English CC Relays: Young Athletes
Four young athlete teams from Woodford made the long trip North to contest the best in England.
A grey sky greeted the runners which changed to sunshine and showers, the Under 15 girls bearing the brunt of one downfall. It did nothing to dampern their spirits as they secured an excellent 15th from 100 teams starting. Rosie Poole started the ball rolling and held on well to come in 42nd over the 2k course in 7 mins 52 secs. Bella Hoy wasted no time on the 2nd leg as she tore through the field to come in 17th in 7 mins 31 secs. With the rain teaming down, Jodie Ratcliff improved 2 places further up with an excellent 7 mins 50 secs.
The Under 13 girls, all new to this event, did well to secure 37th spot, again with over 100 teams starting. Kyesha Robinson set off for the green and white hoops to come in 32nd in 8mins 02. Mia Hirons, needing her asthma pump on three occasions, was brave to get round in 8 mins 52 to come in 39th place. On the last leg Megan Caswell had her best race to date, coming in 37th with 8 mins 25 secs.
The Under 13 boys got off to a great start with a fine opening leg from Alfie Poole, who placed 22nd, again with over 100 teams starting, in a time of 7 mins 27secs. Young David Badmus found the going tough but gave his best in running 8 mins 23 secs coming in 45th. Joe Geller, also a bottom year Under 13 boy, ran well to move back up to 41st in 7 mins 55 secs.
Canaan Solomon ran first leg for the Under 15 boys and, after leading most of the circuit, was overhauled by Raynor of Mansfield towards the end. Canaan's time was 6 mins 25 secs, which was the 3rd fastest leg overall for this age group. Canaan handed over to Owen Armstrong, who is carrying a broken arm and had to wear an extra layer to cover the cast from rain - he was brave to get round safely in 7 mins 27 secs, bringing Woodford in in 15th spot. On the last leg Jack Shury, who is new to our sport and slowly improving, ran 9mins exactly to bring the club in 64th.
Woodford Green with Essex Ladies should be proud to put teams out in this excellent and well organised event, and none of the youngsters were overwhelmed by the quality.
All our youngsters ran their hearts out in top class competition and each one of them is a credit to our club and sport.