George Armstrong Smith – leading the way for the Sussex Team
The UKA CAU intercounty cross country championships took place once again at the iconic Wollaton Park on Saturday 8th March.
Unlike most of this cross country season, the course was dry underfoot and the sun was out for the runners who travelled from far and wide to compete. The standard was exceptional across the board with athletes having to qualify on a county level to achieve selection.
9 Eastbourne Rovers athletes were amongst the Sussex Teams showing the depth of strength amongst the squad.
Stand out performance of the day came from George Armstrong – Smith placing 12th overall in the under 15 boys race over the 4km distance. Together with Eastbourne team mates Ben Wright (32nd), Fin Lumber – Fry (35th) and Brighton runner – Taylor Thom Watts (36th), they achieved 3rd team and the bronze team medals.
Bronze for Sussex -3 out of 4 from the team from Eastbourne Rovers – Fin Lumber – Fry, Taylor Thom Watts (Brighton), George Armstrong Smith & Ben Wright
Special mentions go to two Eastbourne athletes; Fintan Pearce in the 8km under 20 men’s race, placing 38th and 1st over the line for Sussex. Strong running was also displayed by under 20 Ellie Mclean over the 6k course, positioning 2nd out of the Sussex runners.
Fintan Pearce – 1st home for Sussex in the Under 20 men’s race
In the 5km under 17 girls race, the Sussex athletes placed well up the leaderboard – 5th team out of 39. This is particularly impressive as most are the first year in their age category. Eastbourne athletes Daisy Connor (43rd), Freda Pearce (50th) and special mention to rising star Katherine Brown, making the team selection for the 1st time and placing respectably in 164th amongst a highly talented field of 273.
5th team – Under 17 girls – Includes Eastbourne athletes – Katy Brown, Freda Pearce & Daisy Connor.
Next up for many of the Eastbourne Rovers athletes is the English Schools Cross Country Championships at Ardingly on Saturday 15th March.