5th Jan 2019
County Cross-Country Championships
Thurrock Harriers had a good day on Day 2 of the County Cross-Country Championships on Saturday (5th) with Under 17’s, Under 19’s and the Seniors competed for the medals. These were held in the extensive grounds of Writtle College.
Leon Wheeler was an imperious winner of the under 17 men’s title. Always at the front, he strode majestically away from the rest of the field over the final mile. He led his team to silver medals. Ben Prior had a great run to finish 6th and selection for the inter-counties while Finnlay Lowe 16th, Mason Hambleton 32nd and Henri Willett 33rd ensured the medals, in a tightly fought team race with only 9 points separating the 3 medal winning teams.
Taylor Newell in 4th place in the under 19’s event, ran superbly to lead Sarab Dhillon 9th, Jack Exley 17th, Oliver Mann 25th and Sam Smith 27th to another set of silver medals.
The senior men’s team finished a respectable 15th out of 31 in their team event with Alec Finch having his best race of the winter to finish 9th and possible Essex selection for the inter-counties.
The ladies were a good tenth in their event with Toni Radley 29th and Lucy Golding 32nd returning top form performances. Their team mates Jodie Farrell and Sue Beck were 52nd and 94th in the 150 strong field.
Incidentally this race was won by Jessica Judd, now an experienced international and former Harrier.
Other results:
Senior Men (230 finishers)
Tony Draper 77th
Rob Doyle 78th
Keith Willett 110th
Eamonn Shelley 151th
Chris Applegate 168th
Steve Ball 170th
Gary Rowlatt 189th
Bernie Johnson 207th
Under 17 Women:
Emily Fall 14th