This winter’s cross-country season for U13s and U15s/U17s athletes kicked off at Effingham Common on the 15th October. For the U13s it was a 3K (ish) circuit and for the U15s/U17s a 4.5k (ish). The weather conditions were good and dry underfoot necessitating a discussion on the need, or otherwise, for racing spikes.

Unfortunately, our only female competitor, Poppy Wilson, could not make the event due to injury, I wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her back to training soon and competing in future matches.

With the inherently different requirements of cross-country compared to track, especially distances, I am always in deep admiration for those who put themselves forward for the first event, with legs that have been rested and are still track-orientated.

Our first competitor for Walton was Matthew Wellinger in the U13s event. He looked strong throughout the race, setting out his stall with a very credible 13.25 finish. His great finish secured Walton’s opening position of 13th in a league of 15 teams.

For the U15s/U17s, we had a team consisting of George Pittwood, Josh Cheyne, Jake Goodman and Lewis Bainbridge. Right from the

start, George was part of the leading pack and, from my vantage point, he looked unflustered throughout, finishing a fantastic 5th (being pipped at the post to 4th place) with a time of 14.22.

On the day there was a huge physical difference (which is not unusual) between some of the U15s and some of the athletes about to turn 17.  For Josh, Jake and Lewis, who are all U15 athletes, this could have been daunting.  However, all of them put in very credible performances, setting out their stalls for future races within this age bracket.  Further to that, a special mention to Jake who suffered stitch on both sides during the race but soldiered on to finish the race.

The league’s next event is on 12 November at Wimbledon Common, where I hope Walton will field larger teams and move up the leagues.