21 days of hot, dry weather was quickly snuffed out with the two words…Cross Country!! The big wet had arrived and the powers to be, desperate to keep the carnival on, made the brave call to push the carnival back an hour in hope that the forecast was to be accurate…It turned out to be a masterstroke as the heavens cleared and the sun beat down on the wet, sodden and pristine fields at Newington Stanmore.

The stands were full of boisterous, eager athletes looking to make their mark on the hallowed grounds like so many before them. And after a brief introduction from the dulcet tones of Mr Holden, we were off! First to the start line were the junior runners, with a sea of colour draped across the Johnson ground. The perennial bunny, Mr Caulfield, led the group out as the superstars of tomorrow charged up the driveway towards Old Boys. Jake Kitchen stormed to the front of the pack, and from there he never relinquished the lead, running beautifully throughout. It was a Rydal-off for 2nd and 3rd as Harry Forsyth and Ryan Ng battled it out, only for Forsyth to overpower his good friend on the second lap.

In the 8/9’s race, it was Coates first across the line once more as Sam Chittendon overcame a fast finishing Joel Zipeure and Diederik Blanken. First home of the 8 year olds was Sanjay Spencer, who finished an impressive 12th overall in the joint age group.

The blue ribbon event was next with the calm and charismatic Bili Robertson moving out onto the course to defend his Senior Cross Country Champion crown. And as the gun fired, he was instantly in the lead, causing bunny Caulfield a few heart palpitations as he edged closer with every turn. A brilliant run from Robertson was followed up closely by good friend James McGregor, who left nothing on the course, collapsing at the finishing line with exhaustion. Jack Earwaker was third across the line for the 12’s.

Second across the line in the senior race with a magnificent second lap was the new sensation Charlie Burt, who showed great courage and stamina to make a late charge on the leading group. The multi-talented Henry Isherwood was 2nd, with the equally multi-talented Matthew Torrible in 3rd.

The fun run rounded up things for the morning, and it was great to see a small gathering of boys in this race, as it highlighted just how many had entered into the championship races to get points for their house and challenge themselves. And that was that, the dust had settled, the sun was shining, and the only thing left to do was find out which House had done enough to claim the crown. And it didn’t take long as Mr Caulfield stepped up to the microphone to announce the winner…….which for the second year in a row went to Coates…with Williams close behind in second once more. A great effort by all the boys and a big thank you to all the parents that were there to support as well as the dedicated staff that make these carnivals just so special.

Mark Caulfield – Sports Master (Lindfield)