Midland 7 and Ladies 5 Mile Cross Country
The Midland 7 & 5 took place at High Harcourt Farm, Romsley on Saturday 16th November.
The Ladies race was dominated by Rebecca Miles of Desford Striders who led from gun to tape and finished with a 15 second cushion to second place Beth Tabor with
Katy McGonigal in bronze medal position.
The Team event was a comfortable win for the host club, Halesowen (25 pts) over Bourneville Harriers (43 pts).
The Men’s race produced an even more emphatic winner. Jack Gray (Cambridge & Coleridge AC) also led from gun to tape, but his winning margin was a full minute in front of Danny Hallam (Wreake) who in turn was almost 3 minutes in front of the chasing pack.
The Team event was close as Notts AC (81 pts) just held off a resurgent Wolves team (98 pts) with Tipton third (113 pts).
The event was expertly hosted by Halesowen AC for the second consecutive year. The course was again a real rest, even for quality athletes like Messrs Gray and Hallam, incorporating tough hills, sections of rough pasture and bog and a twisting downhill wooded section.
As ever, spectators gathered at the bottom stream crossing waiting to enjoy the spectacle of a face plant or two and they weren’t disappointed.
Thanks to the ever-efficient officials and results man Bryan Mills the Trophy presentations were made promptly and many athletes then retired to the Halesowen clubhouse to enjoy a free pint of ale courtesy of a local sponsor.
All in all, a most enjoyable cross country event.
