UPDATE - 3.12.22 The National final at Leeds Grammar on 3rd December was a fantastic experience for the Junior boys. With 162 runners entered for their race, the start can be an intimidating challenge. All coped brilliantly with the occasion, with Rafferty, a year young in his age group finishing in 14th position, an excellent achievement. Backed up by his team-mates Benoît, Harrison, Hugo, Louis and Tom, they finished an impressive 25th in the country!

12.11.22 Our Junior Boys' cross-country team is through to the National Finals of the English Schools' Athletic Association (ESAA) Schools' cross-country cup. Their success follows impressive performances in the first and second rounds of the competition earlier this month.

The 1st round took place at Abington playing fields on Friday 4th November. In the Intermediate Boys, Elliot narrowly missed a top 10 finish. Running alongside Archie, Adam, Alasdair, Oli and Zac, they finished a commendable 7th as a team. The Intermediate Girls’ team of Camille, Charlotte, Eloise, Sophia, Taylor and Willow bunched really well, all securing spots in the top 25 and finishing 4th as a team. Real grit and determination was shown by the Junior Girls, with Clara, Olivia and Tiggy all finishing in the top 10; joined by Boo, Emma and Thea, they finished a close 2nd in the team event. A one-two in the Junior Boys from Harrison and Rafferty, backed up by Benoît, Hugo, Louis and Tom, secured 1st place in their team event.

As a result, the Junior Girls and Boys and Intermediate Girls all qualified for the Regional round of the competition. This took place on Saturday 12 November, with a challenging and intimidating course in the grounds of Stowe School providing an impressive setting. The Intermediate girls all produced gutsy performances, with Taylor finishing in 18th. The Junior girls worked tremendously hard as a team, with Tiggy securing 7th place and the team achieving 6th place. Meanwhile, the Junior Boys put on an impressive performance, with Harrison in 3rd, Rafferty in 5th and Hugo 11th. Along with Benoît, Louis and Tom, the boys finished in 2nd place as a team - securing their place in the National finals at Leeds Grammar on the 3rd of December. A fantastic achievement!

Very well done to all who competed and best of luck to the Junior Boys’ team at the Finals.

Report: with thanks to Mrs K Gilbert