Bels begin Surrey League title defence with victory
Twenty years later, Belgrave Harriers set out to defend their men’s Surrey League title.
History beckons. Not since 1972 - over half a century ago - have the Bels won consecutive Surrey Leagues. We were glad to return to the site of our historic double win in February, where our men’s team finally matched the women’s success in domestic cross country.
But ‘proper cross country’ would have to wait until November. Baked by months of sunshine, the iron trail of Wimbledon Common felt the force of carbon, not spikes. Round one resembled a frantic road race.
Fresh from a transatlantic flight, Larry Ryan led Belgrave home in sixth place, his best Surrey League finish. Larry was followed by the exciting Fintan Pearce in 13th and Sam Gebreselassie in 16th. Sam Tyas, Rian McCawley and Conall McNally all finished in the top 30.
Thirty-nine Bels completed the race and took the club to victory. The boys take a 22-point lead into the second round ahead of Hercules Wimbledon, with Herne Hill Harriers and Thames Hares and Hounds sitting close behind. Just 62 points cover the top four.
The season promises to be exciting and closely-fought. Congratulations to everyone who represented Belgrave, and thank you to our members who volunteered in hosting the fixture. Onwards to Beckenham Place.
