South of England Inter-Counties CC, Croydon

So to our final encounter of 2021, where we had no fewer than 12 young athletes selected to represent Essex/Hertfordshire at this event.

Unfortunately, due to injury, Jimmy Geller, Jessica Adams, Evan Johnson and Rudy Parker Bayes were unable to take part.

The course was a tough one with many hills,twists and turns - a true test for the athletes.The weather was cold but dry with little wind.

Coaches Richard Thurston and John Stow were there to support the runners and in addition to that a longstanding running friend of John Stow, Chris Taylor, came up from Eastbourne to give his support. In 1969 at the age of 14, Chris set a World Age Record for 3000 metres with 8 mins 57 secs. He also achieved a silver medal at the English Schools Junior Boys 800 metres a few days prior to his 3000m exploit. Chris follows the WGEL runners through the Po10.

The best race of the day was the Under 15 girls race over 4,000 metres. Abigail Reid was looking for a solid performance following her good run at the ESAA Cup Final the weekend before. Emily Caton and Tilly Major also toed the line.The favourite, Katie Pye, took the early pace with Abigail following closely in a group of six away from the rest. Coming down the final slope Florence East from Hampshire was ahead, just in front of Adela Svihalkova from Middlesex, who has yet to be beaten anywhere this season. Abigail was around 10 metres adrift but, as they went into the final straight and roared on by John and Chris, Abigail went past both girls only for the TVH runner Svihalkova to respond. It was such a close thing - only the thickness of a vest separated the two girls but victory went to the Middlesex girl, both recording the same time. Emily Caton and Tilly Major were both the third scorers for their respective counties -- Emily in 54th for Essex, and Tilly in 73rd for Hertfordshire.

The Under 13 boys race over 3000 metres saw Harry Stockill make his Essex debut. Harry had an excellent race, starting out confidently and holding onto his forward position with great determination throughout. Harry placed 30th from around 120 fellow county runners to be 5th scorer. Harry was also grateful for the encouragement given to him by Essex Team Manager Paul Bailey.

In the Under 13 girls race over the same distance we had two runners start out for Essex. Natasha Wynn, who has missed training due to a hip flexor problem, started out confidently and looked very comfortable when she passed John Stow after around 800 metres in 2nd place. Unfortunately, going up the first hill, the injury returned forcing Natasha to retire. Jasmine Hall also won her county colours for the first time, placing 65th for Essex after a slow start where she was forced to the back of the field.

In the Under 17 girls race Kezia Beeton was yet again running for Essex. Soon after the start part of Kezia’s shoe fell off, forcing her to remove the shoe as it was split. So with one spiked shoe she somehow managed to finish the tough 5000 metre course slipping and sliding all over the place. Credit to Kezia who placed 59th and was 5th scorer for Essex.

Max Richards also won his first Essex vest in the Under 17 boys over the same distance, but the results from this race are not available as yet.

Chris Taylor enjoyed his trip to Croydon and spoke to all the athletes both before and after the races. He also gave some valuable tips. Chris hopes to be at the English Schools in the New Year.

The athletes can now look forward to a few weeks off from racing over the Xmas period, and look forward to the challenges ahead with the other championship races.