Sunday saw Halstead have their turn to host the next race in the Ness XC league at Gosfield School. This was a cross country race that sort of had it all, mud, hills, woods, water features and motocross bikes, and the unexpected morning’s rain made the course a little bit more challenging.
First home for Halstead’s men’s team, making a welcome return to the cross country squad, was Matt Thomas finishing in an impressive 19th out of the 114 men taking part in the race. Next across the line, continuing his impressive debut season off road was Alistair Wilson in 29th spot. Not far behind, finishing with a very impressive sprint finish, was brother George Wilson in 49th place. The next two Halstead runners to cross the line in quick succession finishing in 60th & 61st respectively were Sam Wolton and Aidan Kelly. Don Wilson was the next Halstead runner back, showing the 2 younger Wilsons that he’s not done yet, finishing in 91st position. Ryan SmIth was making his XC debut for the club and picked probably the toughest race of the season to do so, he was the final HRR man back in 107th place.
In the ladies race, Noush Springett, who was taking on the Broaks Wood course for the first time, continued her strong season finishing in 18th out of 48 ladies. Caroliena Cameron, making a rare but welcome appearance in the cross country team was only a few places back in 23rd. Jessica Thompson, in only her 2nd ever cross country race and a complete contrast in conditions to her first, was 5 places behind in 28th. Completing the ladies scoring side in 38th was Sarah Waddington who ran with teammate Bec Gilroy finishing right behind her in 39th. The season long ever present Jo Roulson was the final Halstead lady home in 43rd, proving that even though she won’t admit it, she does really love the muddy races. These results meant Halstead’s combined results left them 3rd overall on the day but unfortunately in 6th place overall for the season meaning they will be relegated back to Pool B next season.
Also huge well done to our Junior team. Amalie Twydell, who had an impressive finish with only one shoe on having lost it in the woods, took 3rd place for the girls overall. Lois and Evelyn Roulson also did the club proud in the tough and very muddy conditions.
A massive congratulations and thank you to everyone who has turned out for HRR this past XC season you have all run well. Another massive thank you to all who helped marshal & organise our race today, you’ve helped to put on another successful race which has received lots of positive feedback from the other clubs in the league.
