Hants XC, Popham
The third race in the Hants League took place at the new course at Popham Airfield, well done to Basingstoke for putting on their second cross country in two weeks.
The course was flatish with a slight incline which meant that the race was run at a fast pace. There was a few bends that were sticky towards the end of the day and needed studs or spikes to stay upright.
The first race for Stubbington involved Tom Whitcher running his first cross country in the under 13 race, his Dad wanted to introduce him to the races and he performed quite well to finish 50th, so a new face on the scene has been introduced. He enjoyed the burger after as well.
In the Womens race we had five Stubbettes running with Sally leading home the group by finishing 70th only just ahead of Margie who finished 73rd and then a strong finish from Lucy claimed 76th spot, so good grouping by the girls was followed up by Jaz coming in 103rd and Sharon having a steady run to finish 107th.
For the Men Elliot Vernon Failed a fitness test on a twisted ankle so didn’t start and some other regulars chose the Hayling 10 and the Duck pond Waddle to race instead meant our first home was young Dan Gueran in 74th followed by Wayne in 83rd, Chris Munro had his first run of the season and had a creditable 144th and then some good grouping by Nick, Mike and Phil. Phil lost 4 places on the last 100 mtrs and was just behind Mike at the last turn, this following 2 good training sessions during the week.
Gordon gave the field a minute start before starting his race and came in 210th and is slowly getting back to fitness and was quickly followed by Simon in 213rd, Keith, John and Dave finished off the team, John having a difficult run while suffering from tooth ache soldiered on regardless.
The results leave the men still in second in Div 2 behind Poole Road Runners and seventh in Div 3 of the vets league hot on the heals of Andover.
The next race is the Hampshire Championships at Fleming Park Eastleigh on the 9th Jan. and we have entered a team for this in both mens and womens races. Phil May.
Sally McGrath 70
Margie Pritchard 73
Lucy May 76
Jaz Smith 103
Sharon White 107
112 Finished
Dan Gueran 74
Wayne Ewens 83
Chris Munro 144
Nick Crane 156
Mike Bell 174
Phil May 179
Gordon Westley 210
Simon Carson Jones 213
Keith Whitaker 233
John Gueran 238
Dave Docherty 239
256 Finished
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