Old Scotch’s ten year reign as Champions of Gilwell Park has come to an end with Old Haileybury’s first ever win at this venue. Old Scotch’s placing of sixth is certainly its worst placing in APSOC competition in my memory (some research still underway to find the last time it finished so lowly). Old Haileybury made it double victory with a win in the women’s race.

The Gilwell race also put a bit of interest back into the race for Women’s Athlete of the Year award, and the Men’s and Women’s Champion Team of the year awards. Old Scotch now only holds a two point advantage over Old Haileybury in the Men’s category and Old Wesley a two point lead over Old Haileybury in the Women’s. Old Wesley is almost certain of returning to Divison One next year, as they hold a substantial lead in Division Two. Which reserves team (OS 2 or OX 2) will be relegated though? Both are equal last with 10 points.

Alison Couper (OH) is now only one point behind Anna Thompson (OW) in the Women’s Athlete of the Year award, while Matthew MacDonald has a comfortable but not unassailable lead in the men’s award.

Nick Harrison (OW) set his club’s best time of 10:14 for a lap at the venue, as did Natalie Kelly (OH) 12:42 and Hazel Stewart (OX) 13:55. Best team times were recorded by the Old Wesley men (1:35.25), St Kevin’s men (1:31.27) and women (1:31.20), and Old Xaverians women (1:33.21). Best placings by teams at this event were set by Old Haileybury men (1^st ) and women (1^st – 3^rd victory), Old Xaverians women (4^th - first ever completed team at Gilwell), and St Kevin’s women (3^rd - first ever completed team at Gilwell).