Middlesex Cross Country Championships, Alexandra Palace, 03 January 2015
Hillingdon AC’s Senior Men made the best possible start to 2015 by winning the Middlesex Cross Country Championships at Alexandra Palace.
In atrocious under-foot conditions caused by torrential rain in the hours leading up to the race, Hillingdon won the six to score team competition over the 7.5 mile course, thanks to James Laing (4th), Rob Thompson (8th), Daniel Dalmedo (11th), Daniel Thompson (14th), Martin Bateman (18th) and Ed Campbell (27th) with a combined points total of 82, narrowly beating Highgate Harriers who scored 87. Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets AC were third with 167 points.
This win means that the Senior Men have completed the Middlesex “Double” for the 2014/2015 season, following on from their team win in the Middlesex 10K in September. It is also the second time the club has won the Middlesex Cross Country Championships in three years, with the Senior Men previously securing victory in 2013.
A total of 14 Hillingdon AC men completed the race and there were 154 finishers in total.
Elsewhere, it was a story what could have been for the Under 20 Men, with Ruben Vos finishing 9th and Dominic Speight 12th a third scorer would have seen them secure team medals and for the Under 17 Men, with Liam Holbrook 10th and Joseph Doyle 15th, a third scorer would have also seen the under 17s in contention for team honours.
5 brave ladies tackled the mud and WON the CORLIN TROPHY! reports Donna Nash
Excellent performance from Jen Harvey (not at full strength but still stormed through in 10th place and first home for HAC), Steph Wigram, solid and consistent run over the sticky terrain and still managing to smile (12th place) and Hannah Wells coming in a commendable 19th (Hannah was a little disappointed but we were VERY proud of her!). Lesley Conway and Pauline Fischer supported the team in great style finishing 46th & 48th respectively out of a field of 70.
It was a strong field of competitors and Hillingdon put in a respectable performance in challenging conditions.
The team finished overall 5th out of 9.
Missing due to other commitments but apologies received and support appreciated from Eva Mack, Jemma Weekes, Zoe Dobbs, Morganne Lesenne and Melanie Spencer. We know you were with us in spirit 🙂
Congratulations again on bringing home the Corlin trophy – hopefully it is a cup that holds lots of beer so we can celebrate just like the men !!
Full results may be found here
Photos by Mark Easton here and by Jeremy Hemming here. Go to page 36 onwards.
