The third event of the 2013-14 League was characterised by wet and muddy conditions underfoot, pools of standing water and strong winds, which made the going harder and slower than in the first two events. Despite this, the turnout was only slightly down and we had another fine display of racing.
Girls Years 3-4
Libby Robinson of Gee Cross Holy Trinity, the winner of the first race returned to the fray after missing the 2nd race and again came home first, just ahead of Darcey Breen of Stockport Grammar. They were chased home by Elizabeth Hill of High Lane, Sofia Livesey of St Simon’s, Alana Wilson of Norbury Hall and Tilly Fenton of St Peter’s. With 3 events to go, the League is headed by Darcey, Sofia and Elizabeth, with Alana only a few points adrift in 4th place. Of those who have done only 2 events so far, Libby Robinson, with 2 wins, offers the most significant challenge for a high League placing.
In the team competition, Norbury Hall lead, with St Simon’s and Romiley in 2nd and 3rd positions.
Boys Years 3-4
Thomas Boyd of Dean Valley achieved his 3rd win in a row, coming ahead of Bow Hornby of Norbury Hall and Will Kershaw of Cale Green. One more win would give Thomas the League title, which looks likely judging by his winning margins so far. Bow and Will look set for a good tussle for 2nd and third spots, although those sitting just below them, such as Cathal O’Grady-Smith (St Christopher’s) and Charlie Hibbs (St. Joseph’s) could yet mount a challenge. In the team competition, St Christopher’s has a comfortable lead, with St Joseph’s 2nd and Norbury Hall 3rd position. Girls Years 5-6: Chloe Rodgers of St Joseph’s and Evie Wild of High Lane, took 1st and 2nd places for the third time in succession and so took a strong grip on the 2 top spots in the League. Chloe’s winning margin and Evie’s margin over the 3rd placed runner suggest that they can hold onto their positions. Jasmine Brown of High Lane, in her 2nd race came 3rd, improving on her 6th position in the 2nd event. Scarlett Whittaker (Dean Valley), Leah Wilkinson (Vernon Park) and Daisy Keigher (Stockport Grammar) continued their close tussle with each other and now occupy 3rd, 4th and 5th spots in the League. The final 3 events, though, offer the prospect of a challenge from Jasmine. In the team competition, St Joseph’s has a slight lead over Hazel grove, with High Lane in 3rd place, well clear of Romiley in 4th.
Boys Years 5-6
Alec McLachlan of Norbury Hall won the race ahead of newcomer Harry Sinclair of Altrincham Preparatory School, with Lewis Poole of St Joseph’s in 3rd place. Fares Ibrahim of Great Moor now heads the League, despite slipping back to 5th place in the days’ heavy race conditions. Behind him sit Lewis Poole (St Joseph’s) and Henry Carne (Romiley), who have placed consistently in the top 5, like Fares. Their positions are threatened though by Alec McLachlan and Owen McPherson St Christopher’s), who have each done 2 races so far, scoring 3 and 2 points, respectively.
In the team competition, Romiley has a substantial lead over Norbury Hall, with St Joseph’s 3rd.
Please let me know if you spot any anomalies in the table of results and my report, including miss-spelt names.
I would to thank and congratulate all the children who took part in the races, their managers, family and friends for supporting them, St John Ambulance for tending to those needing medical attention and members and supporters of Stockport Harriers who helped to put on a successful event.