Mortimer retains title as hundreds battle it out over new college course

SHIPLAKE College held its second cross country competition earlier this month.

Following on from last year’s successful event, 208 girls and boys in years 1 to 6 took to the college’s new field to tackle runs of varying lengths.

Shiplake College’s headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe, along with his dog Simba, were waiting at the finish line to award gold, silver and bronze medals to the first three finishers of each race.

To add to the championship feel of the event, each medal ceremony took place on a podium with cheers greeting them.

In the year 3 boys’ event, Trinity School’s Max Mortimer won his event for the second year running.

Speaking after the event, Mr Howe said: “It was terrific to be able to welcome so many young people to Shiplake College, many returning for the second year to defend titles or looking to reach a podium finish, with others taking part in their first ever cross-country race.

“It was a joy to have girls and boys from such a wide range of schools all together in one place, creating a wonderful atmosphere.”

Director of sport at the college, Mr Bradley, who was on duty at the start line to set each race off, said: “It was great to see so many girls and boys up and out on a Saturday to take part in the races, encouraging the other participants and enjoying both the fun and competitive elements of the morning.” The event went smoothly due to a large band of helpers and supporters with both pupils and members of staff from the college gave up their time to ensure that the event ran without a hitch.

Alfie Malcolm (year 11) and Gregor Jones (year 13) acted as hares and chasers to ensure that no one got lost along the way while marshalls were scattered throughout the field and at the finish line to hand out certificates, snacks and drinks to every participant.

The first three places in each event were as follows:

Year 1 boys’ — 1 Joey Quinn (Oratory Prep), 2 Wilf Goodson (Kidmore End), 3 Jack Siveyer (Whitchurch).

Year 1 girls’ — 1 Phoebe Soles (Nettlebed), 2 Freya Hamand (Kidmore End), 3 Freya Luijten (St Mary’s, Henley). Year 2 boys’ — 1 Felix Cole (Trinity), 2 Hughie Moorcroft (Oratory Prep), 3 Wilbur Lait (Rupert House).

Year 2 girls’ — 1 Grace Hollins (The Manor), 2 Silvia Scudamore (Rupert House), 3 Emelia Macvarish (Kidmore End).

Year 3 boys’ — 1 Max Mortimer (Trinity), 2 Frank O’Brien (Trinity), 3 Thomas Adlard (Caversham).

Year 3 girls’ — 1 Martha Sudbury (Woodcote), 2 Teddy Molnar (Rupert House), 3 Maisie Osborne (Trinity).

Year 4 boys’ — 1 Oliver Buff (Moulsford Prep), 2 Finn Roy (Moulsford Prep), 3 Lucas Robinson (Moulsford Prep).

Year 4 girls’ — 1 Jemima Watson (Rupert House), 2 Eloise Wouters (Rupert House), 3 Lily Jones (Oratory Prep).

Year 5 boys’ — 1 Isaac Ryder (Caversham), 2 Alex Adlard (Caversham), 3 Reuben Shah (The Hill). Year 5 girls’ 1 Isabel Cravan (Oratory Prep), 2 Emily Palmer (Shiplake), 3 Elsie Davis (Sonning Common).

Year 6 boys — 1 Ernie Sterjo (Badgemore), 2 Asher Butterfield (Woodcote), 3 Henry Mclean (Trinity).

Year 6 girls’ — 1 Emma Blake (Spinfield), 2 Zara Tate (Badgemore), 3 Elsie Paulin (Godstowe Prep).