Woodbridge Triumphant as Winner of the East Anglian Prep Schools Cross Country Championships for the Fourth Consecutive Year

Woodbridge School hosted the East Anglian Preparatory Schools’ Cross Country Championships for the 3^rd time keen to continue with their recent successes over recent years. The weather was far from kind but at least brightened up as we approached the later races.

The Under 10 races started proceedings with many of the runners in their first race for the school. Georgie Phillips (12^th) finished as the top Woodbridge runner but consistent runs from Sophia Waterer (15^th), Rosie Hunter Blair (16^th) and Charlotte Hattan (24^th) secured a runner up position to Kimbolton.

The Under 10 Boys highlight were three top 10 finishes with Henry Vincent claiming a gold medal with his win, Luca Di Paola finishing 5^th and Jonjo Walker (10^th). James Hattan (22^nd) played a great supporting role as Woodbridge were pipped by 2 points to lose out to Kimbolton and therefore claim another team runner up position.

The Under 11 Girls’ event was a very competitive affair with a number of schools vying for the team award. Ruby Vinton blasted the competition away with a great victory and gold medal and after runs by Ada Marson (18^th) and Maddie Buchanan (20^th), Woodbridge were hoping for a top 3 finish. Unfortunately Kimbolton had secured the team win and both Norwich School and Town Close were close on their tail.

The Under 11 Boys had three Woodbridge top 10 finishes with Ed Buckingham having a great run to finish in silver position with great team support from George Na Nakhorn (7^th), Tommy Burrows (8^th) and Josh Turner. Their teamwork ended in a victory for the Under 11 Boys’ team with Norwich in 2^nd place.

The Under 12 Boys and Girls had fantastic races and were both crowned team winners which was a great achievement. The boys narrowly pipped Ipswich School by 1 point and the girls Gresham’s by 2 points. Amy Goddard led from the start in the girls’ race and deservedly took gold with Anna Jackson (7^th), Ella Pitt (13^th) and Lucy Clare (15^th) giving the team a great score. The boys had Henry Dinwiddy taking silver and Ed Rufford (4^th), Tom Martin (11^th) and Sam Bolus (19^th ) combining to ensure an Under 12 team clean sweep.

The Under 13 Girls’ team performed very well with their altered team which showed great strength in depth after many runners were unavailable for selection due to other sporting interests. All three girls came in with top 10 finishes with Bea Thomas (5^th), Emily Whyte (9^th) and Cecily Royal-Dawson (10^th). Unfortunately only a team 3^rd despite their runs with St Felix and Ipswich pipping them by a few points.

The Under 13 Boys were the favourites at the start, following their win earlier in the year to become National Champions. The boys did not disappoint and left the opposition in their wake. All four athletes finished within the top 7 with Charlie Turner and George Wharam finishing joint first and Kit Evans Lombe right behind them to take the bronze medal. Tom Harper in 7^th rounded off an excellent team performance and the end of the Championships.

These great results placed Woodbridge well throughout and showed how strong Cross Country is becoming at Woodbridge under Mark Goddard’s tutelage. With great plans ahead to develop upon this Woodbridge are keen to lay the foundations for the future years coming through. With 4 team wins, 2 second places, 1 third and 1 fourth finish Woodbridge regained the Overall girls’ trophy for the 3^rd year running and the overall boys and Overall Championship Team award for the 4^th year running.

Once again we need to thank Mark Goddard for all that he has helped the athletes achieve, and also with his time in planning the event with Mr Lubbock, Miss Sanders and Mrs Richardson. The Woodbridge staff were once again incredibly hospitable and worked hard behind the scenes with car parking, marshalling and scoring. Many Year 9 & 10 Cross Country athletes supported as marshals giving their time freely on a Sunday as did a number of Sports Leaders. The end of another successful championship and again a great result for Team Woodbridge.