CHILTERN LEAGUE 12.10.19 HORSPATH, OXFORD
The first Chiltern League of the season was held on a wet and muddy course at 
Horspath, Oxford, although thankfully the rain held off for the day. Banbury Harriers had good numbers out, and as a Division 2 club had some great individual and team results. The U11’s started the day with Mollie Davis, now old enough to race in this league, running a very well paced race finishing 12th overall. Joshua Hall found the start very fast, but picked off places throughout the second lap to finish 72nd.
The U13 Girls were Harriers best placed team of the day with 4th. Isla McGowan, having just stepped up from U11’s showed a good turn of speed to finish a very creditable 1st place. She was well supported by Charlotte Hall (30th), Lottie Rands (35th) and Leila Denne (40th). With a few places picked off over the season they stand a very good chance of a top 3 place.
The U15 Girls were rewarded with 5th team position, with Tilly Lainchbury, showing strength over the longer distance, 7th, Lottie Denne in her first full cross country season 18th, Freya Pamphlett 26th and Rosie Brand 27th.
Sam Davis was Harriers only U13 Boy, and showing determination and a great sprint finish he finished 3rd overall. A top 3 finish in the league for the season would be a realistic target.
Another Harrier in her first cross country season was Georgie Speck who finished a very creditable 30th in the U17/U20 Womens race. With more races under her belt she will make up places as the season goes on.
The Senior Womens race saw Harriers Vet Women secure a good 5th place to start the season. First Harrier home was Michelle Bartlett (3rd F45) in 16th closely followed by Ros Kelling (1st F55) in 20th and Lisa Ansell in 48th. Jane Holton, in her first cross country for the club, finished a well deserved 82nd, keeping the team in the hunt for a podium position for the season.
The Senior Men’s team was made up of more vets than seniors, but with Tim Wright 15th, newcomer Alfie Ratcliffe 55th, Logan Kelling 72nd, Mark Scrivener 86th, Phil Coy 100th (3rd M60), Neil Frape 129th and Andy Bartlett 144th they were a very creditable 8th place.
Overall a very good start to the season.
Report by Roz Kelling
The photos are of Isla & Tilly.
