The fourth round of the Chiltern League Cross Country series saw a massive turnout for Silson Joggers, with 46 runners braving the cold to represent the club on a wintry course in Luton’s Wigmore Valley.
Although some of the results are still open to question after issues with the finishing funnel in the men’s event, it was a strong showing for the club, with Silson ending the day in 11th place, beating regular rivals Tring, Oxford City and Dacorum & Tring.
It wasn’t quite enough to ensure that Silson will remain in division one next season, but it certainly goes a long way towards helping the club avoid relegation.
Emma Hunter made her debut for Silson in the ladies’ race and led the team home, claiming 25th overall and 16th in her class, while Heather Kirk and Tasha King also put in strong efforts.
The over-45 ladies did particularly well, claiming 18th (Madeleine Moutrie), 19th (Sue Clayton-Drabble), 20th (Shoena Smee), and 22nd (Julie Long), while Kit Rapson was 21st in the over-35s.
The men were hit by injuries and illness again but showed strength in depth to field 19 runners. Jeff Haynes made a welcome return from injury, Stewart Shears continued his strong season and Andy Kirk showed he is recovering well and moving back up through the field.
As ever, Chris Wood and Nick Pacey were dependable in leading the team home.
However, it is the juniors who are really impressing in a record-breaking season. This month they scored 200 points to make it 655 so far for the season, making a big difference to the overall points.
It is now all to play for with one more race this season at Wing on February 9.
Silson need to beat Oxford by 68 points and Tring by 143 points to survive in division one, so expect a strong turnout for the final round of the series.
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