Moulsford Leave The OPS With The Overall Boys Award

The 11th annual OPS Cross Country event proved to be a resounding success for Moulsford Prep as our boys showcased their grit, determination, and exceptional teamwork, clinching the overall victory in the Boys section with a total of 436 points. This remarkable achievement, finishing 17 points ahead of the nearest boys' school, underscores the significance of our collective effort and race tactics.

The competition began with our Under 8s team, who faced an early setback as they veered off course following a spirited chase after the hare which saw her overtaken! Despite this initial challenge, Lait secured 4th place, accompanied by commendable finishes from B Green (15th) and Monahan (19th), ensuring a respectable 3rd place for the team, setting the tone for the rest of the event.

Undeterred by the trials faced by their younger counterparts, our Under 9s displayed remarkable perseverance on the demanding course. With Coleman leading the charge in 4th place, supported by Boyd (8th), Bull (15th), and Houghton (17th), the team narrowly missed the top spot by a mere 6 points, highlighting the importance of maintaining pace within the pack to secure crucial positions as a team.

The dominance of Moulsford Prep continued with our Under 10s, who asserted their authority from the outset. Led by Buff's triumphant 1st place finish, followed closely by Humphreys (3rd), Robinson (6th), and Jones (8th), aided by the contributions of Soles and Roy, the team clinched victory in their age category, exemplifying the essence of collective excellence with the lowest score of the day.

In a testament to the depth of talent within our ranks, the Under 11s followed suit by securing victory in their category, despite not making the podium individually. Tapping (5th), James (6th), Gillington (8th), and Tiley (13th), supported by Bowers (18th) and Marrett (27th), demonstrated remarkable consistency and resilience, securing yet another trophy for our school. Made even sweeter with only 6 runners in this race from our school meaning everyone had to score!

The combined efforts of our Under 12/13s further solidified our standing in the competition. Despite facing challenges due to key runners being unavailable, Jones, Cudlipp, De Morgan, Hill, Kind, and Marshall displayed unwavering commitment and determination, ultimately securing 3rd place in their age groups, a testament to their dedication and perseverance.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our boys for their outstanding performance and dedication throughout the afternoon. Their commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of success truly embody the spirit of Moulsford Prep. One that I’ve been impressed with since starting last November.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the parents for their unwavering support and encouragement, which played an integral role in our success. Additionally, I extend my gratitude to Mr. Batchelor, Mr. Skinner, and Mr. Johnston for their invaluable coaching and guidance, which has been instrumental in shaping our athletes and fostering a culture of excellence within our cross country programme.

With our collective efforts and determination, Moulsford Prep has once again proven itself as a force to be reckoned with in cross country running. Congratulations to all on yet another truly remarkable achievement!