Milder conditions greeted Thurrock’s endurance squad when they travelled to Epping Forest for the 4th round of the Essex Cross-Country League on Saturday (12th)
The Under 17’s men’s team more or less clinched their league title with another comfortable win. Led by county champion Leon Wheeler, who this time had to settle for second place.
Ben Prior should be delighted with his 3rd place while Finnlay Lowe, in 7th can look forward to great things next season when he remains in this age group. Mason Hambleton completed the team in 17th place with Henri Willett providing strong back up in 21st place.
The senior men have had a good season and look to be finishing in the top half of Division 1. Alec Finch had a great battle to finish 5th in the 220 strong field. In his first year in the seniors Taylor Newell is having a great season. On Saturday he was 16th. Scott Rice in 55th spot did well in his V45 age section.
In the younger age groups Demi Eves ran strongly to finish 3rd in the U15 girls. She, too, is in the running for individual honours. Thomas Peacock had his best ever cross country race, finishing 4th in the U13 boys.
The senior women, unfortunately, turned out an incomplete team but Toni Radley 26th, Victoria Peacock 33rd and Jodi Farrell 39th ran well, finishing highly in their age categories.
Recent recruits have made their mark in the U13 boy’s squad. Behind Thomas Peacock, Ryan West and Harry Wyett with 16th and 17th and the Squibb twins, Teddy and Alfie, were 33rd and 36th. Their admirable efforts meant the team finished third, a much improved result.
Other finishers:
Senior Men
Jack Exley 62
Rob Doyle 63
Tony Draper 69
Keith Willett 94
Shawn Brown 98
Eamonn Shelley 123
Steve Ball 127
Chris Applegate 137
Gary Rowlatt 152
John O’Shea 168
Bernie Johnson 177
Under 13 girls
Cheyenne Dagher 16
Sophie Matthews 26
Olivia Higgs 28
Under 15 girls
Jayne Elvin 9
Kennedy Beardwell 26
Leah Brewer 27
Under 17 W
Emily Fall 12
Under 20 W
Lucie Ball 17