Historic day for Stratford AC's junior runners

THE second cross country race at Warley Woods saw another record-breaking day for the Stratford-upon-Avon AC junior cross country team.

More than 60 athletes made up the team, two of whom were individual winners on the day, the first time this has occurred in the club’s history.

Although there was a large turn-out, there were still two gaps in the squad; one in both the U17 men and U13 girls, and so vital points were lost.

Despite this, Stratford AC finished third on the day, and remain in third place overall, 726 points more than fourth-placed Halesowen A&CC, with further ground being conceded to the leaders.

Alex Adams (1st, 6.54) continued his domination in the U11 boys, securing his second straight win of the season in composed, majestic style.

Unflustered by the fast downhill start, Adams tucked in behind the leaders prior to the steep uphill climb before making his move and exerting complete control.

Adam Taylor (12th, 7.33) continued his form from the previous fixture with James Day (52nd, 8.24) capitalising on the experience gained in the last race.

The U11 boys’ team was completed by three excellent debut performances from Flynn Dathan (57th, 8.28), George Baxter (64th, 8.37) and Alex McMillan (79th, 8.52). They finished fourth on the day and remain in fourth overall.

Georgie Campbell (1st, 13.46) hit the front in the early stages and then demonstrated grit and determination to head the U15 girls’ race throughout.

Imogen Sheppard (13th, 14.48) showed much-improved form ahead of a consistent Abi Wootton (21st, 15.12).

There were eye-catching performances from Ellie Bryan (30th, 15.35), debutant Kate Dufty (33rd, 15.39), Daisy Musk (44th, 16.03) and Charlotte Gravelsons (67th, 16.57), with both Bryan and Gravelsons making significant progress compared to the first race of the season.

Olivia Hall (68th, 17.00), Ana Gionis (82nd, 17.40), Isla Jackson (93rd, 18.36) and Isobel Hopper (94th, 18.41) completed the U15 girls’ team that finished a well-deserved third place on the day and remain third overall. There were two gutsy performances in 4.8km U17 men’s race. Three leg-sapping laps didn’t stop Seb Hopper (28th, 20.08) from gradually moving through the field, closely chased by Ollie Best (34th, 20.29).

Georgina Mitchell (13th, 18.46) led the U17 women’s team home in fine style, followed by Jess Sheppard (28th, 19.41), Edie Hutchinson (42nd, 22.16) and Hannah Bexson (45th, 23.45).

The U17 men, with one team member short, finished 12th on the day and are now eighth overall. The U17 women’s team finished eighth on the day and move up to seventh.

The U11 girls’ team finished a brilliant second on the day and are third overall.

A consistent Molly Bullock (7th, 8.06) led the team home over the 1.6km large lap, followed closely by Leah Bowen (11th, 8.17) who enjoyed a stunning debut race for the club. Maria Watkins (14th, 8.25) just stayed ahead of Maisie-Joy Spriggs (15th, 8.25).

There were two other great debutant performances from Holly Newton (38th, 8.44) and Isabella Newton (44th, 8.47), with Maddie Linfoot (41st, 8.46), Ruby Edwards (72nd, 9.22) Olivia Clayton (75th, 9.25) and Katie Pridham (110th, 10.12) completing the team.

The U15 boys completed two large laps, totalling 3.2km. Owain Jones (8th, 12.50) led the team home, followed by Adam Bayliss (40th, 14.02), Tom Crowfoot (47th, 14.16), Will Crowfoot (48th, 14.18) and Archie Musk (49th, 14.24). The team were seventh on the day and now fourth overall.

Both the U13 boys’ and girls’ race was over 2.5km. The U13 girls’ team was led home by Ellen Taylor (24th, 11.39). A mature run from Ellie Deaner (47th 12.12) and Helena West (71st, 12.55), and a fantastic debut from Ella Baxter (121st, 16.48), earning a precious 82 points for the club, completed the team.

The team finished 13th on the day due to being one short of a complete team yet remain in 11th. The U13 boys’ team was led home by a superb, strong run by Jimmy Middleton (21st, 11.05).

Morgan Cooke (55th, 11.56), Christopher Hunt (73rd, 12.14), Alex Winning (99th, 13.23) and Jude Greenwood (106th, 14.00) all made solid debut cross country races for the club, with the team claiming ninth on the day and to sit seventh overall.

The next fixture takes place at Perry Park next month.