England’s Athletes were in good form at the Home Countries International at Wollaton Park on Saturday. Over a 2k lap that included 5 hills the runners were tested at this end of season event.

Andrew Heyes took the hard route to senior men’s victory with an impressive front running performance over the 5 lap, 10K race. The Hallamshire man had English team-mate Dan Garbutt (Durham AC) with him for company in the first half of the race before pulling away for a ten second victory, clocking 31:33. In 3rd place a further 3 seconds back was Sam Mitchell representing the Combined services but as a member of Notts AC would know Wollaton Park well, England won the Team race easily. Interesting to note that Andrew Heyes has made steady progress over the years and was 4th in the Junior Men’s race representing the North when this event was last held in England back in 2010.

Catherine Blew battled the wind to move away from the field in the senior women’s race. Blew representing the Midlands this time was winner of this fixture last year when running for England and has had a restricted season due to injury but was always prominent pushing the pace at the front of the field. In the last two laps the Birchfield athlete increased her margin over Miranda Heathcote to around 100m. She crossed the line in 28:07, 20 secs up on the Cornish athlete who is the British & Irish Masters Champion and having her best season ever at cross county. With a late burst Iona Lake of the South came through to take 3rd in 28.36. England again won the Team event.

Doug Musson was a popular local winner of a high quality junior men’s race. After a steady start the Notts AC athlete, running for England took control with around a mile left to run and came home in 25.27. Joe Steward finished 2nd in 25.35 and led the North team to a superb one point win over England. While Mike Ward was 3rd for Wales in 25.37.

Aldershot team-mates Amy Griffiths and Grace Baker fought a hard battle over the country park in the junior women’s race. Baker moved away from her friend, who was her celebrating her 18th birthday, on the final circuit, for a seven second win and reverse the result of the English Schools Championship last weekend. Both these women were representing England with Grace Baker’s time 21.06, Amy Griffiths 21.13 and in 3rd was Rebecca Murray of the South in 21.29. England won the Team event.

With lots of athletes performing well, the English Cross Country Association was delighted with the outcome. Next year it is Northern Ireland’s turn to host the fixture.