2022 Essex Schools XC

This annual event always has an increasing interest with the top six in each age group being automatically selected for the English Schools to be held in March at Tonbridge and top 20 selected for South East Of England Inter counties at the challenging Reigate Priory course. We had a large number of runners representing various districts.

Junior Girls race Year 8/9

Molly Sherrin's target this season was to make the All England Schools and this was achieved with 5th place. However there was a big scrap for 3rd with three runners, including Molly, all crossing the line together. One that the judges must have had difficulty sorting out. Next in was Matilda Frith, who had been on a training plan directed by coach Joe Everitt.The plan paid off as she placed 18th. A fine run, so Matilda will travel to Reigate next month for her first Inter County race. Next home was year 8 runner Daisy Andrews, a new recruit for WGEL in a solid 31st. Daisy should be happy with that, as maybe next year she can aim for the English Schools. Fine efforts too from Megan Wright (45), Amber Higgs-Smith (54) and Ella Traynor (56). These are also all bottom year runners.

Inter Girls Year 10/11

Abigail Reid took an early lead over the classy Holly Watson (4mins 33 secs for 1500m last year) and was not extending herself, just doing enough to ensure safe selection for the English Schools where the objective at Tonbridge is to try and replicate her performance of two years ago at Liverpool which gave her England colours. Behind Abigail a good run from Kezia Beeton yielded an excellent 5th spot which secures her third All England Schools XC representation. Isabella Worwood was probably the youngest in this race but that did not put her off in the slightest as she placed 25th - a fine effort.

Inter Boys Year 10/11

Reuben Fabian and Nathan Wright toed the line along with new member Sam Mae. Reuben ran strongly for 7th and must now wait to see if he can replicate that performance at the Schools Inter-Counties where, if he can, he will go to his second All England Schools. Coming back from injury Nathan Wright placed 14th to book his spot to Reigate and - who knows - if he continues his comeback he may make the All England Schools too. Sam, our new lad, ran well for 37th and, like Izzy, was probably the youngest in the field. What was also noticeable was the girls staying on after their races to cheer the lads on.

Senior Boys Year 12/13

Joel Doye had an excellent run to place 5th to ensure he gets another All England Schools XC under his belt before heading off to Uni. We are also hoping Joel will feature in the 12 stage relays now he is coming back to good form.

Junior Boys Year 8/9

We had good representation in this age group with all three lads giving their best but Gregor Samson was unlucky with a bad stitch which cost him many places although he rallied well for 38th. Just ahead of Gregor was Joseph Arnold who, like Daisy, is only Year 8 so a fine run for 33rd. Patrick Hayden, too, excelled with 45th.

So all in all a good days racing from our youngsters.