HXCL Farley Mount

The Hampshire Cross Country League opened with the usual enthusiasm at Farley Mount, Winchester on Saturday October 8th. The men tackled the tough 3-lap 9 km course, while the ladies were set two laps of the same undulating route.

The Farnham Runners men’s team were happy with 7th position in Division 2, their veterans’ team placing 11th of 18.

Men’s captain Dan Smith achieved a course best position and led in his team with an impressive time of 33.49 (80th). Charles Ashby put in a strong final lap, overtaking over 30 runners for 122nd (36.05), followed by veteran Robert Anderson 36.19 (127th). The reliable Andy Tweed (198th, 39.37,) kept ahead of newcomer Simon Lyon (208th, 40.01), who pushed Terry Steadman (209, 40.04) out of a scoring place. Don Melvin was pleased to better his performance of two year’s ago (236, 43.18) while John Applebee contemplated running the Great South 10 miler the next day dressed as a banana to raise money for the Leaukeamia Research Fund (250,49.22).

Ladies captain Jane Georghiou also led in her team (36th, 25.17), following her success in the South of England fell running championships where she placed fifth lady (1st W50) and her second place in the Buster Hill fell run. Gemma Mitchell is proving to be a very reliable member of the team (82nd, 28.55). Katie Payne (87th, 29.25) and Amanda Allen (92nd, 29.45) were never far behind and made a very useful contribution, while in support came Susanna Ching (107th, 34.12) in her first team race for Farnham. The ladies placed 15th of 19 full teams and were joint 6th veterans out of 12.