A bitterly cold afternoon on Hampstead Heath saw our team come home a highly creditable sixth team in the six to score in the Southern Counties Cross Country Championships. Our high finishing position was thanks in part to having two runners in the first ten - Gary Thornton, just missing out on a bronze medal (fifth but given the same time as 4th position) and John Gilbert coming home in tenth. Their performances had been eagerly anticipated and although they themselves might have been a little disappointed with their finishing positions, it shows you the high standards they aspire to reach. Both Gary and John were in a leading group for a fair part of the race before eventual winner Neilson Hall (Bedford AC) made a decisive break that took him to a fairly comfortable victory over Kent second claimer Ben Tickner whose form looks good for the forthcoming national.

Whilst the team was missing several potential high finishers, the actual team that turned out could be proud of their efforts on such a testing, energy-sapping course. Once more it was good to see a solid turn out from the competitive B Team training group, again enjoying some close battles – witness Jon Gill just pipping Luke in a last gasp sprint for the line.

After John Gilbert our next man home was Jim Savage coming home in an impressive 31 st. Next home was Andy Moreton reaping the benefits of his marathon training, finishing just out side the top 100 in (108) Then came Steve McGrory (129) who had to contend with the handicap of missing the start. The improving Chris Greenwood had another good run closing in at 143. Chris was then followed by: Stuart Beaney (222), John Gill (232) Luke Armitage (235) Lee Haze (257) Stuart Scott (334) and Nick Park closing the 12 in a creditable 564. We were seventh in the 12 to score and first Kent club. We also came away with a trophy, which was a bit of a mystery. It ‘s for something like the most improving club, but one that has never quite got into the medals. The bulk of the team enjoyed a fraternal evening in a nearby hostelry with our local rivals and a few who were more local to the delights of north London.

Andy G