Chiltern League
On a double fixture weekend a small but select group of Banbury Harriers travelled to Luton on Saturday for the third round of the Chiltern League. The course was flat and fast round Stopsley Park before heading out into the countryside and returning up the escarpment with steps at the bottom to cope with the steepest section. The vet ladies again put out a strong team, with Sarah-Jo Andrews returning to action for the first time this winter, and have kept their fourth position in Division 2. Michelle Bartlett, keeping up her consistent season, was the first Harrier home in 8th position closely followed by Ros Kelling in 10th. The pair were rewarded with first and second F45 respectively. Lisa Ansell, continuing her big improvement this season, came home in 25th with Sarah-Jo Andrews happy she made it up the hill in 46th.
In the senior mens race Philip Vincent put in another consistent run in 42nd, Phil Coy – on his birthday – continued his strong season in 81st and first M60, with Jonny Carruthers 101st, Neil Frape 115th and Glyn Pritchard 128th and first M70.
All were rewarded with rocky road and fruit cake for their efforts.
Just 3 junior athletes made the trip to Luton, with Jasper Bell having a very impressive finish in the U15 Boys race to come in 14th, while his sister Grace improved to 11th place in the U17/20 womens race. With 86 finishers in the U11 Boys race Sam Davis was understandably pleased with his 12th place finish.
Roz
