Shrewsbury AC again put in some very competitive performances in this years final race at Oldbury Wells School, Bridgnorth.
We are now able to field a number of athletes in most categories, and those athletes are consistently performing well with both quality running and gutsy attitude.
Despite a couple of our runners falling ill with the flu bug, there were 11 in Blue and Gold who braved the cold temperature and the undulating terrain of the Oldbury Wells course.
U11 BoysLuke Howes and Ross Kirby maintained their impressive form this season, with both athletes finishing in the top 8 in each of the 4 races. Some good teamwork through the technical hill section was rewarded in the end with 5th & 6th places being earned respectively. Both lads will move up to the U13 competition next season.
Edward Brittleton & Patrick Green will hopefully use the experience gained this season as they lead our campaign next year. Edwards speed saw him pull clear to earn 17th, while Patrick battled home in 23rd.
In the U11 Boys team competition the lads just missed out on snatching a 3rd overall prize by a mere two points, with Maldwyn Harriers just hanging on for the silverware.
U11 Boys Team Placings1st Oswestry Olympians 680
1st Telford AC 680
3rd Maldwyn Harriers 530
4th Shrewsbury AC 528
U11 GirlsLauren James made her debut for the club, joining Eve Lucas on the start line. Both girls showed good teamwork to pace each other through the hill section before Lauren edged out Eve by a couple of seconds as the girls finished 24th & 25th.
U13 BoysThis season has seen a highly competitive competition in the U13 Boys races, and again Shrewsbury featured at the top end of the final standings. Both Ben Ashcroft & Jack Fielding were in pursuit of individual honours with 3 wins already achieved between them. Joining them were Andrew Hickman and Daniel Lucas, the latter unfortunatley unable to complete the race due to illness.
From the gun then pace was set by Jon Fletcher (Bridgnorth), who was hoping to move up the individual rankings. His impressive win on the day contributed to an overall 2nd place in the series.
Fielding ran tremendously strong in pursuit of the pacesetter, but settled for second on the day. Ashcroft was able to secure 3rd place and with it the overall U13 Boys title, with Fielding rewarded with 3rd place overall.
Both lads have show real quality throughout the season and fully deserved their prizes, well done to both of you.
Andrew Hickman battled through the distance in his first season at the 3000m distance, finishing in 25th place.
Overall U13B Individual Placings1st Ben Ashcroft Shrewsbury AC
2nd Jon Fletcher Bridgnorth AC
3rd Jack Fielding Shrewsbury AC
U13 GirlsBecky Peet was left as our sole runner as the flu accounted for the abscences of Abbie Lavis and Elizabeth Hooper. Another determined performance from Becky ended in a sprint finish with a Telford rival. Both girls were given the same finish time with Becky in 29th place.
As this season has progressed the number of runners for Shrewsbury AC has increased with many new athletes joining & representing the club. All athletes have competed superbly in the tough discipline of Cross Country, the influx of fresh talent bodes well for future competitions.
On behalf of Shrewsbury Athletic Club, thank you to all Athletes and parents for the interest and continued support this season.
