Banbury Harriers had a strong turnout of 34 athletes at 
the opening fixture of the Oxford Mail Cross Country League at Newbury Showground on Sunday.
The flat course and unexpectedly dry conditions made for some fast races for the 863 runners over 9 races. The day started with the under 11's with Charlotte Hall making her club debut in 10th place, and the more experienced Richie Mack taking a strong 7th place in the boys race. The under 13 girls race saw Tilly Lainchbury continue her good form in 4th position. Archie Street just pipped team-mate Sam Davis in the under 13 boys, finishing 8th and 9th respectively
The club's only individual winner was Skip Snelson, running from the front in in the Under 17 Mens race,with strong support from Daniel Roberts in 4th, Owen Know in 12th and Charlie Marr in 19th, placing the team in 2nd, just behind Radley, and with every chance of repeating last years team win by the end of the season.
In the mens race, Tim Wright was first of 13 Banbury runners in 16th
place overall, whilst in the ladies race, Tia Williams' impressive 9th place overall was also 1st in the under 20 age category. Supporting Tia was Michelle Bartlett, 5th in the over 45 category and Ros Kelling 2nd in the over 55 category.
The next fixture for this league is Sunday 2nd December when runners face the challenge of the hill at Cirencester Park.
Photos:
1. (side view) Tilly Lainchbury under 13 girls
2. Start of under 17 mens race (L-R Banury vests) Charlie Marr, Skip Snelson (393), Owen Knox, Daniel Roberts (392)
3. Tia Wiliams (43x) - Under 20/Senior Ladies
Report by Ian Robinson
