Hilly Fields in Colchester was the venue for Round 3 of the NESS XC league hosted by Great Bentley RC on Sunday. The race took place in near perfect running conditions with decent temperatures and the ground underfoot firmer than expected after the previous day’s downpours. Halstead had 20 runners out tackling the 2 lap, 5 mile course.
First home for the men was once again Matt Thomas, continuing his excellent debut season for HRR in 13th position. Nathan Roulson was next home in 36th place after a strong run considering the 2nd place run he’d gained in his ultra marathon last weekend. Not far behind him were another two, 1st season XC racers both proving their worth on the off road, with James North crossing the line in 43rd and two places back in 45th Chris Lloyd. Steve May was the next runner in, in 58th.Bradley Doe enjoyed his return HRR and XC with another good run to complete the scoring side in 89th spot while the ever present Gav Ripton put in his usual consistently strong run to come home in 112th. Sam Wolton timed his strong finish to perfection to hold off a late challenge to bring himself home in 116th. Just behind him HRR’s male captain Perry James summoned his inner Usain Bolt to out sprint other competitors in an amazing finish to cross the line in 120th place. Don Wilson showed he’s still got it with great run to come home in 132nd. Andy Carter went from socket to pocket to sock it to ’em, with another strong finish in 142nd to prove there’s still life in them little legs. The team was brought home by Macer Twydell who was running off the previous night’s festivities in 148th place.
In the ladies race, Hayley Lamkin put the previous days disappointment over a cancelled XC race behind her, with an excellent run to take 2nd place, with Vikki Suêtt finishing strongly hot on her heels just back in 4th. Caroliena Cameron continued her recent rich vein of form completing the ladies scoring team in 31st. Anoushka Springett, excelling in her debut season off road, finished a few places behind in 37th with another strong performance from Emma Healy bringing her across the line just behind in 43rd. Wendy Carter extended her 100% XC record this season to finish strongly, holding off a late challenge to come home in 49th place. Ladies captain Victoria Metson continued her return to fitness with a solid run and another strong finish in 62nd place and Jenny Smith brought HRR home, eagerly supported by her team mates & daughter, with a great performance in 81st position.
These results today mean that Halstead finished in 1st place in Pool B on the day and retain their top spot overall in Pool B in the league.
