King's teams had a good season, despite the very wet
weather of January which made training a little difficult.
The first success of the season came with the aptly
named Mammoth Trophy at Clatworthy (the longest
race on the circuit) against the strong challenge of Blundell's,
Millfield, Sherborne, Clifton and Wellington. Once committed to
the event there is no short-cut, since the race follows the path
around the lake. Oliver Fox rattled round the five miles in a record
27 minutes 37 seconds, being well-supported by the dogged
Henry Willis, Henry Dufosee, Ralph Lawson (who was cross to
lose to two girls - albeit England internationals), Ben Buckley,
Dan Mead, Charlie Niekirk and Oliver Guess. India Bannister,
Imogen Keeling, Ben Wright, Harry Cooper-Simpson and Charlie
Lavender fought off the opposition and Morgan Tottle finished
despite injury.
At one of their favourite courses - the demanding Downside course
- the team were delighted to come away with the shield for the
first time in years. Especially rewarding were the performances
from newcomers Ben Wagstaff, Angus Crouch and Annabelle Hall,
who surprised themselves in contributing to the win.
A highlight of the season was the trip to Parliament Hill, the iconic
course on Hampstead Heath. All thoroughly enjoyed the very
heavy going and hilly course - and especially the breakfast at a
local hotel.
The competitors at the Somerset Schools Championships tried
out the new course around the horse trials course on Aldon Hill,
Yeovil - a combination of steep hills and fast-going in cold, strong
winds. The outstanding results came from race winner Oliver
Fox, who was joined in the county team by Imogen Keeling, India
Bannister and Henry Willis; nominated reserves included Megan
Kimber, Annabelle Hall, Phoebe Smith and Henry Dufosee.
Oliver, Imogen and Henry were then selected to appear at
the English Schools Championships after the South West
Championships in Bournemouth, when Somerset seemed to
win many of the team events. The county team did well at the
Nationals - staged adjacent to Castle Donington Motor Racing
Circuit - with the girls winning and the boys coming second.
The Quantocks Relay was run in conditions that changed from
warm and dry to distinctly cold within an hour. It is a short but
demanding course, made even more so by a strong wind. The
senior boys fended off Blundell's and Millfield, with the winning
team consisting of Dan Mead, Henry Willis, Ralph Lawson and
Oliver Fox.
The school Steeplechases, run at the start of the winter, saw a fair
spread of awards between the Houses. Carpenter claimed the 'A'
team, 'B' team and overall awards but Taylor and Meynell shared
the individual awards. The boys' event saw a battle between
Bishop Fox and Woodard, with the former picking up the 'A' and
'B' team trophies and the latter the 'C' team and overall awards.
Several members of the staff were fantastic in accompanying the
pupils in training and races, so all should be proud of a successful
and enjoyable season.
Cross-Country
By Richard Llewellyn-Eaton
Annabelle Hall in the school steeplechase
Oliver Fox - Fastest Boy in the school steeplechase Oliver Guess in the school steeplechase
Sport
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