RSSH look forward to National Final of Cross Country Cup after successful regional round

On Saturday 12^th November, in unseasonably fine conditions, the Hunt travelled to Bromsgrove School for the West Central regional round of the English Schools’ Cross Country Cup.

At stake was a ticket to the National Finals, to be held in Leeds on Saturday 3^rd December. The four RSSH teams – Intermediate Girls and Boys and Senior Girls and Boys – had qualified in fine form, dominating the Shropshire area round before half term. The stiffer competition at this level, combined with a number of unfortunate absences, would make for a tougher challenge for all, though.

First up were the Inter Girls, drawn from the Third and Fourth forms. A fast start on firm ground set the tone for the day’s racing, with the sharper level of competition immediately evident. Amelia B (MSH, IV) was first RSSH runner home in 16^th, with April H (MSH, III) close behind in 17^th; Georgia G (MSH, III) and Holly Y (M, V), in 22^nd and 23^rd, completed the scoring finishers. The girls’ collective efforts were good for 5^th place overall – a fine performance for a young and depleted team.

The Inter Boys were up next. With the exception of fast-starting Al W (Rb, III), the team found themselves well down the field in the opening stages, with some perhaps guilty of undercooking their start. Nevertheless, Johnnie T’s (Ch, IV) strength showed through in the second half of the race, propelling him to 7^th overall, whilst Zac W (Rb, IV) stormed through to 15^th. Will R (O, IV), Al W and Alex M (Rb, IV) finished tightly grouped in 20^th, 21^st and 23^rd, and the boys were ultimately 2^nd team overall behind a very strong Marling School outfit.

The Senior Girls toed the line with a number of their best runners missing through various illnesses. Despite the setback, the girls proceeded to give a masterclass in gritty, aggressive running, with all five racing out of their skin to secure a truly fantastic 2^nd team place (behind Thomas Telford). Iris D (G, UVI) ran superbly for 2^nd, whilst Sophia C (MSH, V) (8^th), Frances T-T (EDH, V) (11^th), Ellie L-L (MSH, LVI) (15^th) and Eva H (G, UVI) (18^th) all pushed themselves to their limits. It was the team performance of the day, demonstrating the very best of RSSH spirit and pluck.

We finished the day with perhaps our strongest team, the Senior Boys, claiming a well-deserved victory in the individual and team stakes. Kristian T (I, UVI) ran a controlled, fast pace for a convincing win, with Harry P-M (I, V) next in, in 5^th. Brad K (R, LVI) (8^th) and Tim S (I, LVI) (10^th) completed the scoring four, with Hamish G (PH, LVI) 16^th and Jack K (PH, V), fresh from a visit to the hospital the day before, in 17^th.

We look ahead to the National Final, on Saturday 3^rd December, with great anticipation. By finishing in the top 3, the Senior Boys and Girls and the Inter Boys teams have all qualified. We hope that we will be back to full strength by then, and we particularly hope that two of our four Hunt captains, Sophia U (EDH, UVI) and Will S (R, UVI), will be well enough to join their respective squads.

Frank Tickner
Master I/C RSSH