Superb Cross-Country results

There were some excellent results from cross-country races over the weekend but none better than an outstanding run from Jessica Sparke who came 3rd in the McCain International Challenge in Antrim.

The race was won by Ireland’s Mary Cullen with Hungary’s Aniko Kalovics 2nd, just 10 secs in front of Jess, who beat fellow internationals Hayley Yelling, the Euro Cross Champion, and Katrina Wooton.

After the race Jessica commented “I felt really strong all the way and now, with the World Cross trials coming up, I just need to keep healthy and injury free.”
“My confidence is growing and I’m starting to feel more and more confident,” she continued. “I was gaining on Aniko a bit and I really tried to chase her down. I’d been excited coming into the race – I knew I was getting closer and closer to Hayley after my performance in Edinburgh and I’m pleased to have bettered that today.” Twin sister Kat returned to racing action in 17th place, 1min 14secs down on Jess.

Not to be outdone - the youngsters were in action at the Essex Schools Cross Country Championships at Hylands Park, Chelmsford.

Top performer was Alex Cornwell who finished in 2nd place in the Senior Boys race and thus qualified for both the English Schools Championships and the Southern Inter- Counties together with Darren Southcott in a fine 8th. Also qualifying for both races were Becky Hewitt who came a superb 3rd in the Senior Girls class closely followed by Sidnie Sales in 5th and Claudia Conway in 6th. Amelia Barrett also had a very good run finishing in 11th. place in the race for Junior Girls and qualifying for the Inter Counties.

Old rivals James Stockings and Liam Blaikie had a battle royal in the race for Intermediate Boys finishing in 8th and 9th. James thus qualified for both future races while Liam, who was hospitalised afterwards and found to have a mild infection which had undermined his performance, qualified for the Southern Inter Counties.