Inter-Counties CC, Cofton Park, Birmingham
Eight of Woodford's youngsters, and three seniors were on show representing their counties on a fine spring day amidst mild temperatures and little wind. The going was good underfoot on this undulating course which was televised live on Sky TV. Canaan Solomon's 2nd place was the stand-out finishing position from amongst many very good performances.
Young Athletes
In the Under 13 boys race over 3k Canaan Solomon found himself the pre race favourite and was always in the leading group as the race unfolded. As they made their way up the long drag with 600 metres to go Canaan gradually forged his way to share the lead alongside Hampshire's Jack Boswell until with just 200 metres to run at the top of the hill before a sharp turn to the downhill stretch. At this junction an official by mistake lifted the tape and Canaan and the Hampshire lad followed the lead truck leaving the third place lad, Lonsdale, to make a sudden dash to the finish. Canaan then found himself 10 metres down on the North Eastern lad and a desperate sprint from the Woodford lad all but caught Lonsdale but Canaan stumbled at the finish allowing Lonsdale that final foot to squeeze past for the title. Canaan and Lonsdale shared the same time of 10 mins 19 secs. Canaan was full of praise for the Gateshead lad in the interview conducted live on SKY TV.
In the Under 15 girls Amelia Barrett, who has improved beyond all recognition this winter, produced another excellent performance of 18th, being 3rd scorer for Essex as they took the team gold.
James Stockings also ran extremely well for 19th in the Under 17 men's race and first scorer for Essex.
Sidnie Sales was another one to run above herself and she can be more than satisfied with her 32nd showing and 2nd home for Essex in Under 20 Women's event.
Perry Rowan, who has had an indifferent season, really rose to the occasion when it mattered to place a sound 42nd in the Under 15 boys race and 3rd scorer home for Essex.
The Under 13 girls race saw Rosie Poole adopt a more cautious start this time and this paid off as she strode to a fine 51st and 4th scorer for Essex as they took silver for this event. Jodi Ratcliff, earning her first Essex call up, ran well for 144th and 7th home for Essex.
In the U20 Men's race, we had Ed Shepherd running. Ed recently signed first-claim for us after having a marvellous season in which he earned his first England U20 vest in Belgium. At Cofton Park, representing Hertfordshire, he ran excellently for 11th in his first year in the U20 category.
To be honest this is an excellent set of results for our youngsters when you consider all fields were 300 strong and the best runners in UK. Our young runners can feel very proud of what they achieved on this sunny day in Birmingham. [Report by John Stow]
Seniors
All three of our seniors ran well. Daniel Agustus was a very good 41st and won a silver medal as the third scorer in the Surrey team. Hywel Care (Merseyside) was 64th. And Georgie-Lou Sales (39th) followed up her excellent National CC with another fine performance as Essex finished 4th team.
Away from the off-road stuff, 20 year old Darren Southcott achieved an exciting breakthrough on the roads in clocking 32.19 in the Trafford 10K.