CROSS COUNTRY 25/26: HILLY FIELDS

The course lived up to its name with some challenging climbs & descents through the wooded sections but generally the ground was firm underfoot.

There were 156 men competing in the men’s race, Matt Thomas was 1st home for Halstead in a brilliant 12 position, just a few places back in 16th was James Withams with Bradley Doe only a few more places behind in 24th.

Stewart Ellis, competing in his 1st xc for about 5 years, had a great comeback in 30th with Nathan Roulson hot on his heels in 33rd.

Alistair Wilson completed the men’s scoring team in 40th position.

Steve May was next back in 55th. Perry James had a great sprint finish to cross the line in 77th spot. Anton Nieuwoudt was next home in 90th followed by Andy Carter in 128th with Josh Roughan bringing Halstead home in 140th place.

In the ladies race a really strong run by Rachael Roughan meant she was 1st home for Halstead in 8th out of the 93 ladies running.

Making a welcome return to the xc team in a brilliant 12 position was Tracey English with another strong run by Anoushka Springett completing the ladies scoring team in 34th place.

Hannah Whale was next back in 45th with Emma Healy, Victoria Metson & Laura Ann Smith, making her xc debut, not far behind in 53rd,54th & 55th respectively.

Jessica Thompson was close behind in 60th and Lorraine Garnham close behind her in 65th.

Emily Bentley continued her debut xc season in 72nd followed by Jane Roach in 84th.

The last 2 Halstead ladies home were Val Kerrison, continuing her excellent xc season, in 91st with Jo Roulson, cheered on by her own little family cheer squad, 1 place back in 92nd.

These excellent results mean both Halstead men & ladies topped their respective Pool B’s and leave Halstead on top of Pool B overall when the results were combined.

The xc league season now breaks up until the new year when we can dust off the trail shoes & go again!!

Race report credit to Steve May