12 April 2010

The long cross country season came to a close with the Stebbing fixture. Normally this toughest of all league races takes place in the cold of midwinter but due to frozen ground in December was postponed. A pile up of fixtures meant that Sunday was the first available date.

In glorious sunshine the large field set off only to see the leader and eventual winner Gary Chandler stack it at the first boggy section. Undeterred Chandler went on to a convincing victory on the wet and muddy course. He led the Striders to first place on the day and a share of the title with Leigh on Sea who had been in pole position all season.

Mark Newton had his usual strong run for third spot, but it was James Neugebauer who starred with a superb sixth place finish. Mark Waine and Paul Anderson also made the top ten and with great backing from Andy Mason and Andy Lovelock the white and yellow vests were clear winners.

In the ladies race the hosts Grange Farm had a clean sweep to finish in a tie with Leigh with the Striders back in third. However the team of Sarah Colbert, Jennifer Macaulay, Jo Gemmill, Sue Clarke, Karen Chapman, Kerry Marsh and Mary Dyer finished an excellent second on the day. Thanks for the cakes again Mary.

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