Morning Harriers
On Saturday afternoon 29 Harriers (6 women and 23 men) took part in the final Kent XC League race at Norman Park in Bromley.
For those that don’t know, Alan Bennett, the long standing president of Tonbridge Athletics Club and stalwart of Kent County Athletics Association, sadly passed away on Friday. Many people will remember him for his support at numerous cross country events over the years. Before the racing commenced, a minute’s applause was held in recognition of Alan’s huge contribution to our sport.
Unlike previous years, the recent heavy rain meant that there was actually some mud this time, making the course a lot more interesting. After a short first lap around the park to spread out the field, the races took in two large laps of both the park and neighbouring woodland.
A combination of illness, injury and half term week meant that the Harrier women’s team was somewhat depleted from previous events. However, we still managed to field a full 6-to-score team. Amelie Karlsson led the Harriers from the start, finishing in 9th place overall. She was followed by Tara Taylor and Jillian Holford to complete the 3-to-score team. Ali Farrall, Sue Cooper and Sonja King followed to make up the 6-to score team.
Despite a week away skiing and recently recovering from illness, Ed Steele led the Harrier pack in the Senior Men’s race, continuing his excellent streak of performances this season. Alex Holmes, James Sarre and Ken MacSporran followed to make up the 4-to-score team. The 12-to-score team was then completed by Mike King, Ben Mills, Robin Barwick, Geoff Turner, Richard Craig-McFeely, Saul Harrris, Richard Quartermaine and Dan Foster.
In the final reckoning for the season, TWH finished 4th/20 and 2nd/12 respectively in the Senior Women’s 3-to-score and 6-to-score competitions. Special mention should go to Amelie Karlsson who finished 3rd overall in the Senior Women’s League. The men finished 8th/20 and 5th/11 in the Senior Men’s 4-to-score and 12-to-score competitions.
Well done to everyone who took part over the season. There have been many great performances across all the age classes. We will compile and circulate a TWH consolidated ranking points table for the Kent XC League in the next couple of days.
TWH results for Norman Park attached.
Kind regards
Simon & Jillian Holford
TWH XC Captains