Met League 1: Young Athletes
A good turnout of 29 young Woodford Green with Essex Ladies athletes were greeted with good conditions at Claybury. Unfortunately there were schools events the two days previous to this which prevented some from racing on Saturday, which was understandable.
We provided two winners - Maxwell Chinn and Sidnie Ward, known as the “terrible twins” in their home town of Harlow, who scored excellent victories. Maxwell took an early lead in his Under 11 race and he never looked back as he cruised to victory with a 50 metre margin. Sidnie employed slightly different tactics, playing the waiting game before taking over from the Hillingdon athlete midway during the 2nd lap.
Photos (by Alex Wardle)
Behind Maxwell, Jimmy Gellor was an excellent 8th place, just 18 seconds down on the winner with new lad William Bayley also running well for 18th. Dylon White improved a lot on his run from last year with 22nd, with his school mate Sid Cody in 26th. In the girls race young Holly Hudson, whoturned 9 just last week, was a fine 12th place. The previous week Holly had set an Under 11 record at Hatfield Forest with 23 mins 43 for 5k. Behind Holly was Molly Matheron in 16th, Sydney Jay 23rd, Alice Caton 29th and Rosie Bray 32nd.
Behind Sidnie in the Under 13 boys race there was an excellent showing from Liam Waldron in 15th place. Such was Liam’s performance, the next day his football boots were hung up. Bradley Jay was 40th having done a schools competition at Lee Valley the day before. In his first outing for us, Woody Hudson can be pleased with 46th after having played rugby in the morning. Young Fred Taylor placed 52nd.
In the Under 15 girls race Louise Gilbert ran strongly throughout to place 9th, having won the Woodford Schools race two days earlier. Siena Taylor, stepping up to Under 15s, can be pleased with 12th. Olivia Corbett placed 18th with Hannah Page, more of a track runner, placing 27th. Ella Warwick, a sprinter, stepped up to the plate by completing the tough 4k course for 17th in the Under 17 Women’s race.
The schools races had a knock-on effect, namely the Under 13 girls only fielding two starters. In her first Met League, Georgina Handford was 28th. Hollie McArdell had breathing problems and was unable to finish, but there will be many more chances for this athlete who only turned 11 two months ago.
The Under 15 boys secured one of the best runs on the day as young Franki Monti, a bottom year Under 15 boy, ran brilliantly for 8th place. Joe Gellor, who had also won at Claybury two days earlier, was 19th. Todd and Hayden Maleary, who are both bottom year Under 15 boys and suffer from the dreaded ”Osgoods Slatter”, bravely completed the course in 38th and 53rd. Much credit to these two.
In the Under 17 Mens race James Wakefield was 16th and Harry Cavell 26th - both ran very well and would have pleased coach Richard Hogg with their performances. Richard’s son Chris, another very reliable Woodie, was 37th. After a strong start Owen Armstrong was unable to finish, realising he may have gone off too fast. He had a fine track season though, and I am sure he will bounce back very soon.
In the Howard Williams Trophy Woodford stand 10th out of the 22 league clubs.
Although this was a good turnout, I am hopeful that we can have more athletes at Stevenage and move up the table for the overall trophy. Many parents and athletes stayed on for the senior races which was great to see. Some parents also commented on the "great, friendly" atmosphere at Claybury. My thanks goes to all the athletes who competed on Saturday and to all those parents who supported us.
John Stow