After the success of the recent Goodwood cross country relays, 4 teams from Eastbourne Rovers travelled to Wormwood Scrubs to compete in the South of England Cross Country Relay Championships. For many, it was the first time they had competed in such a high bar event and the young athletes rose to the occasion. The races consisted of teams of 3 with Under 17’s covering 3 kilometres and the Under 13 & Under 15 age groups 2 kilometres. The course was relatively flat underfoot but muddy in places making it challenging for the athletes.
The Under 13 boys team exceeded expectations by clinching the bronze medals. Joshua Webster held his own on the tactical 1st leg, passing over to Archie Franklin on leg 2 who worked his way through the field into 4th. On the final leg, Byron Roberts showed huge determination and speed as he moved into the bronze medal position with the 5th fastest time on the day for the U13 boys age group.
Joshua Webster, Archie Franklin & Byron Roberts – Bronze U13 race
The Under 15 girls race certainly got the adrenalin pumping as supporters watched on. Freda Pearce set off at a strong pace on leg 1 (5th fastest in her age group). Raya Petrova ran well on leg 2 to keep them in contention, handing over to Daisy Connor on anchor leg. The talented athlete ploughed her way through the field making it into a secure bronze position. However, Daisy didn’t settle for this, and to the astonishment of those watching, she had an incredible injection of pace on the final straight to clinch the silver (and 3rd fastest individual time in the U15 girls’ race).
Raya Petrova, Freda Pearce & Daisy Connor – Silver Under 15 race
The Under 15 boys’ team of Fin Lumber – Fry, Thomas Petherick and Jonah Messer had a great experience placing a credible 7th team out of 39. This was impressive at such a competitive level as 2 of the team have another year in the under 15 age group.
The Under 17 boys’ team of Fintan Pearce, Kaleb Berhane and Ilya Korchev also rang strongly placing 11th team out of 23.
Coach Chris Voice was at the event and said ‘The Eastbourne teams exceeded all our expectations. It shows that despite being a small club we are a force to be reckoned with. The teams showed solid team spirit and together we are looking forward to the seeing what we can achieve as a club this cross-country season.’
Eastbourne Team Results
Under 13 Boys (2k course) – Bronze Team – Joshua Webster 7:11, Archie Franklin 7:31, Byron Roberts 6:56
Under 15 Girls (2k course) – Silver Team – Freda Pearce 7:05, Raya Petrova 7:35, Daisy Connor 6:54
Under 17 Men (3k course) – Fintan Pearce 10:06, Kaleb Berhane 11:00, Ilya Korchev 10:40
Under 15 Boys (2k course) – Fin Lumber – Fry 6:40, Thomas Petherick 6:58, Jonah Messer 6:49