Havering Mayesbrook’s senior men’s team nearly pulled off a smash and grab raid on the medals at the cross-country relays.

Peter Coates led the A team off with a good 6^th place. Rob Warner took over the challenge and produced another dazzling run to pull the team up to second with the squad’s fastest time off the day. Chris Coates covered the middle leg and did well to hold off several top athletes to come in fourth handing over to Mat Bland whose strong run brought the team up to third.

Rob Dickenson with top county athletes on his tail fought hard to hold his place but although nearly catching the second place athlete was overtaken near the end and came home in a brave fourth place, 10 seconds off the second place runner.

It was the best finish seen at the relays for many years for, after nearly fifteen miles 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th came in within thirty seconds of each other. A thrilling finish in which Havering Mayesbrook just missed out on the medals.

The B team, which was filled with experienced athletes many returning from injury, got off to a solid start with vet Paul Berrett who handed over to Trevor Keys. Keys ran the fastest B team time before passing the baton to Gavin Maley who ran well to pass on to Martin Chester who covered the tricky course well to hand over to Jason Lendon. Lendon in his first cross country of the season showed what the team had missed with another good run.

The C team, with Graham Hogan, Tony Collins, Russ Middleton, and Neill Collins all acquitted themselves well and helped to produce the highest number the club has turned out in cross country relays for many years.

Peter Coates 17.05; Rob Warner 16.27; Chris Coates  17.59; Mat Bland 17.13; Rob Dickenson 17.45.

B Team - 7th 91:19:

Paul Berrett 17.50; Trevor Keys 17.48; Gavin Maley  18.59; Martin Chester 18.41; Jason Lendon  18.0;

C Team 12th 97:49:

Graham Hogan 19.01; Tony Collins  21.07; Russ Middleton 19.06; Neill Collins  18.59; Graham Hogan 19.21