Mud, Sweat and Cheers.

Members of our women's XC team : L to R - Yvonne Gajny, Liuba Pasa, Imy Sheppard, Emily Field, Becks Pridham, Rachel Green, Natasha Edwards, Annie Cox, Amy Hinton, Sophie Dobedoe and Rachel Pearce. Can't you just tell it's the start of the cross country season ? Rain, rain and more rain. This week there are reports on both of our senior male and female team's first XC fixture of the season. There's also a report on Ivan Sarti's superb performance in the Gower Ultra and finally, eight of our juniors jumps group took part in the England Athletics Regional Jumps Training at the Alexander Stadium HiPac. Enjoy the rest of your week and try and stay dry. Best Regards David Jones. Above - Rich Shepherd and below L to R: Imy Sheppard and Sophie Dobedoe. Cross Country Fixture 1 Race Reports. Reports - Tony Jackson The first fixture of the 2019-20 XC season saw both the Ladies and Mens events staged on the Burton Dassett Hills and 31 athletes from Stratford upon Avon AC were there to represent the club. As XC courses go, Burton Dassett Hills provides a true test with climbs and undulations aplenty and on a very cold, wet and miserable day, every runner deserves full credit for their commitment and spirit. Midlands Women's Cross Country League - Division 1 The Ladies started off proceedings and there was a terrific battle to be first Stratford runner home with an excellent Sophie Dobedoe 52nd 31 mins 47 secs just managing to hold off club stalwart Rachel Pearce 53rd 31:52. They were followed by two juniors, more at home on the track than the hills and mud. Emily Field was a notable 78th 33:28 whilst huge credit to Imogen Sheppard 98th 34:46 for finishing after a short mid race break to discuss the wisdom of continuing with an injury, which clearly slowed her down in the latter stages. Their efforts meant that the A Team finished in 14th place in what is a very strong and competitive league There was a promising run from Annie Cox 106th 35:00 and new member Amy Hinton was an eye catching 121st 36:12. Yvonne Gajny 130th 36:56 always gives her all, whilst Liuba Pasa 134th 37:12 tackled the elements bravely despite a preference for a Mediterranean climate. Recently crowned most improved female, Sarah Vernon 146th 38:01 can be pleased with her run whilst Rebecca Pridham 170th 39:42 was her usual gritty self. Rachel Green 185th 42:25 and Louise Stewart 187th 42:40 had a good battle together whilst Natasha Edwards 206th 46:48 and Catherine Wiggins (1:00.03) can be proud of their efforts. Rachel, Amy and Yvonne made up the Masters Team which finished in a solid 9th position. The race was won by Amelia Quirk in a time of 25.33 and 214 competitors completed the course.. Birmingham & District Invitation Cross Country League. Division 2 Promotion and relegation is a key component of the Men's League and with six new teams in the…