Following last week’s outstanding result in the Kent County Championships, any worries of an anti-climax in the third Surrey league fixture were soon dispelled – probably on the train down when the strength of the team became clear. For although we were missing a couple of “big hitters” from last week’s team, the team that turned out both looked , and proved to be formidably strong. So much so that we had 10 runners in 21 – not surprisingly this meant that our winning margin was to say the least considerable.

Although a group formed at the beginning of the race as the runners headed across the playing fields and up into the woods, it wasn’t long before John Gilbert was striding away to forge a gap between himself and what was turning out to be almost a procession of Kent runners. Initially Chris Greenwood occupied a clear second with James Connor pursuing him closely. Towards the end of the race James got the better of Chris to claim second spot, but with John having a winning margin of just over a minute. After Chris, our next man home in a fine fourth position was Mark Bruce making a welcome return to club colours. Mark had looked a great addition when he raced several times for the club two seasons ago. Unfortunately a demanding job had meant that Mark’s training and appearances for the club have been restricted. However, it seems the situation may have eased and we may be fortunate to see more of Mark representing the club. At one stage it looked as though we might have had the first five finishers with Rich Munn again running well and contesting fifth for much of the race. It wasn’t to be though as a couple of runners got passed Rich on one of the steep downhill stretches. Rich would have us believe that his loss of position was all to do with running down hill with a cold. (We weren’t entirely convinced by his theory.) Next man home (8th) was Northern Ireland veteran international Steve McGrory, having his usual solid run. Hard on his heels though, in ninth, was that fine advert for sobriety, Stuart Beaney, continuing with his impressive improvement. A little further back there was fierce competition between Kent runners having individual battles. After a slightly disappointing run in the county, Jack Wilson (12th) showed again what an asset he is going to be for our cross-country teams. Not far behind Jack was come-back man Andrew Dunwoody (13th). Another good run following on from his county showing . Mid race the pained expression on Andrew’s face reminding him (as if he needed it) of the masochistic pleasures of running on tough courses. Next home in 20th was Paul Bell seemingly fully recovered from the illness that laid him low recently. In 27th was Andy Moreton just ahead of what seems to be developing into a bit of serious rivalry. Representing youth, Callum Fraser, coming home in 30th , just ahead of Luke Armitage ,(31st) representing shall we say maturity. The competitor in Luke is clearly looking for revenge, so the last of the Surrey leagues promises a good battle. Not far between the pair came Hesham Dahman (33rd) showing he possesses an impressive sprint finish to hold off his challengers in the run in. Our final runner home today was Nick Park (117).

Whilst it was another tremendous result at the Reigate race, we shouldn’t get too far ahead of ourselves. If we want to go up in style, another strong turn-out is required for the last race at Esher.

Finally, a brief note about our sole junior representative, under 15, Said Gabo. Said has had a nasty virus and during the warm up his wheezing gave me concerns about how he would fare. He could have been one place down on what might have been expected, but in the circumstances he acquitted himself well and should be on for a medal come the end of the season.

Andy G