Surrey XC League round-up, 11th Feb ’23

At the final Tracksmith Surrey Cross-Country League fixtures of the season, Croydon Harrier Penny Oliver would take the victory at Morden’s 2nd division fixture for the second race in a row.

She was well supported by Madeleine Armstrong-Plieth who finished in a personal best position of seventh, while Katherina Warren would win the Under 20 women’s title for the division, placing 38th.

The team was completed by Miriam De Souza (164th) and Rosa Brookes (203rd), and they would finish 14th overall out of 45 teams both on the day and in the league overall. 

In the same league at Lloyd Park, Croydon’s men’s team would go down fighting in their final topflight fixture of the season. James Hancock would finish in his best ever position in the division, placing fifth in a top class field, and only narrowly missed out on the overall title.

Peter Chambers continued his improvement to finish 14th, while Phil Symonds (49th) and debutant Ben Whyte (84th) both placed strongly.

The remainder of the scoring ten consisted of Kieron Connor (113th), Pat Lucas (114th), Luke Wakeling (118th), Ashley George (143rd), David Brown (160th) and Omar Harhara (172nd). 

Douglas Aikman won the Under 20 men’s title for the division, while Colin Oxlade was runner-up in the M60 category. 

In the young athletes ranks, Zoha Jetha boosted her inter-counties selection hopes with a fourth place in the under 17 women’s race, while Ernesto Kelly was 8th in the Under 13 boys category. 

Many thanks to all South London and Croydon Harriers who helped on the day to make the event happen.

Thanks so much to everyone who has competed this season in the Surrey League!