Sunday saw Ipswich Jaffas host the first race of the new Ness XC league on the grounds in and around Ipswich High School. 22 Halstead Road Runners turned out on a beautifully sunny day to tackle the twisty course with a few little hills and a stile thrown in for good measure.
For the ladies Rachael Roughan, who was running her 2nd XC of the weekend, continued her strong recent form with a great run finishing in 15th position. Continuing where she left off last season Halstead’s female XC runner of the year Anoushka Springett, had another strong run, to come in 2nd place for Halstead in 46th place. Two ladies making their debuts on the XC scene, Sarah Waddington & Bec Gilroy, both put in excellent efforts to complete Halstead’s scoring team in quick succession coming in 51st & 52nd place respectively. Hot on their heels 1 place back in 53rd & leading by example was ladies captain Victoria Metson. Next home for the Halstead with another consistent performance on the course was Jane Roach in 85th spot with Treena Carder, another lady on her 2nd XC of the weekend, 2 places behind in 87th spot. Bringing the women’s team home, and changing her recent exploits on two wheels for two feet, was Jo Roulson in 95th place out of the 104 ladies taking part.
In the men’s race, Matt Thomas continued his brilliant form from last season and following on from his marathon PB last weekend, was 1st home for Halstead in 17th spot out of the 187 men running. Chris Lloyd also showed that his impressive recent performances weren’t just for the tarmac when he came home in 25th with HRR’s long distance expert, Nathan Roulson, one place back in 26th. Next home for the men was XC lover Brad ‘The Bucket’ Doe, with another strong run in 35th spot. Another XC debutant for HRR, Alistair Wilson, was the 1st of the Wilson brothers to cross the line in an impressive 50th spot close by in 58th was James North who is another runner enjoying a rich vein of running results recently. Completing the final two places of the men’s scoring team were men’s XC captain Steve May in 63rd and another off road debutant, Luis Betancourt Canas, with a great run in 69th. The 2nd Wilson brother, George, also making his 1st appearance on the XC scene for the club came home in 92nd position. Men’s captain, Perry James put in another
consistent run crossing the line in 104th place with club newcomer Simon Smith 3 places behind in 107th spot. Phil Jeffries, the only man running his 2nd XC race of the weekend, ground out a solid run on heavy legs to come home in 123rd. The final two runners back were 17 year old Josh Roughan, making his competitive debut for the club in 144th and Darren Powell bringing the men’s side across the line in 160th.
These results meant that Halstead’s first race since gaining promotion to Pool A last season left the men in 4th position in their group & the women 6th in theirs. Combined results overall meant Halstead finished in 6th position. Well done to all runners that took part today. Next up in the NESS league is Halstead’s own race at Gosfield School on 8/12.
