SOUTH OF ENGLAND CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP

All five were medal winners from the recent Suffolk Schools Cross Country but this was another level and it just so happened that all five were racing a year up and so can compete in the same age group race next year.

We start with young Ruby Vinton who has had an astonishing first year at this level. Each race gets a little more difficult but each time Ruby stands up to the challenge and this Saturday was no different. Racing the best older girls in the South, Ruby fought hard to the line and was crowned Champion of the South. Ruby had to dip for the line and after 3 km in the mud was credited with exactly the same time of 10:50 as the second place finisher from Windsor.

An outstanding performance and a proud day for the Vinton Family and all associated with Woodbridge School and Ipswich Harriers athletic club. It was quite something to watch one of our own win such a prestigious event. A massive congratulations to Ruby!

In the U15 Girls, April Hill continues her climb back to the very top, with this race being her best so far this winter. April beat all her close Suffolk Competitors for the first time this winter finishing a credible 12th overall. This performance helped Ipswich Harriers to a fantastic team bronze on the day.

Unbelievably, such is the depth in her age group that all of the top 12 will be in the same race next year. With confidence returning that should do little to stop April getting back to her very best.

Charlie Turner competed in a fiercely competitive U15 Boys race where he ran a well judged race to finish strongly in 54th. Such is the depth that 45 seconds faster over 4.5 km in the mud and he would have placed 12th. Most importantly Charlie gets to go again next year and he was 18th amongst the year nines.

Nathan Goddard and Alex Evans Lombe competed in the U17 Men. The race was relentless over 6 km with Nathan finishing strongly in 33rd overall, another consistent performance and 13th year eleven.

Alex was exactly 100th. A great effort by Alex for his first attempt at an event of this standard and 42nd amongst the year elevens.

Next stop will be Anglian Schools this Saturday 3 February for the 12 Woodbridge School athletes representing Suffolk Schools.

Good luck to everyone competing.