Hants XC Champs, Dibden
The Hampshire Cross Country Championships returned to Dibden Inclosure after a couple of years break and saw a record breaking (definitely in recent years) number of 23 Stubbies competing. There were a few first time cross country runners which was good to see.
Once again the first Stubby to race was Tom Whitcher who finished a brilliant 26th and only a couple of minutes behind the winner.
The Stubbetts were off next in the Ladies 8.4KM race with International runner Louise Damen from Winchester taking the glory. Tanya Brady led the Stubby team home with an excellent 16th position with Emily Foran just behind in 17th, coming 2nd and 3rd in their age group. Both received letters inviting them to represent Hampshire in the inter counties race.
The A team finished 8th overall and the B team finished 17th out of 19 teams. The Vets, consisting of Tanya, Emily, Donna and Sally came a brilliant second behind Winchester improving by one place from last year.
Ladies results:
Tanya Brady 16th
Emily Foran 17th
Lucy May 49th
Donna Mitchell 50th
Sally McGrath 59th
Rachael Openshaw 69th
Pipa Abbott 75th
Sharon White 89th
The Men’s 12.1KM race was won by another international runner, Lee Merrien from Guernsey. A new streamlined Andy Simpson led the Stubbies home with a brilliant 39th place. Dan Gueran came home in 76th and Graham ‘road runner’ Bell 82nd. The men’s A team came 11th and the B team came 16th out of 17 teams. The Vets A team came 6th and B team came 11th out of 12 teams.
Men’s results:
Andy Simpson 39th
Dan Gueran 76th
Graham Bell 82nd
Chris Hall 85th
Daragh Hendley 86th
Michael Townend 110th
Graham James 112th
Jon Leigh 116th
Gordon Westley 125th
Richard Snell 131st
Phil May 133rd
John Blake 136th
Keith Whitaker 144th
Eric Beck 150th
Photos here: Tracy Bell | Penny Forse