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28th January 2012
Jonny takes gold at Southern Cross Country Championships!!!
Reading Ac's cross country squad made the trip to Stamner Park, Brighton, this past Saturday to contest the South of England Cross Country Championships. A unknown course to most in action, it proved a enjoyable, but challenging course.
U17 star Jonathan Davies, continued his unbeaten run in his age group with a very asserted display in the U17 Men's race. He was never really troubled and took a very fine victory to add a South of England gold medal to his already, vast array of medals.
Team wise, the U13 boys provided one of the real highlights of the day with a brilliant team showing from the 4 Reading lads, as they secured a magnificent 4th place in the team event. The U20 men did likewise, just 7 points away from the bronze team medals, as they too finished 4th.
The senior women also produced a very impressive performance, placing 5 inside the top 100, they saw their a-team finish a best ever of 10th and the b-team a very impressive 19th.
Male Report
Reading's Youngsters enjoyed a fine day's racing at Brighton and for U17 captain, Jonny Davies, he continued in his recent winning ways with a very dominant display in the U17 men's race. Off the back of a fine display representing England's U20's last weekend in Spain, Jonny returned to secure his first South of England cross country title in what was a very confident manor, ran over 6k, he continued his unbeaten streak and proved a comfortable winner to add to what is an already, vast medal collection.
First year U17 Ben Priddle also enjoyed a good race and will be equally as pleased with his efforts. He made the top 20 this time around, with a fantastic 19th place finish, probably his best performance of the winter season. Nathan Meredith was the next Reading vest across the line, as he placed a good 79th. Alex Bow wrapped things up just outside the top 100 with a 105th place finish, to give the U17 men 7th in the team standings.
The U13 boys provided perhaps the most pleasing team result of the day, one of their best ever, as they came exceptionally close to a team medal, with a 4th place in the team event. Isaac Farnworth's good form continued and he look very confident as he made his way through the field ran over 3k to finish in 21st position. Matthew Rawlings was hot on his heels this time out and with another year to go in this age group, is going to be a real talent come next winter, as he finished in 27th. Peter Cook was the 3rd Reading scorer across the line in 57th, whilst completing the team of 4 was Ben Corless in 62nd position, giving the team a most superb 4th place.
That achievement was mirrored by the U20 men who came agonisingly close to a team medal, missing out by just 7 points. Jonny Roberts led the way with a 25th place finish, soon to be followed by Jack Gregory in 39th position. David Lewis finished just 1 second behind in 40th and completing the scoring quartet was Ed Stockdale in 54th place, giving them 4th in the standing's.
Callum Gregory gave a good showing in U15 boys race. As he came back in a very strong 29th position. Matthew Rainbow was next in 121st, with Max Scaife enjoying a solid effort with 150th position.
In the senior race Daniel Thorne led the way with a very strong effort in a huge senior men's field ran over 12k. He finished up in a tremendous 67th position, with Rich Kinnersley, completing the course in 194th position.
Female Report
Reading Ac's cross country squad made the trip to Stamner Park, Brighton, this past Saturday to contest the South of England Cross Country Championships. A unknown course to most in action, it proved a enjoyable, but challenging course.
U17 star Jonathan Davies, continued his unbeaten run in his age group with a very asserted display in the U17 Men's race. He was never really troubled and took a very fine victory to add a South of England gold medal to his already, vast array of medals.
Team wise, the U13 boys provided one of the real highlights of the day with a brilliant team showing from the 4 Reading lads, as they secured a magnificent 4th place in the team event. The U20 men did likewise, just 7 points away from the bronze team medals, as they too finished 4th.
The senior women also produced a very impressive performance, placing 5 inside the top 100, they saw their a-team finish a best ever of 10th and the b-team a very impressive 19th.
Male Report
Reading's Youngsters enjoyed a fine day's racing at Brighton and for U17 captain, Jonny Davies, he continued in his recent winning ways with a very dominant display in the U17 men's race. Off the back of a fine display representing England's U20's last weekend in Spain, Jonny returned to secure his first South of England cross country title in what was a very confident manor, ran over 6k, he continued his unbeaten streak and proved a comfortable winner to add to what is an already, vast medal collection.
First year U17 Ben Priddle also enjoyed a good race and will be equally as pleased with his efforts. He made the top 20 this time around, with a fantastic 19th place finish, probably his best performance of the winter season. Nathan Meredith was the next Reading vest across the line, as he placed a good 79th. Alex Bow wrapped things up just outside the top 100 with a 105th place finish, to give the U17 men 7th in the team standings.
The U13 boys provided perhaps the most pleasing team result of the day, one of their best ever, as they came exceptionally close to a team medal, with a 4th place in the team event. Isaac Farnworth's good form continued and he look very confident as he made his way through the field ran over 3k to finish in 21st position. Matthew Rawlings was hot on his heels this time out and with another year to go in this age group, is going to be a real talent come next winter, as he finished in 27th. Peter Cook was the 3rd Reading scorer across the line in 57th, whilst completing the team of 4 was Ben Corless in 62nd position, giving the team a most superb 4th place.
That achievement was mirrored by the U20 men who came agonisingly close to a team medal, missing out by just 7 points. Jonny Roberts led the way with a 25th place finish, soon to be followed by Jack Gregory in 39th position. David Lewis finished just 1 second behind in 40th and completing the scoring quartet was Ed Stockdale in 54th place, giving them 4th in the standing's.
Callum Gregory gave a good showing in U15 boys race. As he came back in a very strong 29th position. Matthew Rainbow was next in 121st, with Max Scaife enjoying a solid effort with 150th position.
In the senior race Daniel Thorne led the way with a very strong effort in a huge senior men's field ran over 12k. He finished up in a tremendous 67th position, with Rich Kinnersley, completing the course in 194th position.
Female Report
Reading Athletic Club’s Senior women continued their recent excellent form when thy contested the Southern Cross Country Championships at Stanmer Park, Brighton.
Set over a very hilly 8km course, but with firm conditions underfoot, this was their opportunity to measure themselves against the best athletes in the South, and they all proved themselves well up to the challenge.
Going up the steep hill on the opening 1km loop, Reading vests were in good positions and packing well. As the race settled down, Rachel Phillips was running just inside the top 40 with Sarah Wilkins, Anna Boniface and Hayley Pearce making the A team all inside 85.
Into the 2nd large lap, and with the race well over half way, Phillips and Pearce had slipped back slightly, but Vets Sue Francis and Julie Rayfield had moved up to contest an A team place , with Nicky Cooke running a very well judged race just behind.
Andi Curson and Charlotte Phillips after steady starts were both having strong 2nd halves, and moving through the field. Into the last 800 metres, on the long downhill stretch through the woods, Phillips had recovered well and gave everything in the final sprint to finish in 43rd, a personal best by 21 places. Sarah Wilkins had run an extremely strong race throughout and was next in 79th, whilst in a battle right to the line Francis just pipped Rayfield with their 92nd and 93rd closing in the A team. Both must have been very satisfied with their performances. Cooke is now performing strongly every time out, and was rewarded with 100th place to lead the B team in with Boniface in her first senior Southern , a solid 104th place.
Pearce, stuck to her task with great determination and her 127th spot was well deserved, whilst Curson had pulled away from Charlotte Phillips to get up into the top 150 (147th)
Phillips finished like a train and her final position of 167th out of well over 300 finishers was a reflection of how much she has improved this season.
Reading's
A-Team finished a brilliant 10th place, a massive improvement from their 16th in 2011 and by far their highest
ever place. The B team have taken the honours though, finishing 1st B team in these
Championships, a fantastic example of Readings strength in depth in the South Of England.
The young female athletes fared
well and saw a good number out competing. The U17 Women produced the highest team placing of the day with 8th place in the
team standing's. They packed in, in close succession. Beki Taylor is now beginning to find some form and consistancy in
her running and continues to rediscover her form of old, leading the girls home once again with a 63rd place finish. Cerys
Aicken was hot on her heels and finished just seconds behind in 66th. Rosie Bishop had an improved performance after an indifferent
spell of late and will have been pleased with her 71st place finish. Ellie Kemp completed the scoring team of 4, just a few
seconds behind Rosie in 73rd. Others in action saw Mollie Haines finish in 88th, with Emma Taylor giving a better performance
with a 91st place finish.
8 Reading girls completed the 4k course in the U15 race. Katherine West led them home once
more, just missing out on a top 100 finish, as she came back in 114th. Georgia Walton is another rediscovering her form of
old and she will be happy with her 120th place finish. Ella Saunders came next in 129th, whilst completing the a-team was
Lauren Church in 137th giving the a-team 19th in the team standing's.
Alice Milsom again had a better effort and
led the b-team home in 145th position. Lydia Blythe also gave a solid effort as she placed 158th. Lois Meredith did well to
finish as in the early frantic start got involved in a tussle and was tripped, resulting in her being pushed in a post on
the course, however she gallantly finished and was next in 166th. Jodie Penny completed the b-team that finished in 25th,
with 183rd.
Reading's U13 girls fared well, with all of the girls who finished, experiencing their first ever race
on this scale. Infact Reading's first 3 scorers all have another year in this age group, boding well for next winter. Kirsty
Walker again looked very confident and will have gained a huge deal of experience from her race and is now finding her feet
at race level as she placed 76th. Caitlin Stacey is another who is in the first year of this age group and she can be pleased
with her finishing place of 125th. Ella Saunders was next as she finished in 194th, whilst Loren Hunter completed the team
in 203rd as they finished in 25th. Alana Rayfield finished just seconds behind Loren as she placed 211th place.
23rd January 2012
Jonny on top form in Spain for England U20's!!
Reading Athletic Club’s Jonny Davies and the town’s new junior
male sports personality of the year 2011, marked his first full England cap on Sunday by finishing in an impressive 5th
place at the Men’s Junior international cross-country competition at Elgoibar in Spain.Elgoibar
is an industrial town in the Basque region of Spain and the annual international cross-country race is not only a major event
in the town’s calendar but is also one of the longest established venues on the international circuit. The town is nestled
in a valley with the surrounding hills and mountains providing a spectacular and beautiful backdrop to the race. The course itself is rather unusual in that it is based around the town’s athletics stadium, which is
where the races start and finish and each circuit of the course involves a lap round the stadium running track. This makes
the races particularly exciting for the spectators but tougher for the athletes with the dramatic change of running surfaces.
Sunday’s weather was poor with frequent rain and low cloud making the going very muddy and slippery in places - and
further adding to the challenge.The race was 6.6k, about 1k longer than Jonny usually
races – with 1 short circuit and two large ones. The pace was fast from the start and a front pack soon developed with
Kamali Majdoubi (Morocco); Yassine Rachik (Italy); Djilali Bedrani (France) and England’s Kieran Clements and tipped
as favourite, fighting for first place. Davies and England’s Jack Goodwin were just behind but stayed in touch with
the leaders for most of the race. As the race unfolded, Clements started to drop back from the leaders and towards the end
he was overhauled by Davies and Goodwin who both finished strongly. Majdoubi finished 1st with a time of 20:47,
followed by Rachik (20:50); Bedrani (21:03); Goodwin (21:05) and Davies (21:08). Clements finished 7th in 21:14.Davies, 17 until October 2012, was chosen to compete for England based on his performance at the Liverpool
qualifying cross-country in December 2011. The two English lads he split competed recently for the UK in the European Cross
country championships. Jonny is still an U17 age group runner meaning that he was competing against more senior athletes in
Spain. He was delighted with his performance on Sunday and said, “My main objectives agreed with my coach Rob
McKim for the race were to gain international experience; show that I can compete with the extra pressures of international
racing and, of course, to enjoy the event. It was a real bonus to get a decent result on the day”. He has a busy schedule
of races coming up with Southern, National and Schools championships events.Team
Manager Keith Holt said 'Jonny ran very well. I have asked his coach to keep me informed of his progress. I am sure he
will be one of the first on my list next winter'.In other races
in Spain, the Senior Men and Ladies events were dominated by Kenyan and Ethiopian runners but England had notable success
in the Junior Ladies race with Rebecca Straw and Philippa Woolven finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively
and Poppy Blake and Calli Thackery coming in at 6th and 7th.
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21st January 2012
Kirsty and Matthew take gold as youngsters impress at Berkshire Schools event!!
A large number of Reading Ac youngsters were in action on Saturday, as they represented
their school in the Berkshire Schools Cross Country Championships, held at Wellington College, Crowthorne.
The immediate aim was to make the top 16 and with it secure a spot in the Berkshire Team in the Sout-East Counties fixture in a fortnight's time. However some had aspirations of medals across the various races.
The opening race of the day was the U13 girls race. A fair number of Reading athletes were involved. From the off, Kirsty Walker went with the leading pack and soon asserted herself in a medal position. She showed great racing maturity to sit in with the leader for the first half of the race and then began to put pressure on her in the 2nd half, with around 600m to go, Kirsty stepped up another gear and as she entered the finishing field comfortably brushed passed the leader and from there she never looked back, to comfortably win the race and gain her first individual medal in a championship race taking the gold and the county schools title.
Elsewhere in the race, Caitlin Stacey enjoyed a good effort and finished inside the top 10 with a strong 9th place. Esther Adikpe showed her all-round ability with a very pleasing 18th place finish. Chloe Zmuda gave another improved showing and her confidence will have grown as she finished 19th. Other finishers were Molly Bates in 30th, Lucy Green in 45th and Abbie Cox in 57th.
The next race up was the U13 boys race and it proved to be a Reading double, as the club provided the winner of that race too. Matthew Rawlings, has continued to impress all winter and he completed a very comfortable victory in his race, he took control of the race within 1k and never looked back as he closed out a very comfortable and impressive victory for the gold medal. Elsewhere in the race, Jack Seymour competed and finished in 24th position.
The U19 boys were next up in their competition and more medals came the way of Reading Ac. Jonny Roberts continued his recent good form as he gained himself a silver medal with a fine display for 2nd place. Ed Stockdale placed well as he ran well coming back in 5th position. Alex Bow came back in a strong 9th place.
The combined U17/U19 race was next and a strong showing followed from both age groups. Beki Taylor was the first club athlete back overall as she finished in 4th position in the U19 category. Other Reading finishers in the older age group saw Rosie Bishop place 6th, Bethan Taylor 11th and Emma Taylor 13th, all making it through to the next round. In the U17 category, Katherine West produced one of the performances of her life with a very asserted display, she showed plenty of confidence and came back with an excellent 5th place finish. Mollie Haines was another on good form and showed good form in the 2nd half of the race to finish in 6th. Alice Milsom enjoyed a return to form, as she made the next round with a 13th place finish. Elsewhere, Abi Froud placed an improved 30th, ahead of club mate Abi Farnworth who finished just behind in 31st.
The U15 boys were underway next and Isaac Farnworth underlined his credentials, having been dominant at U13 level for the club, he showed how strong he is in the U15 category with an excellent silver medal position. Peter Cook continued his good run of form with 5th place. Ben Corless finished a more than pleasing 11th. Jake Fawkes was another in action as he finished 32nd. Rory Brown competed and finished 55th. Michael Lennon was just behind as he placed 59th.
Katie Holt led the Reading girls home in the U15 race as she raced to 12th position, one place ahead of club mate Georgia Walton in 13th place. Lauren Church also competed and finished in 17th. Ella McNeill made the top 20 with a 20th place finish. Lydia Blythe improved as she finished in 23rd. Alana Rayfield was also in action as she finished in 46th. Iona McNab was next in 62nd.
The final race of the day came from the U17 men, and it was Ben Priddle who collected the final medal of the day with another silver medal showing. He finished strong and was a deserved winner of the silver, with a comfortable margin over 3rd place. Callum Gregory just missed out on the medals as he came back in a very good 4th place in his first race at U17 level. Matthew Rainbow enjoyed a solid performance as he completed the race in 10th position. Whilst Tom Ryan finished up in 29th place.
The immediate aim was to make the top 16 and with it secure a spot in the Berkshire Team in the Sout-East Counties fixture in a fortnight's time. However some had aspirations of medals across the various races.
The opening race of the day was the U13 girls race. A fair number of Reading athletes were involved. From the off, Kirsty Walker went with the leading pack and soon asserted herself in a medal position. She showed great racing maturity to sit in with the leader for the first half of the race and then began to put pressure on her in the 2nd half, with around 600m to go, Kirsty stepped up another gear and as she entered the finishing field comfortably brushed passed the leader and from there she never looked back, to comfortably win the race and gain her first individual medal in a championship race taking the gold and the county schools title.
Elsewhere in the race, Caitlin Stacey enjoyed a good effort and finished inside the top 10 with a strong 9th place. Esther Adikpe showed her all-round ability with a very pleasing 18th place finish. Chloe Zmuda gave another improved showing and her confidence will have grown as she finished 19th. Other finishers were Molly Bates in 30th, Lucy Green in 45th and Abbie Cox in 57th.
The next race up was the U13 boys race and it proved to be a Reading double, as the club provided the winner of that race too. Matthew Rawlings, has continued to impress all winter and he completed a very comfortable victory in his race, he took control of the race within 1k and never looked back as he closed out a very comfortable and impressive victory for the gold medal. Elsewhere in the race, Jack Seymour competed and finished in 24th position.
The U19 boys were next up in their competition and more medals came the way of Reading Ac. Jonny Roberts continued his recent good form as he gained himself a silver medal with a fine display for 2nd place. Ed Stockdale placed well as he ran well coming back in 5th position. Alex Bow came back in a strong 9th place.
The combined U17/U19 race was next and a strong showing followed from both age groups. Beki Taylor was the first club athlete back overall as she finished in 4th position in the U19 category. Other Reading finishers in the older age group saw Rosie Bishop place 6th, Bethan Taylor 11th and Emma Taylor 13th, all making it through to the next round. In the U17 category, Katherine West produced one of the performances of her life with a very asserted display, she showed plenty of confidence and came back with an excellent 5th place finish. Mollie Haines was another on good form and showed good form in the 2nd half of the race to finish in 6th. Alice Milsom enjoyed a return to form, as she made the next round with a 13th place finish. Elsewhere, Abi Froud placed an improved 30th, ahead of club mate Abi Farnworth who finished just behind in 31st.
The U15 boys were underway next and Isaac Farnworth underlined his credentials, having been dominant at U13 level for the club, he showed how strong he is in the U15 category with an excellent silver medal position. Peter Cook continued his good run of form with 5th place. Ben Corless finished a more than pleasing 11th. Jake Fawkes was another in action as he finished 32nd. Rory Brown competed and finished 55th. Michael Lennon was just behind as he placed 59th.
Katie Holt led the Reading girls home in the U15 race as she raced to 12th position, one place ahead of club mate Georgia Walton in 13th place. Lauren Church also competed and finished in 17th. Ella McNeill made the top 20 with a 20th place finish. Lydia Blythe improved as she finished in 23rd. Alana Rayfield was also in action as she finished in 46th. Iona McNab was next in 62nd.
The final race of the day came from the U17 men, and it was Ben Priddle who collected the final medal of the day with another silver medal showing. He finished strong and was a deserved winner of the silver, with a comfortable margin over 3rd place. Callum Gregory just missed out on the medals as he came back in a very good 4th place in his first race at U17 level. Matthew Rainbow enjoyed a solid performance as he completed the race in 10th position. Whilst Tom Ryan finished up in 29th place.
15th January 2012
Reading Ac crowned club of the year at Reading Sports Awards!!
The annual Reading Sports Personality of the year awards for 2011 were held last Sunday evening. The venue, the Hilton Hotel, Reading. These awards night are always something special and the club have had their fair share of success in the recent years at these awards night, but surely this year's evening must out-rank any previous years as the club scooped no fewer than 8 awards, including one of the biggies - they won the Club of the Year award!
Reading Ac begun the evening as a focal point as 3 past members of the club were in attendance, as former Olympian's, Simmone Jacobs - Olympic relay medalist, Bev Callender - Olympic relay medalist and Ann Brightwell (Packer) - Olympic Gold Medalist for 800m and former world record holder were invited along to present awards along with others on the night.
The awards got underway and the very first award of the night set the tone of what was to come as it went to a Reading Ac member. U15, Sanjana Rachel Emmanuel was awarded the Mayor's Award for her commitment and effort to her athletics in the past year and for her rising success in club and disability events.
Just 10 minutes later 2 more Reading members were making their way to the stage. It proved a very nice moment also. Two long serving members of Reading Ac were awarded one of the Helper/Loyalty award. Both having been committed and long term members of the club. With ex steeplechase international Gerry, now coaching the senior women's middle distance runners at the club, whilst Ray, currently manages the Senior/Junior men, a position he has held for almost 20 years. Both very deserving winner's who typically were very modest in return.
The annual Reading Sports Personality of the year awards for 2011 were held last Sunday evening. The venue, the Hilton Hotel, Reading. These awards night are always something special and the club have had their fair share of success in the recent years at these awards night, but surely this year's evening must out-rank any previous years as the club scooped no fewer than 8 awards, including one of the biggies - they won the Club of the Year award!
Reading Ac begun the evening as a focal point as 3 past members of the club were in attendance, as former Olympian's, Simmone Jacobs - Olympic relay medalist, Bev Callender - Olympic relay medalist and Ann Brightwell (Packer) - Olympic Gold Medalist for 800m and former world record holder were invited along to present awards along with others on the night.
The awards got underway and the very first award of the night set the tone of what was to come as it went to a Reading Ac member. U15, Sanjana Rachel Emmanuel was awarded the Mayor's Award for her commitment and effort to her athletics in the past year and for her rising success in club and disability events.
Just 10 minutes later 2 more Reading members were making their way to the stage. It proved a very nice moment also. Two long serving members of Reading Ac were awarded one of the Helper/Loyalty award. Both having been committed and long term members of the club. With ex steeplechase international Gerry, now coaching the senior women's middle distance runners at the club, whilst Ray, currently manages the Senior/Junior men, a position he has held for almost 20 years. Both very deserving winner's who typically were very modest in return.
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After a short interval, the awards were back underway and it was the
2nd half that the club almost seemed to dominate. The first award after the break saw another Reading member take to the stage.
Senior sprint star, Shelley Bowen, who became a life member back in September, was awarded the Player Loyalty award for her
long standing commitment to the club. Shelley is one of the most popular and talented members of the senior ranks and having
joined when she was 14, is still as keen and dedicated as she ever has been. A role model to all in the club, Shelley was
a very deserving winner of this award.
The awards continued and it was Danielle Opara who was next to take to the stage as she won the Female Junior Sports Personality award for her efforts during 2011. Danielle has established herself as one of the leading young athletes in the UK for the shot event and had a 2011 to remember. Having won county and county schools titles, Danielle went on to win the English Schools U17 shot putt title, a performance that later earned her her first England vest in the home nations schools international, where she gained a bronze medal. This led to Danni then being picked for Team GB to compete at the European Olympic Youth Festival in Turkey at the end of July. It was a fitting way for Danielle to crown her efforts of 2011 with this award and it will surely lead her to bigger and better things.
The male version was awarded next and it was Jonathan Davies, one of the UK's most talented Endurance athletes, who picked up the Junior Male Sports Personality award.
If there was ever a more deserving athlete for this award, it was surely that of Jonny Davies, who had quite a remarkable 2011. Having had a fine cross country season in early 2011, including winning his first England vest in a home nations cross country match in Ireland - where he gained a bronze medal. Jonny went onto have an exceptional 2011 track season, where he has been unbeaten in competition in his age group since April! He picked up numerous regional, national and international medals to add to his vast collection and also set new club records during a remarkable year. He was crowned English Schools 3000m champion and a fortnight later represented England again in a home nations schools championships and won the gold medal. The cross country season has continued in the same vein since September, winning championships medals and remaining unbeaten and he will next weekend represent England again, this time representing England's U20's in a cross country match in Spain. A exceptionally talented athlete and a very deserving winner.
The next award to follow was the Junior International Sports Personality award and it was the turn of Pippa Rogan to take centre stage. Pippa is one of the UK's best up and coming high jumpers and she too had a remarkable 2011. Having had a decent indoor season in early 2011, she exploded in the 2011 track season with some spectacular form. Having won the Berkshire County and Berkshire County Schools titles, she then travelled to Gateshead and won the English Schools U19 high jump title with a personal best and club record height of 1.76m. Less than a week later Pippa would earn her first International vest as she represented Ireland at the World Youth Games, that were held in Lille, France. Her good form continued later in the season, adding the Celtic Games high jump title to her vast arrays of victories. A very hard working athlete, it was delightful to see Pippa's hard work recognised in winning this award.
There was just one award left to come for Reading Ac and it was the biggest. With only a few awards left to go, it was to much delight and pleasure that Reading Athletic Club won the "Club of the Year" award for the very first time. A sense of excitement swept around the room of the many club members in attendance and it was a very proud moment to be a member of Reading Ac that night.
The club were awarded the club of the year award for a most excellent 2011. Having began the year in good fashion with a strong showing in the early part of 2011 during the cross country season, the club continued that good form onto the 2011 track and field season where they again produced a season to remember. The Senior Women and U15 girls combined side dominated the Premier Division of the Southern Women's League and claimed their first league title in stunning fashion, whilst the young female athletes of the club dominated the Alder Valley League, the senior men showed determination and maintained their British League spot during September and the early parts of the cross country season saw Reading again dominate with some superb displays in the Hampshire League and more recently their impressive medal haul at the Berkshire Cross Country Championships.
The award capped what was a wonderful night to be a member of Reading Ac and it was a fitting reward to the huge amount of people who are involved in the club and make the club as successfull as they are.
We would like to thank all of those out there who contribute to the club in any shape or form, no matter how big or small, you have helped in winning the award for the club. The many parents/officials/coaches/team managers that play their part, but of course more importantly to the huge number of athletes that don the Reading vest week in and week out and have put the club where they are today - we thank you for your efforts and we hope you feel a sense of pride in seeing your club awarded the club of the year!
The awards continued and it was Danielle Opara who was next to take to the stage as she won the Female Junior Sports Personality award for her efforts during 2011. Danielle has established herself as one of the leading young athletes in the UK for the shot event and had a 2011 to remember. Having won county and county schools titles, Danielle went on to win the English Schools U17 shot putt title, a performance that later earned her her first England vest in the home nations schools international, where she gained a bronze medal. This led to Danni then being picked for Team GB to compete at the European Olympic Youth Festival in Turkey at the end of July. It was a fitting way for Danielle to crown her efforts of 2011 with this award and it will surely lead her to bigger and better things.
The male version was awarded next and it was Jonathan Davies, one of the UK's most talented Endurance athletes, who picked up the Junior Male Sports Personality award.
If there was ever a more deserving athlete for this award, it was surely that of Jonny Davies, who had quite a remarkable 2011. Having had a fine cross country season in early 2011, including winning his first England vest in a home nations cross country match in Ireland - where he gained a bronze medal. Jonny went onto have an exceptional 2011 track season, where he has been unbeaten in competition in his age group since April! He picked up numerous regional, national and international medals to add to his vast collection and also set new club records during a remarkable year. He was crowned English Schools 3000m champion and a fortnight later represented England again in a home nations schools championships and won the gold medal. The cross country season has continued in the same vein since September, winning championships medals and remaining unbeaten and he will next weekend represent England again, this time representing England's U20's in a cross country match in Spain. A exceptionally talented athlete and a very deserving winner.
The next award to follow was the Junior International Sports Personality award and it was the turn of Pippa Rogan to take centre stage. Pippa is one of the UK's best up and coming high jumpers and she too had a remarkable 2011. Having had a decent indoor season in early 2011, she exploded in the 2011 track season with some spectacular form. Having won the Berkshire County and Berkshire County Schools titles, she then travelled to Gateshead and won the English Schools U19 high jump title with a personal best and club record height of 1.76m. Less than a week later Pippa would earn her first International vest as she represented Ireland at the World Youth Games, that were held in Lille, France. Her good form continued later in the season, adding the Celtic Games high jump title to her vast arrays of victories. A very hard working athlete, it was delightful to see Pippa's hard work recognised in winning this award.
There was just one award left to come for Reading Ac and it was the biggest. With only a few awards left to go, it was to much delight and pleasure that Reading Athletic Club won the "Club of the Year" award for the very first time. A sense of excitement swept around the room of the many club members in attendance and it was a very proud moment to be a member of Reading Ac that night.
The club were awarded the club of the year award for a most excellent 2011. Having began the year in good fashion with a strong showing in the early part of 2011 during the cross country season, the club continued that good form onto the 2011 track and field season where they again produced a season to remember. The Senior Women and U15 girls combined side dominated the Premier Division of the Southern Women's League and claimed their first league title in stunning fashion, whilst the young female athletes of the club dominated the Alder Valley League, the senior men showed determination and maintained their British League spot during September and the early parts of the cross country season saw Reading again dominate with some superb displays in the Hampshire League and more recently their impressive medal haul at the Berkshire Cross Country Championships.
The award capped what was a wonderful night to be a member of Reading Ac and it was a fitting reward to the huge amount of people who are involved in the club and make the club as successfull as they are.
We would like to thank all of those out there who contribute to the club in any shape or form, no matter how big or small, you have helped in winning the award for the club. The many parents/officials/coaches/team managers that play their part, but of course more importantly to the huge number of athletes that don the Reading vest week in and week out and have put the club where they are today - we thank you for your efforts and we hope you feel a sense of pride in seeing your club awarded the club of the year!
15th January 2012
Double delight for Jonny, with victory in Cardiff!
Reading Athletic Club's international endurance runner, Jonny Davies, age 17 put in another good
performance on Sunday and extended his unbeaten form in his age group in cross country this season to come home first
in the Cardiff McCain Cross Challenge . In a good quality field Jonny beat his rival Hobie Martin into
second place by 17 seconds with the next runner a further 30 seconds adrift. . The 5.7km
course consisted of 2 small laps and 1 large one and is flat but varied with much of it in woodland and by the side of a river.
Sunday’s weather was perfect – cold and bright, keeping the course in excellent condition. Jonny got to the front
of the pack and opened a lead over most of the field during the first lap but Martin pushed hard and started to come back
during lap 2. Jonny was able to respond and managed to maintain and then increase his lead during lap 3, finishing strongly
with a time of 18:50
Jonny is due to run for England in a cross-country event in
Elgoibar, Spain on 22nd January and he was pleased with his performance at Cardiff and said it was a
great preparation for his international race. He had little time to celebrate his win however as he soon had to return to
Reading to attend the Reading Sports Personality awards night at the Hilton Hotel, Reading. Where he picked up the Junior
Male Sports Personality award!
| Jonny on his way to victory at Cardiff | |||||||||
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14th January 2012
Under 13 Girls secure first ever team victory in Hampshire League!!!
The first Hampshire League of 2012 saw another good showing for Reading Ac as they competed
at Bournemouth. Most notably the U13 girls produced the performance of the day as they secured their first ever
team victory in the league. The U13 boys gained a fine 2nd place, whilst the senior men also enjoyed their best team result
of the season with 2nd also. The senior women caught the eye with a strong performance with some good team packing taking
4th, whilst the U17 women remain on course for the overall title with a 2nd team placing on the day.
Female Report
Female Report
Reading Athletic Club's young female cross country squad made the trip to Kings Park, Bournemouth, this
past Saturday to contest the first Hampshire League of 2012 and the 4th of the winter season.
After a good showing last
weekend in the Berkshire Championships, the girls were keen to maintain that momentum and build towards the Southern Champs
at the end of the month.
Infact it was the very first race of the day that was to prove the highlight of the day
for the club. The Under 13 girls are collectively becoming a very good age group, with some very promising youngsters coming
through the ranks and getting to grips with the cross country season. Further evidence of the potential of the team was clearly
underlined when the girls took a superb victory in the team event - their first ever team victory in this age group in the
league. 11 girls faced the starter and it was the more experienced Katie Holt who again led the team home. Katie made a confident
start and showed the form she was showing early season, she finished well and gained a fine 7th position. Kirsty Walker was
next, she showed a lot of confidence and strength and it was easy to forget that this was only her 4th cross country race
for the club, such was her impressive display, she finished fast and crossed the line in 10th place. Completing the scoring
trio was the debuting Nancie Bowley. She proved what an asset she is going to be in the races to come, showing no fear at
the start of the race, she was soon amongst the leading pack and showed good strength to hold on a cross the line in 12th
and much to the delight of the girls, made sure that Reading took victory in this age group - ahead of the ever dominant Aldershot
team.
Outside of the scoring, Kate McKim was the next Reading vest across the line as she finished in 40th place.
Grace Bedford was next as she produced her best performance so far over cross country, despite being tripped at the start,
she got up and confidently made her way through the field to finish 47th. Chloe Zmuda was another to turn in her best performance,
she battled well to finish 49th and should surely give her confidence in the races ahead. Alanna Rayfield showed promise making
a much more confident start and placed 55th. Grace Ingledew took 59th, with Emily Pickett next in 63rd. Libby Cairns soon
followed with 65th and Abbie Cox, who also made her club debut, finished in 66th.
The U15 girls gave a good showing
and kept up their recent good form. Lauren Church led the way this time, putting last week's disappointing race behind
with a very assured display to once again lead the team home in her best ever league finish of 14th. Georgia Walton showed
some of her old form, having struggled in recent months, she seemed to gain confidence as the race progressed and she came
through the field well in the final half of the race and gained her best finish of the season to take 18th. Katherine West
maintained her consistent form as she completed the team in 25th to give the girls 6th on the day.
Lois Meredith
was the next vest home as she placed 30th, with Ella Saunders one place back in 31st. Lauren Herrington enjoyed a better performance
with a 40th place finish, whilst Amy Herrington took a break from her throws training to tackle her first cross country race
for a while as she finished in 48th, with Abi Froud rounding up proceeding's one place behind in 49th.
The U17
women are well on course for winning their age group overall and despite missing 5 regulars to the team, they still gave a
solid showing and placed 2nd on the day.
Beki Taylor led the team home with a solid 7th place. Mollie Haines was
next as she placed 11th, whilst completing the team with another solid display was Bethan Taylor, who crossed the line in
13th place. Emma Taylor was the final Reading vest home as she finished in 17th.
Male Report
The Senior Men enjoyed one of their best ever showing's in the Hampshire League with a terrific display in the senior men's race. They posted a very good score of 80 points to secure a brilliant 2nd place on the day. Carl Bradbury was once again the leading Reading vest home as he placed a very good 12th position from a field of over 140. He was hotly pursued by team mate Dan Thorne who finished just 8 seconds back in 13th position. Jonny Roberts was the 3rd Reading vest across the line as he enjoyed his best ever league finish in the senior men's race with a very good 16th place. Jack Gregory finished just seconds behind as he was the 4th Reading vest home in 17th position, whilst David Lewis completed the scoring team of 5 that secured that fine 2nd team position, as David placed 22nd.
Elsewhere, U20 Ed Stockdale finished in 57th position, while veteran athlete, Tony McCreery finished in 126th position.
The U13 boys were the pick of the youngsters again with a sound showing as they took the runner's up spot in the team event for the 2nd race running. Young Matt Rawlings continues to progress superbly as he had another solid display to finish the u13 boys race in a fine 5th position. Ben Corless was another to continue his good consistant form to secure a top 10 spot with a 9th place finish. Michael Lennon completed the scoring team with his 16th place finish. Tom Nike continues his valuable learning this season and continues to progress with each race, this time coming back in 21st position.
The U15 boys saw Elliott Morton led the way in 38th position, whilst club mate James Fawkes finished in 51st. In the U17 event the team were lead home by Alex Bow in 17th position, with M Lee taking 28th place in the same event.
An aggressive display of hard running by Reading Athletic Clubs’
senior women resulted in every athlete producing their highest Hampshire League Cross Country position so far this season.
From the gun it was evident the team were fired up for this 4th match, as Reading vests packed the front of the
field. With the flat, fast course particularly suiting the powerful, driving styles of Rachel Phillips and Hayley Pearce,
they held 8th and 16th places on the first of the 3 laps, with Anna Boniface, Sarah Wilkins, Nicky Cooke
and Sue Francis packing both A & B teams into the top 22. The second lap also had Julie Rayfield and Lucy Daniells moving
through, whilst Andi Curson, Naomi Forshaw and Charlotte Phillips were working well together inside the top 40.On the final lap, Rachel
Phillips had dropped back 2 places, but with a determined sprint finish she made up 30 metres and passed a rival Aldershot
runner to snatch 9th spot. Wilkins strength saw her in next in 20th, with Francis just holding off a
fast finishing Cooke to finish 21st (6th Vet) and 22nd.respectively. Cookes’ run was
a welcome return to top form, for this hardworking and gutsy athlete. Boniface was close behind in 24th, with Pearce producing
her highest ever league place with a well deserved 25th. Rayfield in hard training for the London Marathon had
moved through the whole race and finished 30th (9th Vet) with Daniells producing her trademark sprint
to take 31st. 17 year old Naomi Forshaw had her first taste of senior cross country with an encouraging 38th
place and 13th under 20, whilst Curson completed a strong second half with a much improved 39th and
12th Vet. Charlotte Phillips maintained her recent breakthrough close behind in 40th which equals her best ever
position.This
confident performance resulted in team finishing 4th on the day, a position they hold overall going into the final
fixture. The Vets finished a clear 2nd over Aldershot. Coach Gerry Stevens and Team Manager, Caroline Stevens were
particularly impressed with the attitude of every runner and consider the performance of the team in this race to be a real
breakthrough.
Male Report
The Senior Men enjoyed one of their best ever showing's in the Hampshire League with a terrific display in the senior men's race. They posted a very good score of 80 points to secure a brilliant 2nd place on the day. Carl Bradbury was once again the leading Reading vest home as he placed a very good 12th position from a field of over 140. He was hotly pursued by team mate Dan Thorne who finished just 8 seconds back in 13th position. Jonny Roberts was the 3rd Reading vest across the line as he enjoyed his best ever league finish in the senior men's race with a very good 16th place. Jack Gregory finished just seconds behind as he was the 4th Reading vest home in 17th position, whilst David Lewis completed the scoring team of 5 that secured that fine 2nd team position, as David placed 22nd.
Elsewhere, U20 Ed Stockdale finished in 57th position, while veteran athlete, Tony McCreery finished in 126th position.
The U13 boys were the pick of the youngsters again with a sound showing as they took the runner's up spot in the team event for the 2nd race running. Young Matt Rawlings continues to progress superbly as he had another solid display to finish the u13 boys race in a fine 5th position. Ben Corless was another to continue his good consistant form to secure a top 10 spot with a 9th place finish. Michael Lennon completed the scoring team with his 16th place finish. Tom Nike continues his valuable learning this season and continues to progress with each race, this time coming back in 21st position.
The U15 boys saw Elliott Morton led the way in 38th position, whilst club mate James Fawkes finished in 51st. In the U17 event the team were lead home by Alex Bow in 17th position, with M Lee taking 28th place in the same event.
7th January 2012
Superb start to 2012 at the Berkshire Cross Country Championships!!
With the Christmas and New Year period behind us, the club welcomed in the Olympic year
of 2012 in style as the first club competition of 2012 saw the Berkshire Cross Country Championships take place at Newbury
Show-ground this past Saturday.
Incredibly 44 members of Reading Ac returned home from Newbury with medals in their hands from the 12 age groups that were contested on Saturday. Isaac Farnworth, Callum Gregory and Jonny Davies all won individual gold medals, whilst there were individual silvers for Matt Rawlings, Jack Gregory and Rachel Phillips. The individual bronze medalists came from Jack Williams and Sue Francis. From a team point of view the senior women, u13 boys, U15 girls, U17 men and u20 men all won team titles, silver team medals came from the u13 girls, u15 boys and the u17 women, whilst the u13 girls, u15 girls, u17 women all secured team bronze medals.
Male Report
Incredibly 44 members of Reading Ac returned home from Newbury with medals in their hands from the 12 age groups that were contested on Saturday. Isaac Farnworth, Callum Gregory and Jonny Davies all won individual gold medals, whilst there were individual silvers for Matt Rawlings, Jack Gregory and Rachel Phillips. The individual bronze medalists came from Jack Williams and Sue Francis. From a team point of view the senior women, u13 boys, U15 girls, U17 men and u20 men all won team titles, silver team medals came from the u13 girls, u15 boys and the u17 women, whilst the u13 girls, u15 girls, u17 women all secured team bronze medals.
Male Report
Reading Athletic Club's
male side enjoyed a very prosperous opening fixture to 2012 with an out-standing showing in the Berkshire Championships held
at Newbury this past weekend. The day began in usual fashion as the senior/vet/u20 men's combined race kicked off proceeding's.
The Senior and veteran men raced over a 12k course, whilst the U20 men ran slightly shorter over a 8.5k distance. The U20
men naturally finished first and it was Reading who dominated the proceeding's with a fine all round show. Jack Gregory
was the first back and got himself amongst the medals as he claimed the silver medal position. Jack Willianms soon followed
and he added a medal to his collection when taking the bronze medal. With David Lewis in 4th and Ed Stockdale in 6th position
it was no suprise to see the U20 men take a convincing team victory. In the senior/vet race, Dan Thorne made his return to
club competition after injury and enjoyed a successfull return as he placed a fine 5th over the long 12k course. Team mate,
Carl Bradbury soon followed as she crossed the line in 6th position. Darren Stevens was next as he placed 20th. Whilst Tom
Munt enjoyed a fine race, as he placed 8th in the veteran men category.
For the youngsters, they enjoyed a fine day, providing the winner of each age group and taking 2 of the 3 team titles. It was the U15 boys who were first off as they got things off to a good start over the 4.3k course. Callum Gregory soon made a bee-line for the front and his confidence grew through-out the race and he came back a comfortable winner for the county title. Matthew Rainbow was the next Reading lad home with a pleasing 7th position. Elliott Morton was next home with an improved performance in 12th place and completing the scoring team of 4, Max Scaife crossed the line in 15th position, which saw the lads secure the silver medals in the team event.
The U13 boys soon followed and there was a clear showing of how dominant the club are in the county for this age group. Isaac Farnworth showed all his enourmous credentials and was a more than comfortable winner of the U13 title, to add to the Berks, Bucks & Oxon title he won a few months back. Matt Rawlings was his nearest challenger and with another year still in the age group, he showed what potential he also has, as he claimed in the individual silver medal. Peter Cook was very unlucky to not medal, just missing out as he placed in 4th, whilst a further 2 places back, closing out the scoring team was Ben Corless in 6th place and with 13 points, they were never challenged for the team victory as they easily took the team honours. Elsewhere in the race Michael Lennon showed good form for 7th position. Russell Hallett was next home in 22nd position, with Peter Holt in 23rd.
The final male race of the day saw the U17 men in action. As expected Jonny Davies proved a very comfortable winner and added another medal to his vast array. Ben Priddle just missed out on the medals, coming back a very strong 4th position. Nathan Meredith will be very happy with his performance with a good 6th place finish and completing the scoring quartet in 8th place was Alex Bow, which saw the lads comfortably take the team title. Alex Tabari also competed and finished well in 9th.
Female Report
Reading Ac's young female cross country squad welcomed back competition for the new year as the first race of 2012 saw the Berkshire Cross Country Championships held at Newbury Showground. Having had a promising end to 2011, the girls were eager to get going after the christmas and new year break. If Saturday was anything to go by then the 2nd half of the 2011/2012 cross country season is going to be a very good one. 26 girls were out in action on Saturday in the 3 age groups - 24 of those returned home with medals!
For the youngsters, they enjoyed a fine day, providing the winner of each age group and taking 2 of the 3 team titles. It was the U15 boys who were first off as they got things off to a good start over the 4.3k course. Callum Gregory soon made a bee-line for the front and his confidence grew through-out the race and he came back a comfortable winner for the county title. Matthew Rainbow was the next Reading lad home with a pleasing 7th position. Elliott Morton was next home with an improved performance in 12th place and completing the scoring team of 4, Max Scaife crossed the line in 15th position, which saw the lads secure the silver medals in the team event.
The U13 boys soon followed and there was a clear showing of how dominant the club are in the county for this age group. Isaac Farnworth showed all his enourmous credentials and was a more than comfortable winner of the U13 title, to add to the Berks, Bucks & Oxon title he won a few months back. Matt Rawlings was his nearest challenger and with another year still in the age group, he showed what potential he also has, as he claimed in the individual silver medal. Peter Cook was very unlucky to not medal, just missing out as he placed in 4th, whilst a further 2 places back, closing out the scoring team was Ben Corless in 6th place and with 13 points, they were never challenged for the team victory as they easily took the team honours. Elsewhere in the race Michael Lennon showed good form for 7th position. Russell Hallett was next home in 22nd position, with Peter Holt in 23rd.
The final male race of the day saw the U17 men in action. As expected Jonny Davies proved a very comfortable winner and added another medal to his vast array. Ben Priddle just missed out on the medals, coming back a very strong 4th position. Nathan Meredith will be very happy with his performance with a good 6th place finish and completing the scoring quartet in 8th place was Alex Bow, which saw the lads comfortably take the team title. Alex Tabari also competed and finished well in 9th.
Female Report
Reading Athletic Club’s Senior Women were dominant at the Berkshire Cross Country Championships on Saturday with a performance that saw them take team gold for the first time in 5 years, as well as individual silver and Vet’s bronze. The 2 lap 6km course at Newbury Showground was relatively flat, but strong winds and soft going made the race a true test of fitness. After a fast opening mile, Rachel Phillips was tracking the leading 3, with Sue Francis, Anna Boniface and Sarah Wilkins close together in the top 10.
Going into the 2nd lap, Rachel had moved into a clear 3rd with her team mates packing well and leading the team race. Charging down the long finishing straight, Rachel took her first individual county silver medal, whilst Sue Francis completed yet another strong run to take 5th place and secure the Vets bronze medal. Not far behind Anna Boniface not long in the Senior ranks, reaped the rewards of her hard training with 6th spot and then a fit Sarah Wilkins closed in the A team with 7th.
Hayley Pearce had probably her best run of the season to lead the B team home in 8th position, with Nicky Cooke, Lucy Daniels and Charlotte Phillips all within 5 seconds in 12th, 13th and 14th.
Charlotte’s performance was the most impressive of the day, and she is showing she has the potential and determination to get up with the elder sister.
Andi Curson, recovering from recent illness improved on last years position with a solid 16th (9th Vet)., whilst Lee Fellowes continued to boost her track strength with a determined 19th.
The A Team took gold easily and the B team, subject to confirmation took bronze. A result that is a well deserved indication of the commitment and hard work put in by the whole team.
Reading Ac's young female cross country squad welcomed back competition for the new year as the first race of 2012 saw the Berkshire Cross Country Championships held at Newbury Showground. Having had a promising end to 2011, the girls were eager to get going after the christmas and new year break. If Saturday was anything to go by then the 2nd half of the 2011/2012 cross country season is going to be a very good one. 26 girls were out in action on Saturday in the 3 age groups - 24 of those returned home with medals!
The pride of place went to the U15 girls, who caught the eye with an impressive team display.
Having gained a little criticism in their previous race last year for some below par performances, the girls more than
made amends and it was fitting to see the U15 girls crowned Berkshire Champions as they took the team title on what proved
a nerve racking finale!
8 Reading vests faced the starter and the girls soon got underway in confident fashion with
the leading pack, with Lois Meredith and Katherine West doing a lot of the early front running for the club. by the mid-way
stage, Reading had 5 in the top 15 and it was a clear the team race was between them and Team Kennet, with 1k to go,
team manager Tim Richardson, had worked out we was one point down on Team Kennet and soon realised the girls would need a
strong finish to take the team title. Katherine West was very impressive in her race and produced probably her best race ever
to secure a brilliant 5th position. Ella Saunders finished like a train and proceeded to plough through the field in the final
straight to claim 7th position. Lois Meredith had a fine run and actually performed better than her 10th place suggested,
as for the majority of the race she was in 4th/5th place, but unfortunately got hit by a heavy stitch in the closing moments,
she did however hold on for 10th position. Lauren Church closed the a-team out for Reading 2 places back in 12th, but Reading
still needed one more point and it was Georgia Walton, who was leading the b-team home, who gave everything in the final 300m
to gain some 40m on Team Kennet's final scorer and over take her, thus taking a point off of Team Kennet, which remarkably
left Reading's A-Team and Team Kennet level on points, the winner was then to be decided by which ever team had the highest
placed 4th scorer, which was of course Reading and with it giving them the team title and the gold medals.
The joy
was not to end their however, such is Reading's strength in this age group, it became apparent that their b-team was in
with a shout of bronze, if they could out-score the Newbury team. Georgia's fine finish of 14th was soon followed by a
very strong 17th place from Charlotte Tanner. Alice Milsom was next in 20th and Lauren Herrington closed the proceeding's
for the b-team with her first cross country race this season with 21st which was in fact enough to secure the bronze medal's
for Reading's B-Team. Meaning all 8 girls gained team medals.
The U13 girls were next up and they too enjoyed
a very good competition in a very good standard race. Katie Holt will have regained a lot of confidence with a solid performance,
as she led the Reading a-team home in 8th position. Caitlin Stacey was next with probably the performance of the day with
this age group, having showed some real signs of improvement in training recently, she converted that into her racing and
produced her best race to date with a very good 10th position. She was hotly pursued by Kirsty Walker, who finished just 5
seconds behind in 11th place. Ella Saunders completed the scoring team of 4 for the a-team as she finished strong with a good
14th position, that earned them silver medals in the team standing's.
Charlotte West had a solid display and
led the b-team home in a good 16th place. Kate McKim soon followed one place back in 17th. Chloe Zmuda gave another solid
effort as she placed 19th and Emily Pickett completed the b-team with a better performance of 21st place, which was enough
to earn them a brilliant effort in taking the bronze medals in the team event!
The final race of the day saw the
U17 women tackle the 4.8k course. A strong age group for the club, they were also able to field 8 athletes, enough for 2 teams
again and it was also going to be a tight affair with regards who would actually lead the club home on this occasion. With
the race under-way Natasha Harris-White and Beki Taylor were soon amongst the leaders, with Cerys Aicken, Ellie Kemp and Rosie
Bishop in close pursuit. Tasha continued to press and kept with the leading pack with Beki keeping hot on her heels. In the
final 1k of the race, Beki began to show the form of old and displayed her battling qualities once again as she pushed through
the field and passed Tasha to lead the team home in a very solid 6th position. Tasha however will be equally delighted with
her effort as she came home next in 7th position. Infact Reading occupied the remaining top 10 places with 5 athletes finishing
in the top 10 highlighting their strength. Cerys Aicken was next home in 8th, Ellie Kemp placed 9th and completed the scoring
a-team for the girls, which went on to take silver in the team event. Rosie Bishop opened the scoring account for the b-team
as she placed 10th. Bethan Taylor enjoyed her best race of the winter season for far with a strong 12th, 2 places ahead of
Emma Taylor in 14th. Abi Farnworth enjoyed an improved performance as she finished 15th and completed the scoring team for
the girls and with it gained the bronze medals in the team event, bringing close to a good championships for the club and
showing some good form with some of the bigger races coming up towards the end of the month
Reading Athletic Club
Established 1881
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