It was fantastic to get back to XC racing this weekend after rain put pay to recent fixtures. Alnwick is the perfect location, probably my favourite given the quality of the course, the castle backdrop and the proximity of some proper car parking!
The afternoon started dry and the U11 boys got the racing started with 4 boys representing TBH. Finlay Harwood was at the pointy end of the race coming home in 3rd place. This was backed up by Lucas Cassin (36th), Isaac Roberts (43rd) and Dilan Clemmet (51st) in his first XC race.
The U11 girls were next off with three girls representing TBH. Ellie Maxwell had a fantastic run coming home in 4th place with Maybn Goffe just behind in 6th. Bethan Pickett was our third runner in 46th place.
The heavens opened just after the U11 races and the wet ground became even boggier! The U13 boys had four runners and the top three are counters for the team competition. Aidan Whitfield, who has been getting stronger and stronger came home in 7th place with new joiner Jacob Wood coming 14th from the fast pack. Our third counter was Charlie Kilgour in 16th place. Ernie Bigg brough the team home in 29th place. Overall the boys were 2nd team in the fixture and overall joint 2nd in the league. Some strong results in the next races could see them secure 2nd place overall.
The U13 girls also closed a team with Melina Bourgenot Lewis’ great forming continuing with a 21st place finish from the fast pack, followed by Eliza Palmer in 25th place, also in fast pack and then Poppy Colver in 41st place, also from the fast pack. Overall the girls were 6th team on the day and are also 6th in the league.
The U15 boys field is stacked with talent with five boys representing the club. Freddie Palmer was 3rd overall from the fast pack with Joe Whitfield one place behind. Isaac Snell finished 9th from the fast pack, then Lucas Powell, who is rapidly improving, coming 21st, also from the fast pack. Joel Tanser was one place behind Lucas, finishing in 22nd place. The team achieved another 1st place in the event which has solidified their position as 1st team in the league.
The U15 girls team only had two entrants so were unable to close a team but Naimah Michla had a very creditable run finishing in 22nd from the fast pack and Ruby Ditchburn was close behind in 26th place, also from the fast pack.
We only had one runner in the U17 girls race with Ruby Colver flying the flag for TBH, coming home in 27th place.
The next fixture is Lambton Castle on 17th March (all being well!)
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