The winning streak continued as Round Three of the Essex League was held on the challenging Gloucester Park course, Basildon.
There was an inspired performances by the U13 boys who tasted victory for the first time this season, despite missing three of last week's team. Led once again by an excellent run from Michael Jones in 7th place, excellent packing from Liam Bush, who in his first run of the winter stormed round in 9th place, closely followed by Sam Swain also having his first run in 12th and Jack Waldron who managed a very creditable 19th despite running with a broken arm. The team's winning score was 47 points. Excellent support as usual was provided by the other finishers, with a particularly good run from Luke Overton who improved to 28th.
The turnout for the girls this week was rather disappointing and results were down on last seven days before. With three of last week's scoring four absent, the Under 13 girls were unable to repeat their victory, finishing third. Eleanor Bounds finished in third place with a fine run and looked comfortable from the off. Nicola Peachey finished 17th with another fine run and was closely followed home with Deborah Knight and Alex Edwards in 20th and 21st. Kacey Offord was making her debut and finished in 29th with Laura Drew in 31st.
The Under 15 girls were one runner short of a scoring four but most opponents were equally affected by school holidays and other commitments and the three scoring still finished third. Emma Fox had a great run and finished in 8th place with Jennifer Holland also running well to finish in 10th. Louisa Wood made up the trio crossing the line in 21st place.
The Under 17/under 20 Women did complete a scoring quartet but had to settle for fourth. Hayley Thomas had an excellent fine run and finished in 8th position with excellent backing from Robyn Matson in 12th, Clare Robinson came home in 14th place with Vicky Smith in 18th, and Charlotte Humpheryes crossed the line in 24th place.
Once again despite some excellent individual performances the U17 men failed to finish a team. Bradley Tungatt battled round the tough course to improve to fifth, his twin brother Scott Tungatt improved to 12th and Robert Jones also had a good run in 16th.
The senior men have had eighteen different athletes turn out for them this season, this time eleven of them took to the field at Gloucester Park, finishing fifth. Leading them home again with another good run in a very strong field was Rob Warner in 15th place followed again by Peter Coates in 25th who was closely followed by Gavin Maley returning from injury to take 27th.
Rob Dickenson improving all the time came home in 38th with Martin Chester in his first cross country for a few seasons proving his worth with a sound 45th. Paul Beret again made the scoring team in 51st, Tony Collins was just outside the scorers in 61st and Junior David Nefs had a good run to take 63rd. Vets Graham Foster 89th , Gary Howard 99th and Mike Munson 122nd completed the first eleven.
With illness and injuries affecting the senior women Lesley Felton was the only club athlete to toe the line, improving to 22nd overall, and finishing second female over 45.
