The final cross-country of the season was held at Norman Park Bromley on Saturday. A strong turnout from the club on a sunny and still day was rewarded with a tremendous set of results. The success of the team, in only it’s third season in the league, is a tribute to the hard work of all the runners who have taken part and the coaching and mentoring by cross country captain Adrian Moody. The efforts of Adrian Moody and Scott Lynch in ensuring the runners were provided with a shelter at every race provided a boost to the team and this hospitality was extended to club runners from other squads, enhancing the reputation of A&D.
The day started well with an inspirational performance from Michael Davies. He completed the clean sweep, winning all of the seasons races in the V70 category taking the overall first place.
The flat and fast course gave the ladies team an opportunity to battle with the best athletics clubs in Kent, and the ladies team accepted the challenge.
Becky Macey ran a strong race to finish 19th. This guaranteed Becky 11th overall in the senior Women’s competition and a well earned 2nd place in the W35 category.
Once again Chris Costiff showed her dominance in the W55 group. Finishing 38th on the day meant the Chris finished in first place for the season. Gill O’Connor in 60th place was rewarded with her consistency over the season with 2nd overall W55.
Tremendous team performances from Essen Larsen in 39th, Tracey Calnan 45th with Rhian Shrimplin close behind in 46th, Jill Crofton Martin 49th, Massah Cooper 68th and 5th overall in the W35 category in her first season, and Ailis Goddard 71st contributed to 5th place on the day for the 3 to score team competition and an amazing 3rd place in the 6 to score.
Strong team performances throughout the season placed the ladies 7th overall in the 3 to score and 6th in the 6 to score leagues.
Some tricky sections through muddy woodland ensured that by the third lap of the 10Km race the A&D men were pleased to see the finish line. Unfortunately club coach and specialist for the challenging event, Jon Pearce had to pull out on the first lap due to a calf strain.
Lawrence Teeling led the team home in 54th place overall. Julius Samson looked very strong and finished in 76th place. Andrew Noble in 79th and impressive 6th overall V50 and Scott Lynch 92nd and 8th overall V50, gave A&D 8th place on the day in the 4 to score league. Paul Ridley was the next finisher in 111th. Good teamwork and inter-club battles made for some competitive races throughout the race. Dan Green and Paul Moses finished 119th and 121st just 1 second apart with Moses finishing the season in 14th in V50’s. Tom Preece and James Booth separated by 2 seconds in 123rd and 125th with James having to deal with a thorn piercing his foot during the race. Adrian Moody ran a strong and steady captains race to finish 140th. Mark Harrison and Carl Ireland provided a sprint finish for 151st and 152nd with Keith Haynes in 174th and Adrian Beresford in 175th split by just 1 second. A solid run from Neil Woodham in 200th ensured the club were good for 6th place in the 12 to score competition.
The efforts throughout the season gave the men’s team 9th overall in the 4 to score league and 6th in the 12 to score.
Storm Ciara hit Sunday’s events hard with all races cancelled leaving for very frustrated runners and a host of challenging training runs through the day.
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