Cirencester athletes perform well at Lambourn (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester athletes perform well at Lambourn

CIRENCESTER Athletics Club's strong support for this season's Oxfordshire Cross Country League continued in last Sunday's second round at Lambourn.

Although a new venue for the league, an undulating woodland course proved popular with all ages, although the thick mud made it a stern test.

As usual, the U11 boys race got the event under way. and Cirencester's Jay Evans followed up his good run in the first round with another strong performance to finish fifth.

Jonah Cook and Jack Stevens improved on their first round positions with 12th and 15th.

In the girls' race, Lucy Vass took a top-ten place with another determined run and Jessica Evans made her cross country debut with an encouraging 22nd place.

Tom Jess was another first- timer but showed plenty of promise for the future in finishing 16th overall on the tough course set for the U13 and U15 age group.

Elly Pudifoot was first home in the U13/15 girls' race, followed by twins Freya and Venetia Trotter, who were also having their first run in the Oxford League.

Cirencester's senior ranks were weakened by the absence of several of their top runners, but a solid performance in both ladies' and men's races should maintain the club's position.

Wendy Jones returned to cross country and although not quite back to full fitness, a strong run over the latter stages gave her fifth place.

Not far behind in ninth was Helen Langsam, having her first face for some time after recently returning from living in the USA.

A good team result was rounded off by club cross country champion Sarah Dinwoodie in 12th place.

The B team were also well placed thanks to Claire James in 25th, five places up on her first round result, closely followed by Elaine Wilson who just held off Paula Vass who improved her position by 15 places.

The men slipped back slightly in Division 1 due to the absence of Dan Leggate and Mike Smith.

First home last Sunday and thriving in the conditions was Stuart Dinwoodie in 28th who got the better of Keith Firkin on this occasion.

Also in the top 50 was Dave Wright while Kevin Ferris had a much better run to comfortably beat his brother Bob.

And Tim Collings and Bill Leggate ensured the A team scorers all finished in the top half of the field.

It was encouraging to see cross country regulars Colin O'Hare and Tim Willson back and debuts by Pete Langsam and Darren Sheppard.

Hopefully, more of the club's best senior runners will be available for the third round on Sunday, December 29, to help the club build on its early season promise.

Cirencester's positions at Lambourn are as follows:

U11 boys: 5 Jay Evans, 12 Jonah Cook, 15 Jack Stevens.

U11 girls: 9 Lucy Vass, 22 Jessica Evans.

U13/15 boys: 16 Tom Jess.

U13/15 girls: 21 Elly Pudifoot, 37 Freya Trotter, 39 Venetia Trotter.

Senior Ladies: 5 Wendy Jones, 9 Helen Langsam, 12 Sarah Dinwoodie, 25 Claire James, 34 Elaine Wilson, 35 Paula Vass, 40 Carol Clarke, 46 Jane Stevens, 54 Lorraine Ferris, 65 Lynn Ferris.

Senior men: 28 Stuart Dinwoodie, 35 Keith Firkin, 43 Dave Wright, 68 Kevin Ferris, 78 Bob Ferris, 80 Tim Collings, 83 Bill Leggate, 98 Ian Fletcher, 99 Pete Langsam, 112 Colin O'Hare, 115 Tim Willson, 122 Chris Riches, 143 Bob May, 148 Darren Sheppard, 177 Tom Stevens.

After two rounds, Sarah Dinwoodie heads the ladies' club championship with 28 points, closely followed by Claire James (26) and Elaine Wilson on 23.

Keith Firkin and Stuart Dinwoodie are tied for the lead of the men's series on 27 points, some three ahead of Dave Wright.