Many of Chiltern Harriers young athletes travelled, for the third time this season, to the north of the county to compete, on this occasion, for their local senior school teams at the County Schools cross-country championships. Most were there for the experience and battling to get their School Team into the top places. Some were aiming to earn selection for the County Schools Team and the chance to represent Buckinghamshire at the English Schools Championships, which take place in Mansfield on the 25th March. The course, set in the scenic grounds of this well-known Public School, was as tough and undulating as ever. Excellent for cross-country running and perfect for the many parents who turned out to spectate.
The Year 7 Boys was a very competitive race over 2.5K. Although the race leader just got away from them in the last 400m Oliver Church (DCGS) and Sonny Harvey (Chesham High) battled right to the line to win silver and bronze respectively. There were very good performances from Chris Gabe (Beacon) who finished 9th and Michael Palfreeman (DCGS) in 12th place.
In the Junior Boys (years 8 & 9) 4.5K race Alex Shelley (DCGS) produced a strong run, holding 3rd place throughout the race to win bronze and lead home his Dr Challoners Grammar School team to win the County Team title. Clubmate Allan Stewart (Chesham High), having his best run of the season, moved through the field from 10th to finish an excellent 5th place to ensure County team selection. The DCGS team win owed much to the very good performances of Will Hayter (7th), George Gunn (a Year 8 in 8th), Jack Crowther (10th) and Daniel Loach (a Year 8 in 13th). Nick Lingley (The Amersham School) finished 16th.
In the Intermediate (years 10 & 11) Boys 5K race Tom Campbell (DCGS) ran strongly in the first half of the race but eventually paid for his effort as the hilly course took it's toll and was disappointed to slip to 9th place at the finish. Clubmate Alex Higgins (also DCGS) was pleased with his run to finish 10th.
The last race of the afternoon was the Senior Boys (years 12 & 13) race run over 6.5K and produced a solid performance from first year Matthew Bennett (Chesham High). Stowe is not his favourite course but he finished strongly in 4th place to secure his County selection and keep his record of having been selected to represent the County Schools team every year from Year 8 to 12, quite an achievement.
Athletes finishing in the first 6 places of the of the Junior, Inter and Senior races will automatically be selected for the County Schools Team to compete at the English Schools Cross-Country Championships. Those finishing in 7th and 8th positions will have to wait and see if there selection is confirmed by Team Management.
Gary Howells
Team Manager & Coach
Chiltern Harriers AC