Prep Sportsmaster and coach Brady Leckie said the boys worked as a team to accrue the greatest number of points ahead of Hale, Trinity, Scotch, Guildford, Aquinas and Wesley respectively. “The boys were aware that the competition format recognised the top eight competitors and that team work was essential,” he said.

Mr Leckie said the Year 4 boys, competing in their first inter-school cross country for Christ Church, got the team off to a flying start. “Oliver Higgins completed the race in style – overtaking many competitors to finish in second place,” Mr Leckie said.

In the Year 5 race, the boys also performed extremely well with Tom Ball leading the way and putting the Christ Church team in a very strong position. The final race on the programme was the Year 6 race. “In an amazing team effort, nine of our 10 runners finished in the top 25 places. Milan Murdock spearheaded the strong Year 6 team,” Mr Leckie said.

“It really was a terrific effort by the whole team and they should be very proud. A big thank you to Mr Pyefinch, Miss Harford, Miss Spry and Miss Taylor for their help with the boys’ training.”

In the week prior to the JPSSA event, the Inter-House Cross Country Carnival took place under threat of storms but stayed clear to offer a great afternoon of running. Mr Leckie said the Years 3 to 6 boys had been training all term with many boys improving on their previous efforts on the day.

All boys who ran in the race were awarded points for their house with the top runners earning bonus points for finishing in the top 10. Forrest won back-to-back Champion Shields ahead of Stirling, Dale and Giles respectively. Stirling was awarded the Spirit Shield for their outstanding sportsmanship and support of all runners throughout the day.

“It was great to see so many boys trying their best in front of a very large parent contingent. Well done, boys,” Mr Leckie said.

Champion Boy results: