Croydon opens Surrey XC League 26/27 campaign
Over 35 Croydon Harriers took on the county’s best in the opening round of the Surrey Cross Country League on Saturday.
The men’s team finished fifth overall on the day in the ten club division, which included five finishers in the top 27. Douglas Aikman led the charge in fourth, with teammate Phil Symonds just behind in fifth and Luke Wakeling in eighth. Ben Chapman was also in close contention in 12th while Scott Miller secured his highest league finish in 27th. The remainder of the scoring ten consisted of Adam Shew (109th), Harry Speedy (137th), Jacob Armstrong-Plieth (163rd), Mike Smalley (183rd) and James Tebbs (189th). 15 Croydon Harriers took part.
The women’s team would also enjoy a solid mid-table finish to get their second division campaign underway, provisionally finishing in 8th out of 15 clubs. Madeleine Armstrong-Plieth spearheaded the team home placing 17th, while two further top 30 finishes came courtesy of Michela Toumi (27th) and Esme Prior (29th). The remainder of the scoring seven was completed by Caroline Kennefick (77th), Leanne Moore (84th), Liane Evans (132nd) and Sandie Sarker-Bell (17th W55). Beverley Kennedy, Miriam De Souza and Angela Leahy were also in action.
In the young athletes races, Ernesto Kelly secured a tenth place finish in the Under 18 boys race, while younger brother Pietro crossed the line in the U16 boys race in 15th. Rafael De Oliveira (92nd) and Lenard Stoyanov (97th) provided solid support. In the U12s boys race. Caleb MacEnhill would place 15th in his league debut. In the girls races, Alexa Gill finished 46th and Reni Hall 67th in the Under 14 girls category, while Yanet Mulugheita was 98th in the Under 16 girls race.