NESS XC – GOSFIELD

107 men & 55 ladies took on the challenge in some of the worst weather conditions possible.

Torrential rain, a sleet shower and freezing temperatures turned the already sodden ground into a quagmire, with ankle-deep mud and knee-deep water features making the task of staying on your feet even more challenging.

In the men’s race, Bradley Doe, who is having a strong season on the trails, had a fantastic run finishing in a very impressive 4th place. Not far behind was Matt Thomas, placing with another top 10 finish in 9th place.

Two places back in 11th was James Withams & hot on his heels just one place behind was Alastair Wilson in 12th.

Making his XC debut & trying to replicate his road speed in the mud-with all the idea but not the gear-was Ian Wingrove in 18th place.

Having had to stop to re-fasten his footwear, Sam Wolton completed the men’s scoring side in 71st.

Continuing his strong debut XC season, Josh Roughan put in another determined run to finish in 90th spot.

Bringing the Halstead team home and having to use some of his fancy footwork that’s normally seen on the dance floor was Dancing Dave Clarke in 103rd position.

Halstead only had 3 ladies running yet there were still some great performances.

First home for Halstead ladies was Rachael Roughan, with another excellent run. Despite not looking forward to the conditions pre race, she soon changed her mind to finish in 4th spot.

The ever-present Noush Springett battled against the gale force winds on the open fields to finish in a brilliant 26th place.

Ladies team captain, Bec Gilroy, not one to normally tackle the XC scene, put in a captain’s performance finishing in 37th position and showing off the benefits of her current marathon training.

These results mean that our men’s team finished top of Pool B and the ladies finished 3rd.

Overall, HRR finished 2nd in Pool B leaving us one point behind Harwich going in to the final race of the season which takes place next weekend at Harwich.

Race report credit to Steve May