HRR had 12 athletes in action at round two of the Essex Cross Coutry League on Saturday. The race was hosted by Orion Harriers at Epping Forest and although the day itself was dry, sunny and unseasonably warm, conditions underfoot were very muddy in places after recent heavy rain. After the junior age group races, the Senior Women set off at 12:00 for a two lap 3.8 mile race. Wendy Carter led the Halstead team home in 89th place, closely followed by Lisa Rodbourn in 93rd. Emma Tanner made her debut in the Essex League with a great run in 102nd and the improving Anna Bambridge completed the team score crossing the line in 121st. Off road enthusiast Lauren Ripton finished strongly in 129th position. The men’s 4.8 mile route saw them make up the extra distance by climbing the longest hill of the race on both their laps. Wes Atkins continued his return to racing with an excellent 69th place finish against many of the county’s top runners. Gav Ripton was next for HRR in 171st then Alan Fancy gained a rare victory over Darren Powell as they finished in 207th and 208th places respectively. Next came another competitive race between cross country stalwarts Don English and Andy Carter. Don gained the upper hand as he passed Andy at about 3/4 race distance and they completed the scoring team in 234th and 238th positions. Finishing strongly in 241st place was Joby Humm in only his second cross country race. Team results are still unconfirmed.
Race report credit to Andy Carter
