Salford Cross Country League – Round 4

For once in this series of runs, the weather was much kinder and the cross country race at Buile Hill Park was to prove to be more of a run than a test of physical and mental toughness. The course was drier and faster than in previous rounds and the runners all came home in much quicker times.  The weather also affected the turn out with more football matches on to reduce the numbers able to take part. Nevertheless, Bridgewater brought a field of 12 runners who were all as determined as ever to do their best for their school and watching families.

The Prep 3/4 boys started the event at 9-30am, with Luca, Seb and Thomas looking to finish the season in a strong fashion. Thomas, who has had nothing but bad luck in the previous three races, finally managed to get a good run and romped home in 22nd place, whilst Luca (71) and Sebastian (85) brought the team back in typical determined fashion. However, the outstanding achievement of the League this year must go to Luca. Luca was to be rewarded for his performances in all four events by picking up a bronze medal for the series- a fabulous achievement Luca!

The Prep 3/4 girls were up next and despite a dance competition to reduce the numbers, we still had Evie, Anya and Allegra in attendance to represent Bridgewater. Once again Anya picked up a certificate for finishing in the top 20, finishing in 16th. Evie  carries on the family tradition by losing her trainers! Bravely Evie continued to run and came back in an impressive 36th, whilst Allegra finished the race in 90th.

The Prep 5/6 race was to prove to be more of a personal race between Daniel and Ethan. Both boys had picked up top 20 finishes in each of the other events, with Ethan edging out Daniel twice and Daniel beating Ethan once. Today was to be Daniel’s day as he dashed past the finish line in 16th, with an under the weather Ethan still making it over the line in 34th.

Finally it was down to the Prep 5/6 girls to complete the winter runs. As expected now, Jess made it three certificates in a row with a 17th place finish, whilst Alice just missed out with a 21st spot. Freya continues her improved performances with a 54th position and Florence produced another great run to finish in 60th.

All in all, it has been a wonderful event with Bridgewater braving the elements over the winter. Wind, rain, sleet, snow and mud could not stop our fabulous runners whose “can do it “ attitude has been a pleasure to be part of. Well done Bridgewater cross country runners – Saturday mornings just will not be the same now. Roll on next winter!