53-12 Cross Country – Gt Notley

Heath gives Harriers a fine 2nd spot

The first 53-12 Cross Country meeting kicked off at Great Notley Country park in more like summer conditions , and a large field assembled to enjoy the Autumn sunshine. Harriers managed a good runners up spot on the day which was a nice start considering the green vests were in there 2nd cross country fixture of the weekend along with Springfield Striders  after the Essex league at Hockley the day previous.

Richard Heath was unable to compete on Saturday but his 5th place on the day at Great Notley gave Harriers men 2nd spot, along with a good piece of packing by the green vests further down the field. Martyn Clarke is over 50 but has been in amazing form and came home 24th overall, then came the Harriers pack, Sean Ketteridge 36, Russell Goodridge 37, John Fryer 38, David Wright 39, James Waterson 40, and Chris Manby 42, brought the team home, with other Harriers to finish Dan Foster 66,Kevin McAlinden 72, Carlos Cattalan 81, Dan Wilkinson 89, Pat Marsh 127, Dave Gayer 140, and Martin Claydon 143.

The ladies were also runners up with Laura Shewbridge despite a stomach upset bravely finishing 8th, with Ellie Mayne 10th, Debbie Cattermole 14th, and Lyn Higgs 15th. A host of other ladies ran Mellissa Dowell 24, Rachel Taylor 25, Kate Sandercock 70, Cathy  Beard  77, Caroline Smith 80, Fay Smalls 88, Becky Bjotter 94, and Rachel Richardson-Wright 95.

The juniors had a good turn out with Archie French 3rd overall and 2nd under 15, Hannah Watson 13th and first under 13 girl, Lilly Waterson 27th and third under 15 girl, then came Hannah Rodgers 28th, Mollie Whiteford 39th, Isabella Minder 40th, Madeline Clyden 42nd, Samantha Smith 54th, and Maisie Waterson 55th. 100 juniors ran.

The juniors collecting last years team award

The juniors before their race

Dave Wright about to outsprint James Waterson

Maisie, James and Lilly Waterson after their races