Midlands Cross-Country Championships, January 2008

Hannah Alderson took a well-deserved silver medal in the U17 women’s race, but with the category running in a combined race with the U20 women, it was not until the results had been processed that she learned of her achievement. This was a pity, as it deprived the spectators of following her fortunes, and made it difficult for competitors to judge who there real rivals were.
		Florren Scrafton in the U15 girls race went with the leaders, and hung on bravely until she was finally dropped with a mile to go, but still posted an impressive 5th place.
	With Lucy Atkins in 9th, and Rebecca Barlow 64th, we had the makings of a good team, but unfortunately the squad was one runner short of scoring.
Our women have won the Gwent Cross-Country League twice in recent years, but have shied away from recent cross-country championships. They put out a good squad this time, however.

	The Westbury Harriers U15 boys' team had a tough act to follow, the club having won the team trophy for the last three years. However, they acquitted themselves with distinction, and were only beaten on the day by a fine squad from Stroud. William Massey led the team home in 9th place.
	Fraser Babbage (16th) and Jon Barlow (27th) ran together for much of the race, until Jon's lack of fitness told (he has only just got back from illness).
	Freddy Barton, who has been improving with every race this year, closed the team in 37th, while George Wintle (100th) found the muddy conditions not so much to his liking.
A combined score of 88 gave the team silver medals behind Stroud (65).

The start of the U15 race. This event has seen a number of fallers at the start over the years!