St Anselm’s College top of class after scooping English Schools Cross Country Cup National Title

Dec 17 2008 by James Maloney, Birkenhead News

ST ANSELM’S College are top of the class when it comes to cross country after claiming the English Schools Cross Country Cup National Title in Shepshed, Leicestershire.

With a total points score of 76 in the junior boys race, St Anselm’s achieved a historic victory against competition from schools in Essex and Hertfordshire.

But the individual highlight for the team was the silver medal place achieved by junior captain, Matthew Westby. He was brilliantly supported by team-mates Daniel Jarvis, Tarique Al-Shabazz, Joe Jollie, Joe Molyneux, Tom O’Neill and Ben McWilliams.

The college’s intermediate team (under-15s), battled through tough conditions to gain an excellent third place, having only been ranked 17th going into the final. Leading runner was Sam Robinson (10th), who was joined by Matthew Byrne, Liam Fryer, Adam Winstanley, Andrew Desmond, William Reynolds and Liam Gawne.

Head of athletics and cross-country, James Horman, said: “To get a podium place at a national final is exceptional, but to get gold and bronze just shows the hard work of the boys and staff. The boys have shown great commitment and determination, and this has finally paid off.”

Headmaster Simon Duggan said: “We have a great tradition in this event, having last won the Junior Cup in 2000.

“Both our teams reach the final on an annual basis. However, this year’s results are our best-ever and tremendous credit must go to the staff and students.”