Herne Hill Harriers showed up in the green fields of Lloyd Park for the East Surrey League cross country race, where many athletes had competed on numerous occasions. It was a crisp autumn day and the sun beat down on the red and black vests of the strong HHH teams.
We all got familiar with the course by jogging the 2.5 miles with James. The race was for all ages and the competing teams included Croydon Harriers, Hercules Harriers, and Herne Hill Harriers.
After a false start, which didn’t help the confidence of the competitors, we were off. It was a dramatic, fast paced race with positions changing regularly, the going was good – not like the boggy mire of last year. Our mighty harriers faced the challenge with all their power.
In the U17 boys’ team Sam Woods came in first for HHH and overall 5th in a time of 11:44, closely followed by Charlie Luscombe, 6th overall in 11:48. Quentin Anthony did really well in his first race for HHH coming in 37th in 15:32 and Nathan Stone was right behind in 39th. Avril Robinson had a great race for the U17 girls’ team, coming in first and overall 33rd, followed by Aisha Naibe-Wey in 37th position.
The U15 boys coped well despite Jamal Langley and Dominic Wynes-Devlin carrying annoying injuries. Billy Holmes came in first for the team with an overall position of 19th in a time of 12:42, Jamal was 32nd in a time of 14:04 and Dominic, in obvious pain, bravely saw it through and came in 38th in 15:34.
The U15 girls were as strong as ever with Katie Snowden coming in first for the team, 18th in the race and the amazing result of first overall girl in a time of 12:37. Maisy Hillaire was 35th in 14:12, Jessica was 44th in 15:06 and Leila Abandah was 54th in 16:03.
Georgie Hay rose to the challenge and led the U13 girls, coming in 43rd overall in a time of 15:06 and Clemmie Hillaire was next - 55th overal - in 16:04. The U13 boys did really well with Jake Wendon coming in overall 22nd in 13.03, closely followed by Lascelles Hussey in 25th in a time of 13:06.
So well done to everybody – a great team effort and apologies if I have left anyone out.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Billy Holmes
