After 11 scoring fixtures starting with the Claybury Met League event in October the winter points competition came to a conclusion with the National Cross Country championships at Nottingham at the end of February. Going into the final event much remained to be concluded with several athletes in a position to pick up change of cash prizes on offer in both tables.
In the Women’s competition leader Ciara Williams was not starting at Nottingham meaning she could end up in a tie with Hannah Wells if she was first Hillingdon Women home. In the end Hannah was our second women home at Nottingham behind the impressive top 50 national finish from Gemma Barry.
This moved Gemma up to 4th finisher overall in the points table just outside the prizes but Hannah moved into 2nd passing Melanie Spencer who also did not compete at Nottingham. Melanie had led the competition most of the season and only 4 weeks before she had an 11 point lead after the Southern at Parliament Hill.
Final points:- Ciara 122, Hannah 121, Melanie 120, Gemma 118
In the Men’s competition having scored maximum points in the first 10 fixtures and guaranteed top spot Andy Torrance turned down the challenge of Nottingham. It was the most challenging cross country course of the season and leaves many to wonder did he have it in him for a Grand slam.
Standing on the start line and looking at those around him Graham Wood knew he only had to finish as in all 10 previous events to maintain 2nd place, held since the met league at Stevenage. The spot for 3rd ended in a tie as a result of John Bignall picking up a point on Rob Thompson he may not had Andy run.
Final points :- Andy 150, Graham 143, John 140, Rob 140
A final acknowledgement to Paul Leppard and Curtis Altman as the only athletes male or female apart from Graham Wood who completed all 11 events.
Club prizes will be handed out at the Winter presentation evening on 23rd April after the London Marathon details to follow.