The Salopian Summer 2023

78 SCHOOL NEWS
competitive event, with runners
completing a 2km loop into the Deer
Park, on the opposite side of the estate
from the Tucks course. It was equally
pleasing to see the Hunt finish in the
top 3 in all race categories, winning the
Mixed Relay and the Senior Boys races.
The Lent term ended in fittingly rousing
fashion, with the running of the annual
inter-House Steeplechases event
seeing out the season. The format of
the relay race – the racing of set year
groups on set legs and the contained
campus loop – makes for arguably
the most exciting of the various
School races; the 2023 edition was no
exception. Both boys’ and girls’ races
were ultimately won by the closest of
margins, with battles between Hunt
runners on the final legs – Massimo
Wyatt (PH L6) and Sophia Urquhart
securing victories for Port Hill and
Emma Darwin Hall in the home
straight. In doing so, EDH recorded
an impressive trio of victories across
the main School races: the Tucks, the
Paperchases and the Steeplechases.
The Hunt’s celebratory-cum-valedictory
lunch proved a fitting occasion to
reflect on another busy and successful
season. It was an important moment for
the Hunt runners to catch their breath
and to enjoy one another’s company,
whilst wishing our leavers the very
best. We were very fortunate to sign
Dan Grinnall (O U6) on a free transfer,
and his almost immediate selection to
the 1st teams for Knole and Coventry
was no mean feat. We will be very
sorry to see Eva Hall (G U6), a stalwart
of the Club, leave. Full of goodwill and
generosity, she has been continually
willing to forgo her own interests and
race for the Hunt this year. George
Hankins (O U6) has been a regular
and very dependable presence, full of
running and nothing if not enthusiastic.
The fact that two Huntsmen and two
Huntswomen were appointed this year
serves to illustrate just how blessed
the Hunt has been with its Upper
Sixth. Sophia Urquhart has been a
wonderful servant of the Club. Ever
positive and determined, we will miss
her outstanding service. Iris Downes
has raised the standard of girls’ running
single-handedly to dizzying heights
in her time at Shrewsbury. She has
proved a wonderful ambassador for
the Club and the School – not just in
her racing, but in her broader manner
and attitude. Kristian Tung has been
nothing short of gold dust. His upbeat,
cheerful temperament, combined
with his unwavering commitment and
discipline, makes him a wonderful
role-model for us all. Phoenix-like, Will
Singleton has somehow shrugged off
illness and injury to compete at the very
top of the national running scene, and
he is now posting terrifying times on
the track. We hope our leavers will take
the opportunity of actively engaging
with the Old Salopian Hunt in future
years, and we will watch their progress
in future years with great interest.
Finally, it is important to recognise
the tireless efforts of the staff, and
their dedication and passion for the
Hunt. Specifically, Dr Oakley has
been, as ever, an invaluable support.
His Herculean efforts processing and
generating race results are essential to
the smooth operation of the various
races hosted across the year. We are
also indebted to Colin Lancaster, whose
calm and reassuring guidance and
coaching is appreciated by so many.
Lastly, Mr Haworth has been a constant
source of advice and assistance, always
responding positively and generously
to the many calls for help directed his
way this year.
Frank Tickner
Iris Downes Sophia Urquhart Dan Grinall Kris Tung Eva Hall George Hankins