Tonbridge back in Kent League action

Photo – The start of the senior men’s race

Tonbridge Athletic Club runners were back in action at the Kent Cross Country League, on Saturday at Bexleyheath. This was the third fixture in the series and took place at Danson Park, with races for the young athletes and senior men.

After their recent exploits in recent championships, several of the club’s strongest runners had a break from racing, which allowed others a chance to score for the teams. James Crombie was one such example as he chased the winner, Alex Richards from Bexley, home in the men’s race. Crombie placed 2^nd, with Will Beeston, having his first race for seven months, finishing 3^rd. Tom Lockhart had his best race to date in 5^th and Calum Laing was 7^th, from 240 finishers, to secure the Tonbridge team win.

The Tonbridge under 17 women won their team competition ahead of Blackheath, with Neve Raymond, Isabel Gowing and Isla Murray packing well in 4^th, 5^th and 6^th. The other team win for Tonbridge came from the under 15 boys, again ahead of Blackheath.  Sebbie Mottram had his best race to date for the club when he placed 3^rd and was just five seconds behind the winner. Jamie Rogers also showed his best form in 4^th, with Luca Szumilewicz 6^th and Ted Vallins 8^th, as 85 runners finished.

Tonbridge didn’t have any individual wins at this fixture, but a few finished high up. Purdey Hutchings tops the under 15 girls’ league positions with one race to go in the series and finished 3^rd here, with Aimee Watts (6^th) and Eva Pluckrose (15^th) performing at their best. Oscar Graffin also had one of his best performances, finishing 3^rd in the under 17 men’s race and leading the team home to a 2^nd place, with George Jacobs 8^th and Steven Galliard 11^th. Sam Smialowski was the 3^rd under 20 male home and now heads that league table, with the one fixture remaining. Florrie McIver-Hall was 3^rdin the under 20 women’s category, as she moved through the field throughout.

The under 13 girls finished as 2^nd team, with all three scorers having excellent runs. Leonie was 6^th and Maia Soomal 8^th, whilst Poppy Vincent made her club debut in 15^th. The boys in the same age group finished as 4^th team, with the scorers being Max Magee (8^th), Toby Noel-Johnson (16^th) and Jaike-Jos Bakker 24^th)

Several Tonbridge members took part in the Brighton 10k road race on Sunday, with the first home being Dan Bradley in 28^th in 31.57 and Helen Gaunt 12^th in the women’s race in 36.18.