Thurrock’s 50+ men excelled in the County Veteran’s Cross Country
Championships at the weekend. This section in Essex is easily the
strongest in the country with Mick Bridgeland of Chelmsford and Colin
Ridley of Colchester recently shining in the home countries
international. So, to pick up bronze medals as the Thurrock squad did
was a great achievement.
The team was led by Don Lawless who had his best race for many a year
to finish 7th. Eamonn Shelley, returning from injury, should be really
pleased with his 14th place. Ever reliable Jon Metcalf put a strong
shift in 23rd spot. Mick Bumstead defied the pain from his achilles
tendon and hobbled into 34th place but this was enough to pip
Billericay Striders for the bronze medals.
Mick Bumstead also picked up bronze medals behind Woodford’s Dave Cox
and Ilford’s Andy Catton in the 60+section. In the same race Bernie
Johnson was plumb in the middle of the field in 52nd spot – a season’s
best race.
Pat Dobbs won the gold in the 70+ section – he must have lost count of
how many county golds he has now won. Mick Bumstead hasn’t. He has won
50!!
Disappointingly in the 40+ section only 2 Harriers supported the event.
Former runner-up Scott Rice had a steady run to finish 14th. Overcoming
a first lap fall Keith Willett did well to finish 40th.
Jodie Farrett had a fine run to finish 19th in the ladies 94 strong
field but in spite of this eye-catching performance was 7th in the FV45
race. Cross country is not Victoria Peacock’s favourite medium but she
battled away to finish 29th. Victoria will spend the next few months
preparing for the London Marathon. She will hope to get a time that
qualifies her for a entry in the good for age category.
