English Schools XC Cup Regional Championship – A Historic Day for Sherborne Girls

Sherborne Girls made history at the English Schools Cross Country Cup Regional Championships, with all three age group teams—Junior, Intermediate, and Senior—qualifying for the event for the first time ever. 18 girls traveled to Taunton Racecourse to compete in what was a challenging and exciting day of racing.

Junior Team (Year 7)
For the junior team, it was their first experience at this level, and the girls showed immense promise for the future. The course was tough, with long, heavy grass underfoot, but the team demonstrated incredible resilience, determination, and bravery. All the girls competed with heart and learned a huge amount from the experience. Todd led the way, finishing first for the team, followed closely by Tilly, Flora, and Emme. The girls should be very proud of their effort in this competitive field, and this outing bodes well for the seasons to come.

Intermediate Team (Year 9)
The intermediate team, made up of Year 9 runners, faced the added challenge of being at the lower end of the age group. However, they showcased the strength and endurance that Sherborne Girls is known for, completing a tough 4.2km course that required two full laps. Emily was first to finish for the team, followed by Georgie, Martha, Annie, and Bella. Special mention must go to Georgie and Martha, who were new to the squad and delivered standout performances. Sadly, Iris did not finish on this occasion, but she remains a key member of the squad. The team finished 7th in the South West, a solid result that sets them up for success next season.

Senior Team
The senior team continued Sherborne Girls’ remarkable success in this event, qualifying for the prestigious English Schools Athletics Association (ESAA) Championships in Leeds for the 5th consecutive year—a phenomenal achievement. Tilda put in an outstanding performance, finishing 2nd overall and first for SG, followed by Imogen, Rosie, Lily, Immi, and Poppy. The team's strength and consistency were evident throughout, and they can look forward to the national competition with great pride and excitement.

It was a historic and inspiring day for Sherborne Girls, with all three age groups showcasing incredible talent, determination, and teamwork. From the junior team’s promising debut to the senior team’s continued excellence, the future is bright for Sherborne Girls’ cross country runners. Huge congratulations to all the athletes—your hard work and dedication are truly impressive. Looking forward to next season and the ESAA Championships in Leeds!