Rugby and Northampton AC’s young athletes competed in Round 3 of the West Midlands Young
Athletes Cross Country League at Warley Woods on December 3rd. The conditions were very
challenging, with a hilly and muddy course on a very dismal day. Rugby and Northampton’s
young athletes all showed determination in the difficult conditions, with all teams finishing in the
top 6 teams in their respective age groups. Their commitment saw the club take another victory in
the overall team event.
The under 15 girls scored a well deserved team victory, with all team scorers in the top 28
finishers. Olivia McGhee cruised home in first place, her third victory out of three rounds held so
far. Peyton Almond and Claudia Terrell worked hard, coming home in 8th and 12th places
respectively. The under 15 boys all ran strongly, led home by Jack Twining in 8th place with the
improving Jamie Styring in 24th position.
Ava Rogerson finished in an excellent 7th position for the under 17 women, with Rebecca Eaton in
14th place. Dylan Mander came home in 14th place in the under 17 men’s race, closely followed
by Sam McInally in 15th. All the under 17 athletes showed great team spirit.
The under 11 boys’ team all demonstrated true commitment and they were rewarded with second
place in the team competition. They were led home superbly by Jan Hemmington in 6th place,
with Rex Nicklin finishing in 9th. The under 11 girls packed well, with Elsie Rudkin-Wilson in 25th
place, and Millie Spence and Scarlett Nicklin also securing top 30 places.
The under 13 girls all worked hard in a very competitive event, with Bella Lamb running well to
finish 5th, and Amelie Heron securing 21st place. Our under 13 boys seemed undeterred by the
tough conditions, and all ran with great tenacity. Miles Taylor spearheaded the team in 17th place,
with Isaac Brierley-York in 25th position.
After three rounds of the league Rugby and Northampton AC are leading the overall team competition. This is testament to the tremendous commitment and determination shown by all the club’s competitors.
We look forward to round 4 of the league, to be held at Nuneaton on 14th
January 2024.
