CUH&H Press Officers, Polly Keen and Declan Murray report on the first College League fixture of 2010.
In one corner they were playing American Football, in another they were racing remote control cars and helicopters but in one corner of Coldham’s Common on Sunday 24th January there was the staging of the European Cross-Country Championships. Or, at least, that’s what the starting banner said (a CUH&H steal from the 2009 event in Dublin). In actual fact, it was the third round of the Chris Brasher College League and the first of a new year and a new decade.
Unfortunately, a gap in the hedge at one section of the course meant there was a haunting reminder of last term’s Varsity debacle with several athletes taking an alternative course. However, such a slight error did not take away from what was a great atmosphere with the University’s runners all keen to get back out following the Christmas hiatus. And for most part it was business as usual with James Kelly crossing the line in a consciously-created dead-heat with fellow speed-merchant, Soeren Lindner of Germany and Darwin College, leaving Homerton’s Matt Clarke to take the third spot. It was a good run but did little to stop Jesus maintaining their clean sweep of the team standings so far this season having packed out the top fifteen finishers (Brown, Richardson, Brackston and Ashcroft). Lower down in the field saw Division II leaders Magdalene put out the biggest team of the day with nine athletes led home by soon-to-be marathoner, Ben Davis.
Meanwhile, in the Ladies race Varsity-match winner Naomi Taschimowitz was able to cruise to another comfortable victory ahead of club stalwart Polly Keen of Murray Edwards. Keen was followed home by Fitzwilliam Fresher Rachel Heard who continues a successful first season on the University scene. Shortly afterwards, Emmanuel’s Christie Noble finished in 4th helping the pink and blues to maintain their position at the top of the Women’s table.
Having had chance to recharge batteries over the vacation the Light Blues are looking more determined than ever with high mileage and high spirits as they head into BUCS Cross-Country Championships before turning their attention to London and the Virgin Marathon.