Harriers Join The Mob At Ampthill
21 Harrier runners competed against other divisional cross country winners including Amptill, Ipswich, Reading, Hatton and Wooton in the National Cross Country Finals on Sunday. Led by team captains John Terry and Claire Wilson for the last time and cheered on by 15 of the travelling Harrier 'Massiff, they once again showed the team spirit and determination that has given the Harriers their best ever season.
The race was held at Castle Park in Ampthill, Bedfordshire over a lovely scenic undulating 5.5 mile course comprising of one small lap followed by 2 longer laps. With the temperature at freezing point, fortunately there were no water crossings however competitors had to put up with heavy conditions underfoot and the odd flurry of snow.
The Harriers put in amazing performances with Ali Watson continuing his recent great form pushing the eventual winner for most of the race to finish in a fine 2nd place. Gemma Steel and Claire Wilson also dominated the ladies race with Gemma coming home in 1st and Claire 3rd.
Lee Tomlinson showed that he is getting back to old form with a finishing place of 15th just ahead of Shaun Coulton in 21st. Darren Wilson and Jason Lavine had a close battle with Darren just finishing stronger to come home 1 place in front of Jason followed by Paul Gregory who just caught John Terry at the final turn to finish in 27th with John in 28th.
Club Chairman Andy Buck anchored the scoring men in as the 2nd. Vet counter and Sue Perry anchored the combined team of 10 in as scoring vet lady.
Other harriers who competed were Matt and Jon Jakubecz, Mark Bradford, Nigel Stock, Adam Clarke, Sarah Maynard, Katie Osborne, Emma Scott and Caroline Scrimshaw. Mark Perry pulled up injured having tried to run through pain that had flared up during the race.
The afternoon closed with Gemma being given the 1st lady award and the Harriers finishing in a very respectable 4th place behind the winners Wooton.