MEMBERS of Moree junior athletics group Ronny’s Runners represented their schools at the recent NSW PSSA Cross Country Championships, with eight-year-old Bella Boland smashing the 8-9 years 2.1km girls event, winning by a widening 150 metres.

Bella, who turns nine this month, will possibly head to the national championships next year after running a personal best time, with second-placed Isla Bates from Panania St Christopher’s Catholic School 23 seconds away.

The NSW PSSA Cross Country Championships, held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre in Horsley Park on July 23, drew hundreds of young athletes from New South Wales public and private schools.

Bella, Marley Legg, Jake Ewart, Evie Woods, Tom Jensen and Alarni Smith represented Moree Public School on the north-west team, with St Philomena’s Catholic School student Will Smith running for Polding.

Moree Public School sports co-ordinator, Keira Legg, said all students represented their schools with pride and determination.

“Unfortunately, they don’t have nationals until the 10-year-old events, but Bella’s win at state level puts her in an amazing spot for that next year,” Keira said.

“Bella ran a 45-second personal best and second place was 23 seconds behind her.”

Keira’s daughter, Marley, finished eighth of 79 competitors in the 11 years girls 3km event.

“Marley is now a shadow for the NSW team after running a personal best in her event on a very difficult track,” Keira said.

All students competed with distinction – seven junior athletes from Moree competing at state level is an amazing milestone for local sport.

(from left) Tom Jensen, Jake Ewart, Will Smith, super-coach Ronny Clissold, Marley Legg and Bella Boland at the 2025 NSW PSSA Cross Country Championships (Image Supplied).

“Will Smith was placed 23rd in the 10 years boys 2km track; Jake Ewart was 55th in the same event; and Alarni Smith placed 77th in the 11 years girls 3km event.

“Evie Woods placed 58th in the 10 years 2km event and Tom Jensen placed 74th in the 8-9 years boys 2km event,” she said.

Super-coach Ronny Clissold, who single-handedly makes 80 the new 60, said Bella’s effort to win the state title for her age group was an inspiring achievement.

“Bella got away to a good start and was running third after 300 metres,” Ronny said.

“She took the lead after about 700 metres and went further ahead from there, and put in a big sprint finish to win by 150 metres in seven minutes and 28sec – an average of 16 kilometres an hour.

“Next year, if Bella can get to the top six, she’ll go to the nationals.

“For her age, Bella is a really mature thinker – a very good thinker – and can only improve,” he said.

Bella’s dad, James, won the men’s 10km run at the inaugural Run the Plains carnival in Moree last year and her mum, Toni, founded health and fitness studio Pure Symmetry in Moree.

“Bella will do well next year, I’m sure – she’s definitely got the breeding,” Ronny laughed.

Mum Toni said Bella’s success was due to self-drive and determination.

“Bella has been the one behind the wheel,” Toni said.

“James and I can’t claim her success; we just try our best to encourage and support her.

“We are also very thankful for the support of Moree Public School. The kids are really encouraged, with staff often offering training sessions some mornings before class,” she said.

Podium finish: Moree’s Bella Boland (middle) on the podium with runners-up Isla Bates and Indiana Freeman, who both ran for MacKillop (Image Supplied).

Bella is now focused on the upcoming athletics season, and hopes to qualify for the NSW PSSA Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre on October 22-23 – and coach Ronny Clissold will be there every step of the way.

“Bella and all of the Moree kids who attended the State Cross country Championships owe much of their success to Ronny and his dedication and passion for training them,” Toni said.

“Having Ronny’s runners to train with really helps keep them all motivated, and the wide range of ages offers role models to aspire to for the younger kids.

“Not to mention Ronny himself. He’s still carving it up with the kids – he’s an incredible inspiration,” Toni said.

Toni said Ronny and Bella were very clear about their race strategy before winning the New South Wales title.

“Bella was well-placed at the start and moved into the lead after the first 500 metres – their strategy was perfectly executed, ” Toni said.

“Bella loves to compete, and her determination in what she wants to achieve was very clear at a young age.

“We are all very proud of her achievements this year – she’s blown us all away,” Toni smiled.

“Bella’s age group – eight and nine years – doesn’t have a pathway to progress to nationals despite her time being fast enough to qualify, but she is looking forward to next year’s state championships, where she will have the opportunity to qualify for the nationals.”