Race three for the Senior Men for the Kent Cross Country League saw Medway and Maidstone AC travel to Foots Cray Meadows on Saturday 26thNovember. After second place in team competitions for the first two races, the Senior Men’s team were looking to go one better and keep their pursuit of the overall league title alive. Also, in search of individual success was Tewelde Menges, who led from early on, comfortably taking the race win and going clear at the top of the league table with one race remaining. Not far behind were Ben Tyler (4th), Jamie Walsh (8th) and Tom Collins (11th) rounding off the scoring team of four with a total of 24 points. This matched the Tonbridge AC scoring four score, which meant it went to countback to the last scorer, and Tonbridge therefore taking the team win. In the team of twelve result, M&M scored their best points total of the season so far, with 11 of their scoring 12 in the top 50 places. Anthony Webb (17th and 1st M45) continued to dominate his age category, maintaining his lead at the top of the league. Jordan Howes (25th) again outsprinted Daniel St Martin (26th), and they were closely followed home by Justin Lane (33rd). The next M&M finishers came across the line in quick succession with Richard Tomlinson (44th and 1st M50), Neill Wright (45th) and Jonathan Whittall (46th). Completing the team of twelve to score team was Cameron Featherstone (52nd). This gave M&M a team score of 312 and a 50 point victory over nearest rivals Tonbridge AC, which means the team of twelve competition will go down to the wire at the last race in Norman Park in February.
The cross country league competitions concluded for the junior age groups.
The under 13 boys set off over the 3000 metres course, Freddie Gibson leading the team home in 3rd place, Connor Cousins continued his good form to finish 7th and Louie Gear once again closed the three to score team (18th). William Pratt (25th), Henry Powell (42nd), Daniel Kershaw (48th ), Harry Ford (65th), Ronnie Clout (66th) and Oliver Fowler (69th) providing support. The team finished in second place for the second consecutive race and finished in 3rd place overall. Louie Gear and Henry Powell’s 100% attendances saw them finish the season in 7th and 14th places overall. With Freddie and Connor selected for Kent
A depleted 15 boys’ team raced over the slightly longer 4000m route, Henry Gibson was first home for the club in 10th place (13:54) (Kent selection) and he was followed by Alfred Moisan in 38th place (15:42).
Three U17 men contested the 5000m course. Strong race from Franklin Shepherd finishing in 3rd Riley Maisey 6th and Dominic Wright 24th. Franklin and Riley also finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively in the overall competition and gaining Inter-county selection.
The Under 13 girls team has grown from strength to strength throughout the season, to finish in an amazing 3rdplace in the team championships, competing against the 11 top clubs from across Kent. Central to success for the Under 13 Girls team has been their strength in depth and they have shown fantastic teamwork and resilience to always field a team come rain or shine. Olivia Baker had another strong performance finishing 22ndon the day and 13thin the league overall in her first year of competition, quick runs from Gwennan Thomas (26th) and Matilda Moisan (27th) completed the bronze medal team, and Ava Graham earned her highest finish of the season to earn 15thplace in the league – a magnificent achievement.
The Under 15 Girls started the race as league leaders and needed to be at their very best to keep a strong team from Blackheath and Bromley at bay. The M&M girls rose to the challenge, with excellent performances from Iris Crossley (3rd), Rose Crossley (8th) and Heidi Hughes (16th) ensuring that the M&M Under 15 girls were crowned Kent League Champions for the first time in 20 years! As well as winning the team event, the M&M girls dominated the individual league competition over 4 races, with Iris Crossley finishing in 1stplace and retaining her league title from last year, Rose Crossley finishing 3rdand Heidi Hughes 10thoverall. Next for the girls is an Inter-Counties race in Oxfordon 10 December for which Iris Crossley, Amber Matthews, Rose Crossley and Sophia Cudmore-Smith from the M&M team have been selected to represent Kent.
The Under 17s women continued their strong individual and team performance with fantastic results over the four races. The day saw Abigail Royden continuing her strong form, finishing in her highest position of 2nd and winning the overall league title. Another strong performance for Lily Crossley (4th) taking 3rd place overall. Other strong performances from Beth Palmer (8th), Millie Dack (12th), Abigail Hawkes (13th), Molly Marsh (17th) and her first cross country race for Madaline Scott (23rd). The ladies also deserving in winning the overall team title. Abigail, Lily and Abigail H are all selected for their County at the Inter-counties race in Oxford on Saturday
The U20s women saw another outstanding performance from Ella Webb finishing 2nd on the day and 2nd place overall. Annabel Young getting back to form and finishing 7th. Ciara Harrop finished in 12th place.
