Page 13 - BBHAC Winter 2017-18 Gazette

Athletics Report 13

and his great form helped him came down their respective but that took nothing away from
to secure 3rd in the table and universities, from Birmingham great victories by Lewis Mills
collect the bronze trophy. The University (Jess Keene),) and and Lottie Weitzel. Lewis was
U20 men’s team were 3rd overall Cambridge University (Niamh well backed up by Oscar Hussey
for the season. Bridson Hubbard), both taking having another great run in 2nd
time out from their studies and and Lucy Elms placed high up
Home from university other activities. in 4th in the women’s race.
The performances and potential
of U20 teams have in the past Finally it was great to have Finally the U20 men gave us
been undermined by the fact Marco Arcuri back in the fold one of the best individual club
that many team members are at as he made the long trip down performances of the National
university with the consequent from Durham University to lead Cross Country Championships
demands on time that this off the incomplete B team in the when Charlie Davis powered
places on them. Yet there seems National cross country relays around the 10k course with rel-
to have been an encouraging posting a very quick time. ative ease, finishing a fantastic
trend in the students still being 11th, his highest National finish.
available and wanting to com- Individual efforts Charlie showed great promise
pete for the club. Students in As always there have been some as a year 7 boy by winning the
the past were criticised for not fine individual and team efforts. Kent Schools, but has been
forging enough links with their In the National cross country dogged by injury, illness and
campuses by going home at the relays the U20 men were the other distractions but University
weekend, but these days they are most successful male age group life clearly suits as he has found
providing a real presence when of the day combining well to his running feet again. Charlie’s
needed in a variety of compe- record a fantastic 12th place form can never be predicted as
titions. finish. Joss Barber, running the he reminded us that he was 12th
10th fastest leg of the day, got in the Kent XC champs in Janu-
In the National cross country the team off to a great start. ary and 11th in the Nationals in
relays Charlie Davis who despite Lewis Mills continued the great February, being 1st Kent athlete
being a fresher at Birmingham work recording his fastest time home! Oscar Hussey continued
University ran a superb leg at Mansfield, passing over to his fine winter form placing
consolidating 12th. It was great Charlie Davis, who ran a superb 127th and good to have former
to have Marco Arcuri back in leg consolidating 12th. winter boys team captain Marco
the fold as he made the long trip Arcuri back with the team and
down from Durham University There were also some fine ex- finishing 153rd. Lewis Mills ne-
to lead off the incomplete B amples in the Kent League. At gotiated the first hill really well
team posting a very quick time. Stanhill in October our U20’s but was then caught up as two
It certainly is a comfort to Paul also had a successful day with athletes in front fell, ripping off
Austridge to see these ‘uni’ boys a team win for the boys and an Lewis’ spike and sock. Despite
all fit and well and putting in individual win for Genny Allen trying to continue Lewis had no
some terrific performances. in the girls’ race. Lewis Mills alternative but to pull out, a real
showed good form placing 2nd, shame as I’m sure Lewis would
Richard Webb as mentioned with Oscar Hussey 4th and Fin- have had a great run. With only
already used his study break lay Brannan on his first winter three finishers no team score
from Cardiff University well outing in 5th. At Foots Cray was recorded.
finishing high up in 12th,in in November with only two
a Kent League match. In the BBHAC competitors in both Paul Austridge (ed. Wilf Orton)
National cross country relays the mens and womens U20’s
two of the medal winning team race, we had no scoring team