The last round of this 5-race competition took place last Saturday in good weather conditions over this traditionally tough and very muddy course. With overall medals to be won in both individual and team categories Chiltern Harriers were out in force, although half-term holidays meant some of the younger athletes were unavailable. To count in the overall reckoning athletes needed to have finished in at least 4 of the 5 races.
James McCarthy was a little below par having just returned from a skiing holiday but still managed to finish in 11th place and retained his 2nd place overall to win the silver medal. He was well supported by Joe Cochrane, marking his debut with an impressive 13th place, 9 year old Bill Hughes in 23rd, Tommy Lee in 31st and Matt Tate in 45th position. The U11 boy's team finished in 4th place overall, just outside the medals.
The U13 boy's team had another great race finishing 2nd just behind the very strong Bedford & County team. This excellent performance deservedly kept them in a strong 2nd place overall and the Team silver medals. Once again Sonny Harvey led the team home with a good run in 7th place, despite losing both shoes during the first lap. However his efforts were not enough to hold onto 3rd place overall, as he had to settle for 4th behind the South of England bronze medallist. Dan Barraclough had another excellent run to finish in 10th place (11th place overall) and secured his place in the County Team for next weekend's National Inter-County Championships. Oliver Church, still recovering from a sprained ankle fought bravely for 16th place (7th overall), Michael Goddard finished 20th, Howard Mears in 26th, Jack Dutton 37th, Chris Gabe 39th and Edgar Aperghis in 40th place. Both Sonny Harvey and Oliver Church are also in the 8-man U13 County Team for next Saturday.
The slightly under strength U15 boy's team managed to finish 3rd place on the day and ensured keeping the overall bronze medal position. A fine run from Alex Shelley who finished in 6th place confirmed his selection for the County team and he joins Will Hayter and Alex Watson who were already selected. Alex Watson was the next finisher in 19th place closely followed home by Dan Loach (20th), Nick Lingley (22nd), Hugh Beedell (30th) and Ben Allport in 34th place. Nick Lingley and Alex Watson finished 6th and 7th overall respectively
Gary Howells
Coach/ Team Manager
Chiltern Harriers AC