Essex Schools CC, Basildon
Woodford youngsters were in action representing various districts in Essex Schools on a very heavy Basildion course at Gloucester Park, with the first 8 across the line in each race being selected to represent Essex in this year's English Schools Champs.
In the Junior Boys race Canaan Solomon showed a return to form after a recent injury kept him out of the Essex Clubs champs last month with an excellent win by 19 seconds. Canaan bided his time and made a well timed break around 3/4 mile from the finish.
In the Junior Girls race Woodford had 3 athletes in the first 5 places, all securing their place at the All Englands. Bella Hoy hung on to her bronze medal place in great style. Just behind, though, were excellent runs from both Rosie Poole in 4th place and Jodi Ratcliff in 5th place.
In the Inter Girls rac Jess Burgess showed she has improved beyond all recognition this season with 3rd place, not that far behind the winner Holloway from Thurrock. In 5th place was Amelia Barrett, gutsy as ever, with both girls securing their place in the English Schools. In 11th place was Alicia McArdell, returning from injury with a good run. In 31st place was Abbie Dell who again had another good run.
In the Inter Boys race Perry Rowan did well on a course that may have not suited the track man, but he nevertheless placed a fine 4th spot to secure his place at All Englands.
In the Senior Boys race James Stockings gained a bronze medal in 3rd, and George Hoy ran well for 9th.
In the Senior Girls race, over the same course as the Inters, Holly Bedeau ran well for 17th with Isobel Moss in 21st.
So Bella, Rosie, Jodie, Canaan, Jess, Amelia, Perry and James have been selected for the All England Schools, and Alicia and George are selected as reserves.
I will add that many of these athletes have trained hard in recent weeks, in all weathers, and these results are a credit to the athletes and their determination to go out training in rain, sleet or snow.