A 16-year-old student at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools has stormed to victory at the Welsh Schools National Cross Country Championships.
Henry, who often trains on the streets of Monmouth, powered to an outstanding triumph, 10 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, in the Years 12 to 14 race, at Brecon.
The Year 12 student at Monmouth School for Boys sat off the fast pace early-on, but made his way through to the leading pack after 600m.
By the start of the final lap, there were only three boys in contention. Still feeling in control, Henry surged clear of his rivals on the final hill, winning the Welsh title comfortably.
Henry was followed home by fellow Monmouth runners Rhys, the school’s cross-country captain, who was 15th, Oliver (17th), and Leo (28th).
The quartet all represented South East Wales and helped the region to second place in the Years 12 to 14 team event, behind first-placed Powys. Cardiff & The Vale finished third.
Seven pupils at Monmouth School for Boys represented South East Wales in total having impressed at the county championships.
John, from Year 8, ran arguably his best race of the winter in the Years 8 and 9 boys’ event, using his strength and endurance to finish in an excellent 17th place. John was also the fourth finisher for SE Wales and helped them to a team bronze. Matthew ran a solid race to come home 47th.
In the Year 7 boys’ event, Elliott had his first taste of racing at this level and finished a creditable 29th and was also the fourth SE Wales runner home.
Meanwhile, eight pupils at Monmouth School for Girls represented South East Wales and returned very impressive performances.
In the junior girls’ event, Darcy led the way for Monmouth in 21st place, while; Lara also did well, finishing 60th.
Josie was 34th in the Year 7 girls’ race, while Molly (49th), Phoebe (65th) and Mathilde (83rd) also did very well.
Zahara finished 44th in the Middle girls’ event and Freya was a very respectable 52nd in a very competitive field.
Results: Boys: Year 7: Elliott, 29.
Years 8 and 9: John, 17; Matthew, 47.
John was part of the bronze medal-winning SE Wales team.
Years 12 and 13: Henry,1; Rhys, 15; Oliver, 17; Leo, 28.
Henry, Rhys, Oliver and Leo were four of the six-strong silver medal-winning SE Wales team.
Girls: Year 7: Josie, 34; Molly, 49; Phoebe, 65; Mathilde, 83.
Junior girls: Darcy, 21; Lara, 60.
Middle girls: Zahara, 44; Freya, 52.