HCI Report, Falkirk, 19th March 2016

England dominated the Home Countries International Cross Country event held at Falkirk on Saturday.

In the first race of the HCI events the Junior Women’s race, Gemma Holloway – Thurrock Harriers and Abbie Donnelly – Lincoln Wellington AC scored a one,two. Gemma winning by 6 seconds in 21.31 to complete a fine end of season series of races. While NiamhBridgson-Hubbard – Blackheath & Bromley AC finished 9th and Pillippa Stone – Middlesbrough (Mandale) AC 16th to complete the scoring and give England an easy win over the other 8 Countries and Teams taking part.

The Junior Men produced a clean sweep with GB Junior International Christopher Olley – Tonbridge AC coming back to good form to win in 25.07 just 1 second in front of Gus Cockle – Aldershot, Farnham & Dist AC, while

Ellis Cross – Aldershot, Farnham & Dist AC finished 3rd and Cameron Field – Liverpool Harriers came home 4th and England easily won the Team event.

In a very tight finish to the Senior Women’s race Claire Duck  – City of Leeds AC just beat Jane Potter – Charnwood AC, both athletes being given the same time of 28.32 but Claire getting the win. While Steph McCall – South London H ran very well for 4th and Juliet Potter – Charnwood AC 6th. Again it was another team win with Scotland again 2nd.

The final race of the day the Senior Men’s race saw Alex Teuten – City of Portsmouth AC maintain his good end of season form with a 2nd place in 31.32, 5 seconds down on Andrew Douglas of Scotland. Then came the England runners
Alastair Watson – Notts AC 3rd and Alex Brecker – City of Stoke AC 4th while Matthew Bowser – Lincoln Wellington AC completed the quartet in 6th. This saw England romp home to another win again ahead of Scotland and complete a good season which has achieved the aim of allowing athletes to step up to another level.