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!

Second Wessex cross country race

From Jonathan Hurford-Potter

Driving to the venue from Winchester it was raining heavily and our expectation was that this would be a very wet running race. On arrival however, as if by magic the rain ceased and the sun came out. A walk of the course revealed that not only were the conditions very soft underfoot but in places at the bottom of the course the ground was so waterlogged there was standing water at least 12 inches deep. Our runners were advised that they would just need to run through the water during their actual race rather trying to run around and keep their feet dry; it was inevitable that everyone would get very wet and muddy. Being an all grass track it was sensible to wear spikes but not all WADAC runners remembered to bring their spikes and so there were some stumbles and trips during the actual races. 

The first race was the U11 girls and WADAC had three participants. A lower number than usual but there was a race the day before. The girls requested a team photo before the race and encouraged each other to perform to the best of their ability. The race had 30 runners and was a very competitive field. All the girls worked hard under difficult running conditions with Naomi Hurford-Potter coming 4th followed by Isabelle Goulding 18th and Evie Churcher in 23rd place. It was clear that spikes made a real difference on this occasion and Evie’s mother committed to buying some ready for the next race!

The second was the U11 boys and we had two participants. Like the girls the boys were really motivated and gave it their all. Alex Olestsenko came 11th followed by Felix Humphries in 21st place. There were 29 runners.

The U13 girls and boys race only had one competitor in each. For the girls we had Aimee Bowerman and this was her first competitive race at this level. Aimee did brilliantly and came 14th out of a field of 24. The U13 boys runner was Fraser Noble and I think if he had brought his spikes we may well have managed a podium finish. As it was Fraser came 4th and that was after falling along the route. He was very stoic about his performance but his dad wished that he had brought his spikes!

Overall we had a very small but well formed WADAC team and the only think lacking was cakes at the end of the race. Apologies to all the runners. It will not happen again!

Strong results for the junior athletes in the Wessex cross country league at Canford Heath

The cross country season has started officially with the usual Wessex league match at Canford Heath and, unlike last year, the weather was much better.

First off was the u11 girls and representing Wadac was Naomi Hurford Potter, Isabelle Goulding, Evie Churcher and Vivi Sell. After a fine race the first girls’ team of three secured a third place finish. Naomi showed what a determined runner she is with a fine performance to secure 4th place with a strong finish.

Next off were the under 11 boys who were very strong in numbers and also performance to earn a first and third place finish for the two Wadac teams. The athletes were placed as follows: Teodor Sledz was in fine form with a perfectly timed run holding back in a group of four and stepping up with 400m or so to go to win the race; Robin Ashley 4th; Samuel Barton 10th; Alex Olestsenko 12th; Oliver Isaia 13th; and Alfred Macaulay 17th.

In the u13G Amelia Underwood put in a good performance with a very strong finish as well (demonstrating clearly she has a lot more to give as the season goes on) to come 12th and for the u13B Frazer Noble came 4th.

Results here: https://teamdorsetathleticsnetwork.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/results-1.xlsx?force_download=true

All the athletes put in an amazing performance with 100 per cent effort. They deservedly enjoyed cakes at the end of the race. Thank you to the parents who brought the athletes and the cakes!

Next cross country races are on 28 and 29 October, details have been emailed around. Any questions please contact me on paul.cox@wadac.org.uk.

Paul Cox

U11 and U13 team manager