Essex League XC – Hockley

Mussett in command

The 2nd round of the Essex Cross Country league saw Colchester Harriers men in cracking form boosted by their Talisman leader Adrian Mussett.  Mussett has been the victor in many Essex league matches over the years but this was an important fixture for the green vests as Essex league success is a priority this season. Team manager Pete West has a strong squad and when Mussett is in the team then victory is always likely.

Mussett well into the veteran age group now  stormed away from the field over the Hilly Hockley course which is his favourite terrain and was well clear of two much younger men Tom Gardner of Ilford and Grant Webb of Basildon to secure firstn place and lead Harriers to an important victory. Chris Sellens although nursing a foot injury had a fine run for 7th and was backed up by army man Daz Farrugi (12), Carwyn Jones (13), Allen Smalls ( 24,) and final scorer Mark Harrod (32). Also competing for the team were Jon Nears (38), Paul Spowage (45), Paul Rodgers (53), Pete West (62), and Simon Morgan (121). First 6 teams were 1. Colchester Harriers 89, 2. Orion Harriers 109, 3. Havering Mayesbrook 174, 4. Chelmsford AC 185, 5. Springfield Striders 208, 6. Southend AC 218.

The ladies were a good third led by Sarah Stradling who was in excellent form with the Harriers veteran finishing runner up to the under 20 runner Jodie Judd of Chelmsford. Another veteran Denise Morley in 14th led the rest of the Harriers team home , with good runs coming from Becky Cooke (24), Annette Oakman (28), Andrea James (29) , and Ella Neale (32). Top 4 teams were 1. Chelmsford AC 22, 2. Southend AC 50, 3. Colchester Harriers 67, 4. Basildon AC 67.

In the under 20 girls race Beth Francis was running well in 14th spot, the under 17 men saw Max Williams 15th and Jake Young 17th, then in the under 15 boys there was inspired runs by Max Caulfield 14th, Marcus Holmes 24th, and  Joseph Bowden 35th.  Ziggy Lambton was flying , coming home 4th in the under 13 boys.

Ladies team Sarah Straling, Ella Neale, Beth Francis, Annette Oakman, Denise Morley, Becky Cooke and Andrea James

Adrian Mussett well clear of the field