Westward League incorporating the South West League

Exeter Arena Sunday 28^th October

17 Wells City Harriers made the journey to the First of the South West League fixtures which was held in damp conditions around the hilly fields adjacent to the Exeter Arena.

The first race was the Under 13 girls and The Harriers had 7 competitors - the best of whom was Lauren Willows who just got piped on the line to finish 5^th. Lauren was well supported in the team race with fellow Harrier Vera Assist a close 12^th, Amy Cohen 32nd, Jemmy Jones 37^th, Naomi Marble 41st, Amber Cole 46th and Vera’s twin sister Elisabete 48^th.

In the Under 17 women’s event, run in conjunction with the Senior Women’s race, new signing Nicola Morgan was an outstanding 5^th overall and 2^nd in her age group. Ann Tassel, still battling back from a viral infection, ran a steady race and was 24^th

In the Under 15 boys race Tom Thick ran well to finish 6^th, his best performance for some time, and Cameron Rafferty again ran well to finish easily in the top half of the field in 19^th. The Under 17 men also had to endure racing with the seniors although unlike the Under 17 women, their race finished after 3 of the 4, (2km) laps. Alex Wiltshire was an excellent 5^{th, showing} good form running over this hilly course. Unfortunately Jon Richardson struggled to finish 22^nd after suffering a recurrence of an old back injury.

In the senior men’s race British International Ben Tickner continued the rich vein of form that he has been showing of late and simply ran away from the rest of the field, convincingly winning the race by almost a minute. Streets Jack Bancroft, a second year student at Exeter University, showed that his fitness is also improving by finishing a strong 28^th, whilst England veterans 10k road race champion Les Lock showed he is no slouch over the country as he hones his fitness in preparation for the Home International Veterans event next month. Les stormed through the field of 200 plus to finish 54^th.

A good day was had by all and we look forward to the next major club cross country event which will be the Gwent league to be held at Bath University on Sunday 11^th November.

Congratulations must go to Les who has been selected to represent England for the first time in the Veterans Home International and also club membership secretary Angela Thomas who has been selected to represent Wales at the same event which is being held at Stormont Castle, Belfast on Saturday 17^th November.