The final race of the NESS XC League took place on Sunday at Holbecks Park in Hadleigh, Suffolk.
In beautiful, sunny conditions 19 Halstead Road Runners tackled the undulating 2 lap course around farmer’s fields.
First home for Halstead once again was Wes Atkins in 14th position. Right on his tail, having lead Wes for the majority of the run, in 15th place was HRR newcomer Jacob Page, proving he could be a force to be reckoned with in the future. Nathan Roulson continued his consistent xc season finishing in 33rd position, not far behind in 42nd spot was Stephen Metson, using the off road stuff to supplement his marathon training. Steve May was next home in 54th position, having been caught having a little walking break by a well placed Andy Carter, who wasn’t running due to a little injury. Completing the men’s scoring side in 77th place with another steady run was Gavin Ripton, meaning he had a 100% attendance for the season. Darren Powell was the next HRR male home in 114th place with Alan Fancy not far behind, with another strong run in 122nd. The final two men home for Halstead were Joby Humm, who was tackling Hadleigh’s hills for the 1st time in 147th and Simon King in 160th. Simon, having had a busy season running for not only HRR but also his 1st claim club GFDR in a different league.
In the ladies race, Wendy Carter was first across the line for Halstead in 52nd place, with Charlotte King, another Hadleigh first timer, looking strong as she crossed the line 1 place behind in 53rd. The ladies were flooding in behind them with Lisa Rodbourn completing the scoring side in 56th and Caroliena Cameron chasing her down all the way in 57th. Emma Healy was charging behind them, gaining a few positions with an impressive run down the home straight to finish in 64th, with Victoria Metson giving it her all, to finish a couple of places back in 67th. The next pair back both after strong runs, were Treena Carder, 82nd & Jane Roach in 83rd. Bringing Halstead’s ladies home was Lauren Ripton in 94th, proving her hard work and training are paying off in leaps and bounds.
XC has been a great team event for Halstead this year in both the Essex and Ness leagues, with a good turnout of both runners and supporters across the season. Well done to everyone involved.
Race report by Steve May
