The opening XC League fixture saw a small team of Harriers travel to Derby Markeaton Park for the start of the XC 2018/19 season, but it felt anything but with unseasonable warm sunny weather and 24 degree temperatures, it proved to be a very tough opening fixture.
There were some terrific performances from the squad with Bottom Year U13 Maggie Gancheva making her U13 debut and putting in a performance which belied her small stature. Getting of far more positively then her opening race at the road relays Maggie ran brilliantly for 11th place over the 2.5km course in 11:04 to show she will be a real prospect over XC once she gains more experience over the distance.
Maggie Gancheva impressive U13 debut race for 11th place
It was another one of the Squads youngsters also making his U13 NML debut, Jacob Asher-Relf, who showed terrific form again with a superb 4th place over the 3km course in 12:18 and the top scoring position for a Harrier on the day. Jacob will also benefit from race experience and on this evidence he will be a great prospect this season?
Jacob Asher-Relf fine race for 4th in U13B race
There was a fine battle between the 4x U15 Boys racing with Callum Cox again leading the way with a strong run to finish in 10th position over the 4.5km course in 17:44, with a storming run from Ryan Raulia who finished like a train to just edge out Josh Clutton to the finish line with an impressive sprint for 14th place (18:00) with Clutton in 16th place (18:07), and Ben Brooker running a good race for 28th (19:35). U17 Dylan Bowley still short of race fitness finished top 10 which was a very respectable opening race for him over the 6km course in 7th place (24:19) .
U15 boys Josh Clutton, Ryan Raulia, Ben Brooker, Callum Cox
The Seniors & U20's were also in action. With Phil Brigden top finisher over the 9km course in 63rd place overall (5th vet 40) in 38:14. Tony James improved by over 90 seconds from last season to finish 4th vet 45 and 70th overall (38:35) with U20’s Josh Cannell & Jack Watson making their senior distance debuts finishing in 76th overall (12th U20) in 38:49 & 130th overall (21st U20) in 42:45 respectively.
Phil Brigden top finisher in the Senior Men's / U20 race
Well done to all who ran in the mini heatwave!