Grassy fields and steady inclines greeted the XC teams as they entered into their first league match of the season.
Having been promoted to Division 1 last season the women's team came a very comfortable 8th overall. The in form Brooke Mensah led the ladies home in an impressive 32nd place. She was followed in by a performance of the match run by Megan Farrell, her gutsy run was rewarded with 45th place. She was followed in by a typically solid run from Jodie Farrell in 67th. Finishing the scoring team was Leonie Nalcioglu who continues her phased return with a solid 77th place. Vicky Purkiss, after a lot of patient work coming back from her achilles struggles was a solid 130th, with Mrs. Consistent Gloria Bullen rounding out the team in 144th place. The women's veteran scorers were 13th overall.
The men were up against some solid teams in Division 1 and there has been some promising signs in training over recent weeks. Boosted by the returns of Henri and Steve Ball - the team's 10th place was a solid job done kind of result.
First scorer was Ben Prior in 30th place who also takes the award for most amount of sick produced at the finish line, a good effort from him there. He was closely followed by Alec Finch in 31st place. Next up was regular scorer Scott Thrush who will be encouraged by his 60th place finish. The wily Rob Doyle was next scorer in 89th place, he's had his injuries but always manages to turn in a good performance when his Harriers vest is on. Not far behind was Keith Willet in 98th place, getting good points on the board. Last scorer was the XC regular Simon Hatcher who's 179th place put him in the scoring side for the first time. The team were backed up by the return of Henri Willett in 205th, followed by evergreen Chris Applegate in 211th. Steve Ball had a welcome return to the XC scene in 214th place. Bernie Johnson was final scorer in 236th, his warm up race for Tiptree. The men's veteran team were 15th overall.
In the junior races there were a lot of athletes in the U14 and U16 groups and Bernie and Andy will have been pleased with the start to the season. Highest placing team were the U16 girls with 4th and highest placed individual was George Riley who was an eye catching 7th.
U14 Boys — 9th team
31 – Luke Whiffin
46 – George Love
49 – Ronnie Jones
50 – Samuil Gabrovski
52 – Finlay Maule
53 – Archie Ball
U14 Girls — 9th team
18 – Sophia Norrington
U16 Boys — 6th team
7 – George Riley
29 – Cooper Theakston-Ede
32 – Jakub Urtnowski
36 - Charlie Matthews
45 - Liam Tarasevicius
60 - Alfie Bumstead
U16 Girls — 4th team
11 – Phoebe Thomas
14 – Isla Sandford
47 – Frankie Foy
49 – Ethan Doran