New Zealand Super Eight School's Cross Country

Zealand Super Eight School’s Cross Country Championship 2021 - Massey University, Palmerston North, Monday 24 May

As the event was on our home turf, the school had a strong 28-man team to compete in the three age group races; 3km Year 9 Race, 4km Under 16 Race and 6km Senior Boys. This event allowed our runners the opportunity to compete against some of the strongest secondary school cross country teams in New Zealand, an opportunity they do not get very often. Massey University provided a superb course and excellent facilities and we are very thankful for their support.

With the Manawatu weather turning on challenging running conditions, with fresh southeasterlies and showers, the competitors need to be at the top of their game.

3km- Year 9 Race:

Cillian Carroll 10, Jacob Lean 11, Henry Speedy 13, Taine Flutey 20, Cody Clark 22, Tristan Chambers 23, Ollie Davidson 26, Alex Mcleod 28.

Three Man Team: 4th

All our runners gave it their very best. The knowledge they gain from running this calibre of athletes will put them in a stronger and more confident position in years to come.

4km- Under 16 Race

Reuben Duker 3, Lucas Reed 11, Charlie Hook 13, Jed Pettit-Court 14, Jonty Giesen 16, Zachary Lee 18, Jack Redington 21.

Three Man Team: 2nd

Again, another strong showing from all our runners. Reuben Duker showed his class with a podium finish. Reuben has struggled in recent times with injury and it is fantastic to see him back running strongly.

6km- Senior Race

Nelson Doolan 1, Thomas Harding 2, Sam Stichbury 5, Dirki Botha 12, Matthew Jamieson 14, Thomas Duncan 17, Aden Porritt 21, Josh Langridge 23, Jonathon Jamieson 23, Fergus Doolan 27.

Three Man Team: 1st

For the school to have three runners inside the top five at this level of competition is very impressive. Alongside this was a string of very impressive performances from all team members. Nelson in his final Super 8 Cross Country event for the school produced a dominant performance. He took off from the lead pack midway through the race, with Thomas not far behind him. The chasing runners could not sustain the pace and Nelson and Thomas had a comfortable margin over the trailing runners, with Sam coming in strongly in fifth place.

Overall Team Points: PNBHS team 2nd Place.

Unfortunately, an error was made with the calculations to determine the overall winning school with PNBHS initially being declared the winners.  Closer scrutiny revealed that this title in fact belonged to New Plymouth Boys' High School, whose runners performed strongly in all events, particularly the Year 9 and Junior races.  We sent our congratulations and apologies for the confusion to New Plymouth Boys' High School - along with the Super Eight shield.  While this was disappointing, it does not detract from the very strong performance from the PNBHS team.