Essex Schools CC Year 7 and Year 8 Hylands Park, Chelmsford

Woodford's younger members were on show at a rainswept Hylands Park course that, despite the rain, was fairly firm underfoot. In each race the first 16 to cross the line would be selected to represent Essex in the South East of England Inter Counties to be held at Bexhill on Sat 24th March.

The first race to get underway was the Year 7 girls with over 200 runners toeing the line. Aoife Guyatt was always in the leading group of a dozen runners and, as the runners swept down towards the finish, Aoife came in a delighted 10th, thus gaining qualification.

Just 6 places down was a brilliant run from Olivia Hounsome who overtook two runners on the run-in to snatch the final place for Essex. It was a remarkable run for Olivia as she had been ill over the weekend. Katy Petyt, lthough under the weather, ran well to place 30th.

In the Year 8 girls race Rosie Poole, who is enjoying an excellent season, shot into the lead and remained within the top 3 throughout the race to claim an excellent bronze medal. Jodi Ratcliff, who also was unwell last week and missed training, ran well to place 10th, thus gaining selection.

In the Year 7 boys race Rosie Poole's cousin William Jansen, about to sign up for Woodford, ran brilliantly to place 8th, just yards short of 6th, and he too was delighted to be running for Essex next month.

So once again a great showing from our youngsters who gave their all in big fields.