Surrey Women's Cross Country League Division 1, Match 1, Richmond Park (Kingston Gate)

Belles struggle but hope for better things

Sarah Gailey returned to the fold to lead our team home with a top 20 place but with a runner short of a full squad, the Belles were sure to struggle. A sterling effort came from Tilly Heaton - she was pulling back places over the second lap - and Vicky Goodwin bravely turned out after a close family bereavement the previous day. Finishing with a powerful sprint was Anoushka Johnson; she's been out of action for many years and although only just starting running again one can see that competitive spirit hasn't left her.

Let's view this as a challenge and see how many places we can gain over the course of the season when we'll hopefully have much stronger turn-outs (as promised by everyone via email!). A top five team position is still possible.

Senior Women. 1 F Clark (Reigate P) 24:35; 2 G Bruinvels (South London H) 24:42; 3 C Elms (Dulwich R Vet) 25:35; 14 (17 in combined race) S Gailey 27:16; 52 (66) T Heaton 29:43; 77 (105) V Goodwin 31:05; 139 (223) A Johnson (Vet) 36:02; 176 finished (326).

Teams: 1 South London H 71; 2 Thames H&H 101; 3 Herne Hill H 104; 15 Belgrave H 468.

Restored from the club's earlier website, belgraveharriers.com, and published here as originally written.