They say ‘that all good things come to those who wait’ and Northbourne Park School has waited 30 years for this 
triumph!
Every year since 1968, Northbourne Park School has hosted, in its extensive grounds and woodlands, the annual Stevens & Wainman IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) cross-country competition for local schools.
Northbourne Park runners were joined by competitors from the Duke of York’s Royal Military School, Junior King’s, Sandwich Technology School, Sevenoaks, Wellesley House and St. Lawrence College.
The competition comprises of two races, the Stevens Cup (Boys’ race) and the Wainman Cup (Girls’ race) and is now in its 45th year. Although an U13 competition, NPS also had four U11 runners who entered the competition this year: Jean-Baptist Defour, Romeo Roche, Arabella Fox-Pitt and Carla Ruiz de la Prada.
In the Wainman race, the NPS girls ran tenaciously and strategically with all eight Northbourne Park girls crossing the line in the top 26 places thereby earning the NPS team 2nd place to a very accomplished and talented Sevenoaks Prep team. This is the first time in 12 years that the NPS girls have achieved so well.
The boys were equally determined to meet or exceed the achievements of the girls. Their sights were set on victory and they were determined to win the Stevens Cup for the first time since 1983!With determination and willpower, NPS U11 pupil, Jean-Baptist, ran one of the most tactically impressive races ever witnessed on the course. All eight NPS boys finished in the top 20, resulting in the boys winning the cup.
Craig Riley, Director of Sport said “This was a superb afternoon of rivalry and competition and was yet another fine example of an outstanding Northbourne Park School team effort.”
Stevens Cup
1st Place – J.B. Defour (U11)
6th Place – M. Matitia (U13)
9th Place – F. Dont (U13)
14th Place – P. Ruiz de la Prada (U13)
15th Place – N. Brenas (U13)
17th Place – L. Du Closel (U13)
18th Place – A. Torriglia (U13)
19th Place – R. Roche (U11)
Wainman Cup
6th Place – A. Fox-Pitt (U11)
8th Place – H. Glynn-Williams (U13)
10th Place – C. Ruiz de la Prada (U11)
14th Place – M.E. Meunie (U13)
16th Place – A. Lucas (U13)
22nd Place – A. Nordin (U13)
26th Place – H. Martin (U13)