The opening fixture of the Chiltern Cross-Country League was held as usual at Horspath Road , Oxford on Saturday (October 12th). Squad athletes used it as an early season test of form and came away feeling satisfied with progress to date, noting that there had been no ease back in workloads in preparation for this event.
James Palmer could be especially pleased with his run. Moving up in to the U17 age group and wearing the Chiltern Harriers green strip for the first time, he finished a very powerful 18th overall in the combined mob match. This earned him fourth scoring spot in the Chiltern Harriers team which team which went into an immediate lead in the Team competition, thirty points seperating them from Dacorum & Tring.
Also in good opening form was Morgan Hanson. In a long awaited return to cross-country, she led off her season with fifth placing overall in the U20 match (third in the Division 2 fixture) and first U20 athlete home from Bucks.
Her training partner Katie Thompson had to deal with some injury issues but could still record a very satisfying 13th U20 overall and fifth Bucks athlete home.
Rory Hilton (Chiltern Hrs) was the highest place of the under age athletes, finishing a very commendable 26th from 117 in the U13 Boys race.
More boys were in action in the U15 event with Jamie Shepherd (Chiltern Hrs) 31st, his team mates Felix Palmer 58th and Jerry Anderson 64th.
Ryan Rickards was 56th in the U17 Mens Race.
For the girls, newcomer Alice Peckham made a strong debut in the U13 Girls race in 42nd from 121 athletes while Annie Hilton clocked 72nd in the U15 Girls race.
Full Results