Herefords Winter X-Country League – Race 2 Croft Castle

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Over 150 runners set out, in unseasonably warm weather, to tackle the demanding Croft course (unchanged for 26 yrs) After heavy rain on Friday night the dip at the end of the first field was 4″ deep in water for unsuspecting runners, and there was some unaccustomed mud elsewhere round the course. Maybe it was the heat, but Croft had 3 runners pull out early on; nevertheless we fielded 26 runners of whom 9 were women (and that was without Gemma, Nicky, Rachel or Catherine). Sue D came within 4 seconds of 3rd place, and kept just ahead of Suzanne in 5th (a brilliant result for one hasn’t trained on hills); new member Linda also excelled, in 10th and another great first appearance was Charlotte’s, 14th ahead of Liza (17th). Sam, Sue P and Kim also successfully completed the demanding course. With Malvern not ‘turning up’, Croft women took 1st spot, making them 1st equal overall. In the men’s race there was more competition at the front (Jon Barnes [46.35] saw off the challenge of Jonny Pugh [48.13]), leaving Simon 12th and Neil P 15th, followed by Dave A 18th and Dave G 22nd; so the men’s team were 3rd on the day, but lie 2nd equal overall. Stuart, no doubt jet-lagged but also not fully recovered from competing last week in Las Vegas, was 27th just ahead of Mark 29th and Mick 31st (and 1st MV55). Antony ran a good first race in a Croft vest, finding his rhythm early on and sticking to it. He finished 44th, with Ian P 49th (2nd MV60) and Guy 51st (1st MV65). Neil T and Brian D (2nd MV65) completed the D team, ahead of Daren, Tom and Dave R snr. Results on Results page (go via Events page)

For a greater selection, and uncropped pics, go to

http://s1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc449/sportpics1/Croft%20Cross%20Country%2013%20Nov%202011

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