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Cross
Country 2012
Roseberry Sports College -
Saturday January 14th
Eighteen schools were represented for the
first cross country in the 2012 season. For the first time
ever, Year 5 children were allowed to take part resulting in
a considerable increase in the number of runners - 130 boys
and 110 girls. A heavy overnight frost, probably the first
of the winter, gave cause for concern, but conditions for
running were ideal.
Using Roseberry as a venue
is just right for an introduction to cross country running
before facing the more testing conditions at Bullion Lane/Newker
and Ouston.
Girls' team winners were St Margarets with
an incredibly low score of just 8 points. In addition to
this, St Margaret's 'B' team were third - a wonderful
effort!
The leading girl,
Bridget Bradshaw, was also from St Margarets as was runner
up, Miranda Stephenson. St Margaret's can be proud of the
achievements of this outstanding team. An
interesting feature of this race was the fact that twins,
Eva & Lily Hardy (Lumley) were 3rd and 4th - quite an
achievement!
The boys' team race was won by Newker, who
also recorded an outstanding 9 points to win. There was a
fantastic finish to the race when Jonny Langley (Cestria)
was neck and neck with Nathan Fawcett (Newker) coming to the
finishing line but is was Nathan who just shaded it - an
exciting tussle between these two will be eagerly
anticipated in the next two week
Ready to start at Roseberry
Mates and rivals - Nathan & Jonny
reflect on an exciting finish to the boys' race at Roseberry
and look ahead to next Saturday
St Benets' cross country team not
looking too tired - or was this taken before the race?
Cestria girls nervously wait for their
race to begin
Hetton Lyon's girls on a frosty
morning at Roseberry
Crowds look on as the girls' race
begins at Roseberry
Bullion Lane/Newker Schools -
Saturday January 21st 2012
The second cross country of the season was run on a much
different morning weather wise. Rain and wind greeted the
runners and parents as they arrived although, thankfully,
the wind wasn't as strong as forecast. Rain started to fall
during the race which, altogether, made it an excellent
morning for cross country running.
The girls' race followed in a similar pattern to last week's
with St Margaret's winning, again with an outstanding total
of 8, followed by Lumley whose score of 22 wasn't quite as
good as last week.
Individually, the two leading runners from last week
contested the lead again but it was Miranda Stephenson who
narrowly defeated Bridget Bradshaw, thus gaining revenge
for last week. Both runners are from St Margaret's and, of
course, are mainly responsible for such an outstanding team
score along with third runner, Sara Bramley, who finished
5th in both runs.
The boys' race was dominated by Nathan Fawcett (Newker) and
Jonny Langley (Cestria) as it was last week and it was
Nathan who edged it as he had done last week.
In the team event, Newker once again triumphed, scoring
another incredibly low score but it was St Margaret's who
overtook Cestria to move into second place.
Ready for the off
They're off!
Newker boys celebrate
Cestria girls having a great time
Ouston boys take a breather
130 runners begin the boys' race
110 runners begin the girls'
race
The two leading runners fight it out
Three schools celebrate!
Simonside enjoy the cross country and
celebrate Brett Todd finishing fourth
Ouston Junior School - Saturday
January 28th 2012
A fine, frosty morning greeted the runners for the final
cross country of the season. Conditions were perfect for the
run on what most people think is the most difficult of the
three courses due to the long, Ouston bank which brings the
runners to the last part of the course.
The most interesting feature of the girls' race was the
battle for first, with Bridget Bradshaw and Miranda
Stephenson (St Margaret's) having achieved one win each and,
as the two girls appeared for the final sprint, it was
Bridget who was first past the line. However, such were the
tremendous achievements of the two girls that each received
a 'Top Runner' award - well deserved! In 3rd and 4th
position were twins, Lily and Eva Hardy (Lumley) who have
been absolutely outstanding bearing in mind that they are
Year 5 pupils. We look forward to seeing them run next year.
In the team event, St Margaret's were worthy winners with
Lumley in runners up position. The winners of the small
schools' trophy were Birtley St Joseph's who continued their
impressive contribution to cross county running over the
years.
The feature of the boys' race was whether Jonny Langley (Cestria)
could beat Nathan Fawcett (Newker) but it was Nathan who won
the race with Jonny so close behind as had happened in the
first two races. As with the girls, it was felt that both
boys deserved a 'Top Runner' award for the enjoyment both
had given the watching crowd as they battled it out.
Newker were worthy winners of the team event with St
Margaret's overtaking Cestria into runner's up position.
Winners of the small schools' trophy were Ouston who
finished a very credible 4th in the overall competition.
The Peter Robinson Memorial Trophy, for the best overall
team after the girls' and boys' scores were added together,
went to St Margaret's - an outstanding performance for a
school who had never won a cross country trophy before.
The start of the girls' race in the
early morning sunshine
A crowded Ouston hall wait for the
results
A panoramic view of Ouston's course
It's easy running down the Ouston hill
But not much fun going back up!
Cross country's tiring work but great
for fitness!
And also to receive a medallion
Excitement after the race has finished |
