By the time the women’s race began, the sun was out, and the temperature had risen significantly. And it is with the final race of the day that we will start.
The women’s team showed a dominance the likes of which we have never seen at a Surrey league match. They demolished the competition, with all 8 runners finishing in the top 18 places, and all 5 A-team scorers in the top 10.
Charlotte Ryan was first across the line, winning the division 3 race in style, 40 seconds ahead of her nearest rival. Alex Morrice was the next Walton athlete, fighting hard for a super third place finish. A brilliant run from both ladies. Alex Slotwinska and debutant Jennifer Lithgow crossed the line soon after in 6th and 7th place respectively, showing excellent strength in the warm temperatures. The final A-team scorer was the ever-reliable Mandy Ruks in 9th place and third V45. Well done Mandy.
Another athlete running impressively on their Walton debut was Amy Starnes, who crossed the line in 14th place and 1st V40. Megan Newton and Michelle Tafili closely followed in 16th and 18th, Michelle finishing as 2nd V40. Superb runs again.
This puts Walton in a commanding position at the top of division 3 with a score of 26 points, 74 points ahead of second place. This performance would have also been good enough to win the division 2 race. Congratulations all of you, surely one of the best cross-country performances by a Walton team.
Now to the men’s race, and, whilst not on the same magnitude as the women, it was a very successful race.
Craig Jarman is in good form at the moment and top scored for Walton, crossing the line in 15th place, followed only a few seconds later by team captain Duncan Woolmer in 19th and 2nd V45. Two of our most consistent runners at the top once again, well done both.
A strong debut from Dominic Holloway-Barber put Walton in good stead with a solid 23rd place finish. A flurry of Walton vests followed just over a minute later, lead by Alfie Pike in 58th (2nd U20), Charlie Pedlar in 60th, then Robert Smith and Robert Tuer in 64th and 65th. This solid grouping helped the team’s final position greatly, well done all.
Dominic Reed ran strongly to finish 70th scorer, followed by Humphrey Pedlar in 79th and Charlie Hobbs in 86th to complete the scoring A team. Super efforts from the guys.
Samuel Holloway was the next Walton athlete home, placing 44th in the B race, Stephen Carpenter and Adam Parsons both running well to finish 54th and 55th respectively. Shortly after that, Chris Ness crossed the line in 59th. Christopher Coppellotti and Peter Musumeci completed the Walton runners finishing as 65th and 66th scorers in the B race. Good runs from all 6 of the B scorers.
This performance placed the men 5th on the day, a very good result. The chasing pack in 6th, 7th, and 8th are not far behind, so we will need another strong run from everyone at the next fixture to cement our mid-table position.
We look forward to seeing you all at the next race at Hurst Green in Oxsted on the 15th November.
