Saltus Grammar School have asserted their authority on the local youth running scene, delivering a masterclass in endurance to dominate the Primary School Cross-Country Championships at the National Sports Centre.
In a statement of intent from the opening whistle, Saltus claimed both the overall girls’ and overall boys’ titles, securing the overall championship trophy with an emphatic score of 160 points. Warwick Academy trailed in a distant second with 388 points, while Somersfield Academy completed the podium in third with a total of 707.
The Saltus boys enjoyed a particularly commanding afternoon, amassing just 54 points to secure the overall boys’ division title. Warwick Academy followed in second with 183 points, and Somersfield Academy took third with 323.
The Saltus girls proved equally formidable, tallying 101 points to clinch their victory. Bermuda High School (BHS) put up a spirited fight to finish second with 125 points, while Warwick Academy settled for third with 205.
Vivienne Fox of BHS ignited the day’s action with a clinical performance in the Under-9 Girls race, crossing the line first in 9:23. Despite the individual win for BHS, Saltus showcased their depth as Halo Lowe (9:36) and Indigo Kemp (9:46) secured the second and third spots, respectively. This pack-running strategy handed Saltus the Under-9 Girls team title with 56 points.
The Under-9 Boys race was a sea of Saltus red, as the school placed five runners in the top seven spots. Elliot Davidge led the charge to win in 8:38, followed closely by teammate Jamie Kane in 8:46. Kanzo Thompson of Dalton E. Tucker broke the Saltus stranglehold to claim the bronze medal in 9:04.
While Saltus dominated the overall standings, Warwick Academy found their stride in the Over-9 Girls division. Although Saltus’ Diamond Morris took the individual gold in 10:43 and teammate Naomi Nusum finished third (11:03), Warwick’s collective strength was undeniable. Led by Freya Dunkle in second place (10:44), Warwick placed five runners in the top ten to secure the divisional team title with 33 points.
In the Over-9 Boys division, Saltus returned to the top of the podium. Nolan Horrobin produced an impressive solo run to win the race, holding off a challenge from Jacob Butterfield of Port Royal Primary. Heath Kempe completed the podium for Saltus, who once again secured the team title with 38 points.
