Belles hold on to top spot as rivals HHH edge second Surrey League fixture
Juliet (left) and Ella battle down the final straight. Photo: George Parker
The Belles had a very good turnout for the second Surrey League match at Beckenham Place Park, but the A team had to settle for second place on the day to a strong Herne Hill performance, although they still lead by 39 points overall after two matches. However, the Belles B team did win again to extend their lead in that competition to over a hundred points.
Having rained heavily the day before, the undulating grassy course was wet but not muddy. Fortunately, the predicted rain didn’t really materialise except for an occasional light drizzle, and it was a surprisingly warm afternoon.
Becky Briggs on her debut in claret and gold. Photo: George Parker
The top Herne Hill runners dominated the race with three in the top four places. Ella Fennelly just pipped Juliet Hodder to fifth — Ella using the race as a warm-up for the Irish Championships the week after, and Juliet fast returning to peak fitness after her school trip to South Africa. Close behind in 7th place came Becky Briggs who, very luckily for the team, had adjusted her marathon preparation plans to include this race.
Abbey Brooke has become such an important team member this year, and she followed just outside the top ten. Then in 17th, Juliet’s sister Isabel Hodder with a fine run. Isabel has just started working in the cardiology department at St Thomas’ Hospital. With 2nd claim Isobel only allowed to count for the B team, it was Natalie Beadle in 23rd who closed for the five-scoring A team — Nat just back from her travels.
Then a rush of Belgrave vests: Alex Gandee, Billie McClosky improving with every race, Maddie Mastrolonardo and Emily Lowery all in the twenties, followed in the thirties by Lara Mangan — fast returning to form after her summer injuries — and the ever-reliable Steph Hewitt closing for the B team.
Nat Beadle back at sea level after a gruelling mountain racing series. Photo: George Parker
The Belgrave train continued in the low forties with Jessica Rusby and Grace Knapp, both in their first league race, and Sarah Riceman. In 50th came Eilidh Hide, and another group in the 60s: Bethan Goddard, at last injury-free and enjoying cross country; Sam Munday, welcome back from her India travels; and Lucy Wagstaff in her first race for the club.
Holly Pan, supporting the club again, came in the 70s, and Laura Goodson — who seems so unlucky with illness and injury — in the 80s. Then another close group all under the hundred: Chloe Mangan, Lauren Liversidge, Emilie Arnoux and Bea Lafreniere, with Sara Ridmy just behind. Marianna Patat brought up the rear of the 27 Belles, and there were 241 finishers in the race.
RESULTS
A Teams: 1. Herne Hill 37, 2. Belgrave 54.
Overall after two matches: 1. Belgrave 80, 2. Herne Hill 119.
B Teams: 1. Belgrave 139, 2. Herne Hill 181.
Overall after two matches: 1. Belgrave 281, 2. Herne Hill 393.
Belgrave finishers
| Position | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Ella Fennelly | 20:20 |
| 6 | Juliet Hodder | 20:21 |
| 7 | Becky Briggs (2C) | 20:29 |
| 13 | Abbey Brooke | 20:48 |
| 17 | Isobel Hodder (2C) | 21:14 |
| 23 | Natalie Beadle | 21:40 |
| 25 | Alex Gandee | 21:43 |
| 26 | Billie McCloskey | 21:44 |
| 27 | Maddie Mastrolonardo (2C) | 21:47 |
| 28 | Emily Lowery (2C) | 21:47 |
| 33 | Lara Mangan | 22:01 |
| 38 | Stephanie Hewitt | 22:12 |
| 40 | Jessica Rusby | 22:15 |
| 41 | Grace Knapp | 22:17 |
| 44 | Sarah Riceman | 22:24 |
| 50 | Eilidh Hide | 22:41 |
| 60 | Bethan Goddard | 23:17 |
| 65 | Samantha Munday | 23:28 |
| 66 | Lucy Wagstaff | 23:30 |
| 76 | Holly Pan | 23:42 |
| 88 | Laura Goodson | 24:07 |
| 90 | Chloe Mangan | 24:10 |
| 94 | Lauren Liversidge | 24:15 |
| 98 | Emilie Arnoux | 24:22 |
| 99 | Bea Lafreniere (2C) | 24:23 |
| 102 | Sara Ridmy | 24:30 |
| 161 | Marianna Patat | 26:29 |