goddard that as far as he is aware, no Suffolk School has ever even won a medal at the England Schools Cross Country Cup Finals, let alone gold!
Well done to all, and thank you so much to all the parents who travelled up to support. Special thanks, of course, to Mr Mark Goddard, whose coaching, dedication and belief enabled these runners to achieve.
Mr Graham and I had such a great time… Roll on next year!!
Runners:
Junior Girls: Molly Marshall, Bea Thomas, Amy Goddard, Isabelle Eaton, Cecily Royal-Dawson & Anna Jackson
Junior Boys: Charlie Turner, Henry Dinwiddy, Kit Evans Lombe, William Franklin, Edward Rufford & Thomas Turner
Inter Girls: Sarah Barker, Milly Buckingham, Amy Graham, Victoria Burrows, Sophie Graham & Charlotte Dinwiddy.
