Cross-Country

21st Feb. Home Pocklington School ... ... Lost 9-10' 28th Feb. Home Sheffield Schools A.A. XV ... Won 12-11

The following played :—J. F. Liversidge (Capt.), D. Kirby (Vice-Capt.), P. J. Ladd, I , N. Ridley, N. D. Taylor, D. N. Brocklebank, R. J. Sharp, I. C. Bytheway, M. B. Wilson, M. Ruddock, G. C. Sanderson, N. J. Dick, J. A. Whitmore, T. G. Tomlinson, J. G. Spink, J. M. Ward, W. D. Dodsworth, S. Mackintosh.

INTER-HOUSE CROSS-COUNTRY RACE

THE GOODBURN CUP

As early as the beginning of February, if not earlier, training of House teams began in earnest and had to continue with as little interference as possible with other school activities. Such an arrangement is far from ideal and calls for considerable self-sacrifice on the part of some individuals, but nevertheless it seems inevitable. The pity is that key-personnel in other sports are always doubly involved. but without the limitation of the number of entrants per team the would be far worse. Preparation for such a race is of paramount importance and for the most part was successfully achieved in varying conditions.

A survey of the existing course, which has now remained exactly the same since 1949 (if not 1948?), estimates the distance as 3 miles 7 furlongs, taking into account the start across the Old Golf Course and including the loop at the far end of the Ings, where the field adjoining the North Riding Mental Hospital is traversed. This year the homeward stretch down the near-side of the Ings was distinctly wet, but otherwise the course was in good condition, and overhead conditions were favourable when the 40 runners set off at a good gallop on Monday, 23rd February.

A running commentary on the race by the Signal Section was not very successful, or shall we say that atmospheric conditions seemed unfavourable. but as far as could be gathered R. B. Atkinson and J. G. Humble shared the lead throughout the whole race, and as soon as the Boat House came into view once again the former soon showed the latter a clean pair of heels. The result was very much as could have been predicted. R. B. Atkinson (T.) (4th last year) won by the length of a street from J. G. Humble (M.) (8th last year) with C. S. Elston (M.) (14th last year) a good third. Previous experience once' again had proved invaluable, and others to follow were W. E. Butland (T.), R. D. Beckitt (T.), P. Smith (G.). R. D. Welch (T.), B. A. Heap (T.). R. Nelson ('S.'H.), and 10th, R. M. Botterill (M.).

The time of 24 mins. 59 secs. was slow by previous standards, but undoubtedly R. B. Atkinson had set an admirable pace for so many 13