Morning Harriers
The second Kent XC League race of the season took place at Somerhill yesterday in the midst of an autumn heatwave with a fantastic turnout of 51 Harriers.
The courses involved a short start lap followed by one or two full laps taking in the highlights of Somerhill’s hilly terrain.
In the Super Vets (over 65 women & over 70 men) race Stella Richardson developed and maintained a strong lead from the start, finishing first in her class. She now leads the W65+ race overall in the League rankings.
For the first time in ages we managed to field a team in the M70+ race. Unfortunately Alan Cheek (Cheeky) had to pull out on the first lap leaving Peter Richardson and Paul Eames (who was making a return to XC) to battle it out.
In the Senior Women’s race, 15 Harriers lined up at the start making this one of the best women’s turnouts we’ve ever had. Cathy Gill, Ali Farrall and Emily Nash battled it out at the front of the Harriers’ pack, constantly flip-flopping position. In the end Cathy grabbed the lead and was followed by Ali and Emily to make up the 3-to-score.
Charlotte (Charley) Adiseshiah (running her first XC race for TWH), Jillian Holford and Tara Taylor (deciding to have a go at the ‘short stuff’ this season) made up the 6-to-score.
Following the 6-to-score were a tight group of 3 Harriers, including new member Sue Cooper, who finished neatly in consecutive places. Emily Manners (having run Beachy Head last weekend) and Rowena Lennox Howey (returning to XC after a long break) unfortunately had to pull out.
Despite a number of absences due to illness and family commitments, 31 Harriers started the Senior Men’s race. We were pleased to welcome Jason Gough and Phillip Connor who were making their debut, along with Matt Newman and Mel Taylor who were returning to XC after a break.
Liam White had another great race finishing first Harrier and 9th place overall. Alex Jeffries put in a very strong performance, finishing second Harrier, with Oliver Waymark and Ed Steele, who was determined to make the 4-to-score cut, close behind.
Completing the 12-to-score were: Patrick Bareham, Alex Holmes, Michael Staddon, Dave Hadaway, Jason Gough, Michael King, Andy Eames and Richard Carter.
Many thanks to the numerous supporters (and cake bakers) and to Andy Howey for marshalling. A special thanks also to Collin & Denise Timmins who welcomed us all back to their house afterwards for après race drinks and nibbles 🙂
Please find attached a summary of the Harrier results. Full results (inc. League rankings) will be available here soon: http://www.kcaa.org.uk/
Simon & Jillian Holford
TWH XC Captains