WMYA XC League (18/11/2018)

Swift and Eager at Warley Woods. Sam Hale reports:-

"The weather was very kind to us for Match 2 of this years West Midlands Young Athletes Cross Country League. We are fortunate to compete in the strongest league in the UK for younger athletes bringing together 20 clubs from across central England.

Tipton hosted this fixture and the team of more than 20 volunteers arrived at the park as it began to get light. In no time the tents were up the course was marked and the kettle was on. We were joined by our fantastic team of marshals and ready for racing.

It was a very busy day with approximately 800 competitors in 8 races. It’s a very challenging course with a wide start, plenty of hills and a tough uphill finish. The slight course change avoided the bottle neck on the hill climb through the woods without losing the climb with the added benefit of keeping the runners in view of the spectators.

First up were the Under 17 women and great to see a full team out. The women have one small and two large laps so lots of climb early in their race.  It was a spirited run from them all. Grace Slater was first back for Tipton, although she says she wasn’t feeling at her best, in 17th place. Next  over the line was Bella Fantom 32nd and looking very strong. Katie Bevan made up the team finishing in a very pleasing 34th place. Team 6th. Well done all.

Next we had the Under 11 boys race. This is a real spectacle with 125 on the start line. It’s fast and furious for a mile over one large lap with a challenging uphill finish. We had one brave Tipton Harrier run in his first XC race and he was great. Well done to Elliot Boden with a very impressive 48th place earning 153 points for the team. Team 17th.

A smaller field next for the Under 17 men but lots of tough competition. We had five runners out from Andy Bentley’s strong squad. Three large laps saw the field spread out. First home for Tipton was Sunny Dhaliwal 35th, followed by Andrew Prole 39th, Stephen Hogan 42nd and Will Jones 45th. Alex Parker pulled a muscle DNF. Team 7th.

There were eight Under 11 girls out for Tipton and they all gave it everything. Impressive running from Shaya Lewis 23rd and not far behind Mia Fantom 37th. Jessica Warmer 57th, Millie Hickman 66th, reluctant racer Isabelle Tromans ran well in 77th, Gracie Hunt, in her first XC 87th. Scarlett Fletcher, overtaking all the way up the big hill was 99th and Connie Chaney in her first XC 106th.  The future’s bright for Tipton with these girls. Team 7th.

What a start for Tom Bentley in the Under 15 boys, he was running really well in 3rd place and then had to stop because of his breathing. Meanwhile Ben Ferguson was pushing on with Cameron Lomax chasing him all the way. Ben just held his position to finish 38th, the ever improving Cameron was 39th  (10 place improvement from Match 1) and Michael Banks looking strong was 52nd. Tom rejoined the race and finished 57th. Well done lads. Team 7th.

Our biggest team of the day took to the line next with 9 Under 13 girls running one small and one large lap. Evie Tromans charged round in fine form to finish in an impressive 25th place. Great running from Grace Marnell 31st. Welcome back to racing to Sarah Dudley 38th, closely followed by Sophie Banks in 41st (18 place improvement from Match 1) and final scorer Sophie Brookes 51st. Mya Woodward finished in a pleasing 57th. Eve Beards gave it her all 107th (10 place improvement) . Well done Macy O’Donoghue with a big improvement to finish 113nd and the unstoppable Eve Cunningham 125th.  Great team effort.  Team 5th (8 points behind 4th place Tamworth)

The Under 13 boys squad ran next.  A very strong performance from Klay Fellows saw him finish 21st with ever impressive Tom Lucas following in 24th. Kavan Fletcher on a hilly course which he’s really suited to was 86th, really good down hill running. New to XC and 4th scorer was Ben Marsh 106th. Team 12th.

The last race of the day was the Under 15 girls. We have a very strong squad of six committed athletes. Unfortunately we have one on crutches and one in a boot at the moment. Get well soon girls. So the race began with four Tipton girls on the line, all of the ones who finished are bottom end of the age group. Rosa Shadforth–Groucutt finished in 14th place with an outstanding run. Jade Charlton had a great race on her favourite course to finish 19th. Jessie Walker looked really strong to finish 35th. All improving on their positions in Match 1. Isobel Eagle struggling with her breathing DNF. Team 11th

Well done to all of those who raced. The hard work is paying off and I’m sure there’s lots more to come.

A massive thank you to those who helped Tipton harriers to put on the best Junior race of the season. You all make me proud to be a Tipton Harrier.

Round 3 of the WMYACCL Sunday 9th December.

Let’s get full teams out and move up the league. If you train please make yourself available to race."

Results