Newbury AC make fast start to Oxfordshire Cross Country League campaign

Newbury Athletic Club made an excellent start to their Oxfordshire Cross Country League season last week, taking on a challenging, hilly and muddy new course at Cornbury Park.

Jess Franklin produced another eye-catching performance as she led the senior women’s team, finishing as fastest veteran and fifth woman overall.

She was well-supported by Laura Buchanan in 14th and Mireille Cook in 20th as the team secured an excellent third placed finish.

The senior men also managed a spot on the podium, finishing third.

Matt Green raced superbly to come home fifth in a field of 316. There were also strong runs from Bradley Thomas in 21st, Andrew Ind in 34th, Mike Wheeler in 36th, Bernie Gerrard in 45th, debutant Peter Jewell in 52nd and Ben Bliss in 55th.

There were a number of fine performances in the junior ranks, including a couple of impressive debuts.

Newcomer Jonah Lynch was fourth in the under-11 boys race, while fellow debutant Ted Gerrard was seventh in the under-nine race.

Last year’s under-11 champion Rupert Knight made the step up to under-13s with ease as he finished a creditable 11th.

In the under-15 boys race, Josh Norton was involved in an exceptional battle up front as he finished third, while Jacob Glendenning again proved that he loves mud-soaked conditions as he outperformed a host of more experienced athletes to finish fifth.