Essex Schools CC Champs Years 7/8

At Stubbers, near Upminster.

Woodford had seven young athletes representing their schools in this event where the top 16 in each race won selection to represent Essex at the end of March at Sommerhill School in Kent in the South East Of England Inter Counties. Starting fields were 250 in the Year 7 races with just over 200 in the Year 8 races.

Conditions underfoot were wet and muddy in places but nothing like the mud of Parliament Hill Fields the previous Saturday.

In the Year 7 race over 2,500 metres, Sidnie Ward continued from his fine indoor form to prove he will be a force over the country too by winning the 2.5 k race from 250 starters. Sidnie was poised behind race favourite Harry Parker who is the Under 13 boys Essex Champion until, when they hit the hill 1,000 metres out, Sidnie made a well-timed break to ease away to come home 60 metres ahead at the finish line.

In the Year 8 boys race over 2,800 metres Hayden Maleary stayed with the leading group until midway where he took over in the lead and continued to move away crossing the line elated with his first County title. In 9th spot and also making the County team was Hayden’s brother Todd, who ran brilliantly and exceeded expectations.

In the Year 8 girls race over 2500m, Siena Taylor was with the leading group until, 500 metres from the finish, a group of three broke away with Siena coming at the back of a second group of three girls to place a fine 6th. Hannah Page was not that far behind in 11th, ensuring her first county call-up this year.

The first race of the day, the Year 7 girls race over 2,000 metres, saw Georgina Handford moving through well after she was blocked at the start to place a fine 30th. Jessica Mossop, a new member, did well to come 75th.