Stamford Inaugural Cross Country

St Hugh’s put out an epic performance at Stamford Inaugural Cross Country finishing the season on a high. We were delighted to win the Under 11 event from a combined score from the Girls and Boys team. In addition to this, we saw our U9 Girls team place 3rd. From a large field of schools, I could not be any prouder of our pupils who clearly pushed beyond their comfort zones over a tough course to ensure they did their bit for their respective team.

It was a beautiful backdrop at Burghley Park and we were blessed with sunshine despite a few threatening clouds looming overhead! There was a fabulous turnout from our ever supportive parent body. 
Our U9 Girls opened the event as usual with a team of seven runners taking to the 1.7km course. Having walked the course the girls took to the start line with excitement and of course a few nerves. It was a tremendous team effort and we saw Hollie F approach the finish line as our first runner home, coming in an incredible 5th place. Our other counters included Jemima (12th), Cecily (18th) and Annie (23rd). Abi was right behind in 24th. Our Year 3 runners did incredibly well a year young - well done Bonnie and Valentina. 

Next up was the U9 boys who were depleted in number with injury and illness, but our four runners (two of which were Year 3) put in a sterling effort against a strong field. It was Harry L this week who crossed the line first - a lovely way to finish having been a committed and regular team member throughout the season. Joseph earnt his place in the team following a great performance at the recent set cross country and he has shown good form in the two races this half term. Our Year 3 runners, Joshua and Bertie have demonstrated great grit and determination against older boys, some of whom could be almost two years older!  

Following their win at Ayscoughfee Cross Country on Wednesday, the U11 Girls were determined to aim high for their final race of the season. With a team of six strong runners and varied standings amongst them in terms of our top four counters, this was always going to be an exciting race. It was Genevieve who achieved the highest placing for the second time this week, coming in at an impressive 3rd place. Harriet worked tirelessly around the course and had a great chase towards the final stretch to achieve 5th place, followed shortly be Arabella in 7th.  I was very pleased with Coco’s efforts this week. She had a strong start and finish and was delighted to be our fourth counter for St Hugh’s achieving a top 10 place (9th). I think if the top 6 were counters, St Hugh’s would have won this competition by an even larger margin given that we had Faith (11th) and Penelope (12th) so close behind. Both these girls left nothing in the tank and I could not have asked anymore of them. An outstanding performance from the U11 team who scored 24 points (the lower the better!) beating the other nine schools, which included Laxton (36 points), Witham (52 points) and Stamford (74 points). 

In order to win the U11 competition we needed the boys to go out strong and achieve a good team score. This was a competitive race with a good field of runners (67 competitors). The boys had a good start and it was Beau that emerged as first St Hugh’s boy. He closed the gap with the leading pack well and achieve a medal position in 6th place. It was great to have Rory P back this week who put in a shift to work his way into 11th place as he crossed the line. Our third counter this week was Seb who showed good pace and a strong finish to get himself into 15th. Our final counter counter could have been either of the trio which saw them battling out with Gio coming in at 20th, Joshua 21st and Edward R 22nd! The boys had done enough to secure St Hugh’s 1st place position for the U11 event. 

A fabulous end to a very successful cross country season. Well done to each and every runner for demonstrating great resilience and team work over the course of the season. 

U11 Results (10 competing schools)
1st Place - St Hugh’s (76 points)
2nd Place - Laxton (81 points)
3rd Place - Stamford (96 points)
4th Place - Witham (200 points)

U9 Results (10 competing schools)
1st Place - Malcom Sergent (102 points)
2nd Place - WItham Hall (111 points)
3rd Place - Grantham Prep & Ketton CE (201 points)
4th Place - St Hugh’s (212 points)