The Cross Country Teams representing England made a successful trip to Soria in North Central Spain for the 20th International Event to be held there. The races which included the Spanish trials for the European Championships (coming up in Belgrade) were a good test for the English athletes, organised and funded by the English Cross Country Association. Held in a national park, the course and surrounding area was described as great by Keith Holt, the men’s Team Manager, however the races were staged at an altitude of 1000m which did have an effect in the Senior Men’s race.
It didn’t affect Jonathan Davies in any way though as he destroyed the field of 71 to win by 19 seconds in the Junior Men’s race in 18 mins 41 secs. Described as being in imperious form, Davies looks in good shape for races to come. Second came Matt Shirling a late inclusion with Santiago Pardo Blanco of Spain, 3rd. Michael Callegari took 6th in 19 mins 25 secs with 1 sec back Calum Johnson 7th for a good quartet of placing’s.
Jonathan Davies middle and Matt Shirling left on winners podium
The senior women had a set of good performances in a race won by Marta Tigabea Mekonen of Ethiopia in 28 min 6 secs, Juliet Potter came home 4th in 28 mins 12 secs just edged out of the top 3 while Lauren Deadman was 7th in 28 mins 24 secs, Katie Brough 9th in 28 mins 34 secs and Tish Jones 11th 28 mins 40 secs.
Grace Baker middle and Abbie Herrington right
Grace Baker was another winner in the Junior Women’s race recording 12 mins 57 secs a 3 second margin over Cristina Espejo Nunez, 3rd was Abbie Herrington just 1 second back in 13 min 01 secs. The other English athletes were; 5th Rebecca Murray in 13 mins 17 secs and Laura Gent 10th in 13 mins 34 secs
As stated earlier England’s senior men struggled. In the early stages Jonathan Taylor led the field but having felt unwell in the build up dropped out on lap 2, while Adam Hickey as high as 10th at one stage faded to finish 24th in 32 mins 23 secs – one place in front of Will Gray (25th in 32 mins 26 secs). A solid performance and 2nd in the under 23 category. Richard Morrell came in 35th, in 33 mins 16 secs – another athlete who had felt unwell going in to the race.
