Final Wessex league match
Report from Jonathan Hurford-Potter
This was the final Wessex race of the year and for once we had a dry and very pleasant day with even the occasional sunny spell. For those who had not been to Canford School before it is extremely grand and provided a superb location for what proved to be an interesting and visually pleasing course. A couple of WADAC members even spotted deer strolling around the grounds!
The first race was the U11 girls where we had 5 competitors. The girls have formed a strong bond over the season and were chatting together before the race and talked tactics. All of them walked the course at least once which proved to be quite soft underfoot but the absence of standing water was pleasing. Two of them, Naomi and Izzy even ran the course to get a feel for pace. The course itself was rather short, even for the U11's, at 1.4Km which I believed prevented some of the girls from getting into a stride. First home for WADAC was Naomi Hurford-Potter in 7th place, followed shortly thereafter by Poppy Manley (9th). Isabelle Goulding (12th), Evie Churcher (15th) and Holly Crowther (18th) completing the field for WADAC. Perhaps because of its proximity to Christmas there were only 20 runners.
As this was the final Wessex race of the season three girls were given overall race placings as they competed in enough races. These were: Naomi Hurford-Potter (4th); Isabelle Goulding (10th); and Evie Churcher (11th).
Next was the U11 boys and like the girls WADAC had a strong representation of 7 in a field of 31. It was wonderful to see that Robin Ashley secured first place for WADAC in a time of 4.13. Where was Robin for earlier races in the season you might ask! Other boys came in quickly with Alex Olestsenko (10th); Noah Banks (14th); Leonardo Rogers (15th); Ethan Wilde (18th); Samual Pickett (22nd) and finally Jack Banks (29th). There was only one placing in the season and this was Alex Olestsenko (6th) - well done. Hopefully next season more of the boys will be available to complete in the Wessex fixtures.
The final race for WADAC was the U13 girls as we had no boys participating in their U13 race. The field was 27 girls and Millie Honan came 9th followed by Any Bowerman (19th) in only her second competitive race. There were no end of season places awarded as no U13 girl or boy had competed enough in the Wessex race series.
At the end all competitors (and a few adults!) were given chocolates as a post match motivator and we all agreed to smash the Hampshire Championships on 6th January 24 after a restful Christmas and New Year. Although I believe James Mann has other ideas for the serious and enthusiastic endurance runners!