Met League 1, 2024-25: U15/U17
A huge number of junior athletes across the six young athlete races meant WGEL winning the U11 boys and girls, U13 girls plus the Junior Men and ensured a healthy 11 point lead after the first fixture of the Howard Williams Junior Trophy.
U15/17 Men
Around 100 runners toed the line in fine conditions for which there were seventeen Woodies on the start line. In the U17 Mens race the “terrible twins” Luka Norden and Harry Stockill were in the leading pack early on. The winner, Luke Dunham of Herts Phoenix, won the race in 13 mins 24 secs for the 4200 metres course. Luka was 27 seconds in arrears in 2nd spot with Harry another 11 seconds adrift of Luka in 4th. The boys might well have been much closer to the 8mins 30secs 3k runner had they not raced the day before in the ESAA cup. The two lads had fine races in the circumstances.
In 11th spot was Aidan O’Driscoll, who ran brilliantly in 14 mins 31 secs, some two minutes quicker than last year. Aidan has benefited from an excellent track season and is very dedicated indeed. In 14th place Oscar Eaton ran around 25 seconds quicker than last year in 14 mins 39 secs but, knowing Oscar, he will always be looking to be alongside Luka and Harry. Nevertheless a good opening race for him. Next in was William Muffett, 1.58 800m runner last summer who has recently started an apprenticeship involving a lot of manual work so is having to adjust to his new lifestyle. Despite this, William was quicker than last year in 14 mins 58 secs for 18th.
Right behind William was Josh Stephenson who ran 90 seconds quicker than last year in 14 mins 59 secs for 19th. Josh is really keen and is training alongside Harry, Oscar and Luka and his aim is to close the gap on the other three lads. This was a great run from Josh. Max Koschek was 34th in 16 mins 27 secs. Max is also much more committed to his training and hopefully he will reap the rewards next track season. Our "all-rounder" Oliver Clifton was 28th in 15 mins 43 secs. Oliver recently ran 10k in a highly commendable 37.50.
Under 15 boys
Daniel Arnold led the team home in 5th spot in 14 mins 43secs, half a minute quicker than last year. Daniel also ran the ESAA cup race the day before. Next in was 800 metre specialist Lucas Freedman (16th) in 15mins 40secs, a cool 90 seconds quicker than last year. The course was not to Lucas's liking with the hill on the long loop but he stuck to the task in great style. Stephen Ng was next in what was a superb run from our pole vaulter in 15mins 45secs, way quicker than before. Stephen is adapting really well to multiple disciplines. Our 4th lad home was first year U15 Kaden Nelson-Gursoy making his XC debut in 27th in 16mins 11secs. Knowing Kaden, who has only been running a few months, he will be looking to remove knock 90 secs or so off his time next year.
Another debutant, Miles Breyshaw, was next in 28th in 16mins 28secs, a fine debut indeed. Moving up from the U13s, Tayo Adetona ran well for 29th in 16mins 35secs, while yet another debutant, Adam Amin, was 31st in 16mins 38secs. It’s great to see these new faces. Thomas Nicholls is another to move up from U13 and he placed 42nd in 16mins 50secs with Rahul Solanki our 300m runner closing the squad in 49th in 17mins 21secs.
Under 17 girls
We had four Woodettes on the line for this 4200 metre race. Molly Sherrin, who is in a football academy, again had a great run. She ran 16mins 24secs for 4th spot. Molly has to somehow manage training around her football. She is a superb club girl. The same should be said about the other three girls. What would WGEL do without the wonderful support of Tess Noblet 13th in 19mins 14secs, Juliet Taylor 19th in 21mins 22secs, and Matilda Frith 21st 23mins 14secs. We are all very proud of all four of you.
Under 15 girls
Leading the way home was first year U15 athlete Sophia Parker who showed fine determination on a tough course. Next home was Isla Fulling who was close behind Molly until a bout of stomach cramp took over. Isla did well just to finish in 21st in 19mins 7secs. She enjoyed a fine track season which saw her crowned Herts County Schools 800m champion. Emilia Kozinska is another one moving up to U15 this season. Emilia more than held her own over the longer distance in 31st place clocking 20mins 21secs. Melissa Higgs-Smith, another pole vaulter, took time out to support WGEL. The County Schools athlete was 30th in 20mins 50secs. Isla Barron ran well for 36th in 20mins 55secs. Our last two home should be complimented for getting round in their first outing for WGEL. Enioluwafe Fadahunsi was 40th in 21mins 45secs, and Taylor Aledekomo 48th in 23mins 7secs.
So the Junior Men won on the day and the Junior Women were 6th.