SEZ Cross Country took place on Friday 11 August, after being postponed due to wet weather. We took a team of nearly 40 students to Barry Curtis Park to compete. Together, everyone walked the track to try and spot troublesome points and muddy parts, and then began warming up for their races.

The Year 7 Girls were up first and while on the starting line, they decided to share some highlights from our school production. Amber B swept us away with a 2nd place, followed by Maaike W in 4th place. The rest of the girls followed closely behind with a group coming in between 12th and 20th places. 

Next up were the Year 7 Boys who looked like they were raring to go. Nathan J was at the front of the pack for most of the race but unfortunately had to drop out on the last stretch with a medical issue. This meant that Ethan M had a chance to sweep up 3rd place, Oliver T was the next Somerville student to finish in 13th place, and Jake S was not far behind in 16th place. 

The Year 8 Girls were up next and fortunately Olivia A was able to join us after dashing from the Auckland Champs Gymnastics competition. She was the first Somerville student to cross the line in 13th place, followed by Malak K in 19th place and Kate H in 20th. 

Lastly, it was time for the Year 8 boys and although they were down a couple of members, they put in a great effort. Kade M came in 4th place and Caleb A-R wasn’t far behind in 8th place. Ethan C was the third Somerville Student to cross the line in 15th place.

At the prize-giving we learnt that we placed a team on the podium in all 4 categories. The Year 7 Girls came 2nd, the Year 7 Boys came 2nd equal with BBI and the Year 8 Girls came 3rd. Surprisingly the Year 8 Boys came in 1st Place, which meant they had won a spot at the Auckland Champs tournament to be held the week commencing Monday 28 August.