It has been an exceptional week of sport for our runners. The cross-country Senior and Intermediate teams competed at the English Schools Cross County Regional Cup hosted at Downside last weekend. We had an experienced team in the Seniors race, indeed half the team – Birdie P, Eleanor T and Georgia B – were cup finalists in 2021. This trio was joined by Florence A (her first year with us), Lily V (who raced as an Inter in 2021) and Hebe H. Collectively these six athletes delivered one of the finest Sherborne Girls’ cross-country team performances we’ve ever achieved. With each school fielding six runners, it was an extraordinary result to see all six of our team finish in the top 10. Our team scored 22 points; our nearest rivals scored 51 so we can’t wait to see what the team can achieve in the English Schools Cross County Cup Final in Leeds on 3 December.
Tahlia M was our most seasoned campaigner in the Intermediate age group, and she led the team home with a confident top 10 performance. She received excellent support from Hattie B who also made it into the top 20. With four of the six to score it was Rosie A and Siena A who secured the other scoring positions and placed our relatively inexperienced Intermediate team 6th overall in South West England.
On Wednesday, when the rest of the school ‘Pressed Pause’, another passionate group of runners tied up their laces and set off in the rain to complete a 10km challenge and raise money for a charity close to their hearts. This group of social runners were inspired by Imogen W and together they set a challenge that the whole group could work towards in their running sessions each week. They peaked at exactly the right moment with the majority having never run this distance before. It was wonderful to have Imogen’s parents in support and to see their daughter crossing the finishing line, raising £2,350 in the process for the ‘SameYou’ charity.
To finish off the week, Sherborne Girls were delighted to be taking part in the Leweston Races. This is a lovely opening event to the cross-country season and a wonderful opportunity for our youngest runners to experience race conditions in a beautiful setting. Phoebe P, Annie S, Isis W and Freya D bravely took part in the Junior race and put in a very credible first performance on a 2.4km course. The Intermediate teams came away with silver and bronze medals and the Senior team finished in gold medal position. Thank you to Captain Charlotte W and Vice-Captain Hebe H for the encouragement and support given to all the runners taking part.
Jayne Dart, Director of Sport, Adventure and Leadership
