Wow, wow, wow. What a day of racing we had yesterday at Thornley Hall Farm for the penultimate race of the North East Harrier League season. At, what is normally a boggy swamp, we were blessed with blue skies and sun for almost the entire afternoon and, if that wasn’t enough to heat you up, then the amazing achievements of the juniors would bring a warmth to even the coldest running coach’s heart!!
First up we had the U11 races with Finlay Harwood taking part in only his second NEHL competition with an amazing 7th place finish. This was a big step on from his 21st place finish in the Sherman Cup. He pushed from the very start of the race and was in contention for a top three finish early on, eventually coming 7th. It would be fantastic to see more U11 boys running at future fixtures.
Next, we had the U11 girls with the biggest TBH squad of the day with seven girls taking part. Eleanor Maxwell had a brilliant run and also saw a big improvement on her previous performance coming home in 6th place. She was followed by Mabyn Goffe in 20th place, Jessica Snowball in 23rd, Cara Ricci in 33rd, Amelie Bone in 34th, Elspeth Willows in 38th place and Bethan Pickett in 43rd. Well done to all of the girls.
In the U13 girls race we had another top ten finish with Poppy Colver coming home in 8th place followed by Florence Snaith in 22nd place. Poppy’s result earns her promotion to the fast pack.
The U13 boys closed a team and came 11th with Charlie Kilgour (28th), Henry Pickett (36th) and Ernie Bigg (48th). This was Henry’s first race from the fast pack so was a new experience and one he enjoyed.
The U15 girls have formed a great racing team and were rightly awarded with a 1st place finish. Ruby Colver had an early birthday present, leading the race for much of the distance and only succumbing to the charge of 3 fast pack runners in the closing stages. Her fourth-place rewards her with promotion to the fast pack. Naimah Michla (9th) backed-up a good run at the Northerns and finished in a top 10 position. Alanah Perowne, who completed this one without rolling in the mud, closed the team in 15th place. Ruby Ditchburn was close behind in 18th. This was Ruby Ditchburn 2.0 fitted with the optional “race face” – she ran with a determination and drive I’ve not seen from her before and she achieved a big improvement.
The U15 boys had a great turnout with a team of 5 lining up in black and white. Liam Whitelaw was first TBH home and rightly deserved promotion to the fast pack. Although Liam crossed the line in 3rd place, he was later promoted to 2nd due to the disqualification of the NSP runner for starting in the wrong pack. Freddie Palmer pushed all the way to the finish and managed 9th after a 1:40 handicap from the fast pack. Jake Parker closed the team in 15th place. Lucas Powell and George Weare had a close race coming home in 34th and 35th place. Overall the U15 boys had a great race and, not wanting to be outdone by the girls, also achieved first team status.
Jake Moir was our only U17 entrant and achieved an 11th place finish.
I don’t know that we have ever had a 1st place team before so to have two in one fixture is an amazing achievement. But, all the juniors ran with a grit and determination today that shows what a brilliant group of athletes we’re developing. Well done all.
Thank you to Stuart Whitman for the amazing photos (High res versions are here: https://gallery.stuartwhitman.photography/nehl-thornley-hall-farm-juniors) Thank you to Morag for the early morning delivery of cakes to the Pickett house. They were enjoyed by everyone. There was also some lovely looking birthday cake to celebrate Ruby’s birthday – happy birthday. And there was even a late addition of vegan swirls from Nina Bigg. Who says XC is all about punishment and suffering!
The final event is at Alnwick on 4th March. Details are here: http://www.harrierleague.com/
No responses yet