1:33pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010
WOODFORD Green with Essex Ladies’ senior women’s team were crowned South of England Cross Country champions for the first time in their history after an outstanding collective display.
Kat Sparke was among the starters, as she bid to defend her trophy that she won last year. And it was Sparke who was to cross the finish line first, only this time it was Kat’s twin sister, Jessica, who has been taking the cross-country world by storm in recent weeks.
Sparke started the race as favourite and she did not disappoint, streaking clear of the rest of the field and finishing a mammoth 59 seconds clear of her nearest rival. Her sister, Kat, still rusty from a lack of training, kept pace with the leading pack, but eventually fell away and crossed the line in seventh.
The two results put the team on course to avenge last year’s disappointment of finishing one point behind winners Aldershot. Excellent performances from Lauren Stewart and Kat Gundersen, who finished 32nd and 38th respectively, secured the win, with their combined total of 78 places 25 more than Aldershot.
There was more glory for the local club when the under 20 men roared onto the podium, finishing third after a superb team effort.
Defending champion Ronnie Sparke was just out of the medals this year, finishing fourth after making his first appearance following six months out through injury.
Omar Mansour finished in the top 20 and he was followed by Alex Cornwell in 35th.
Of the senior men, Dave Wardle spearheaded Woodford’s charge, finishing in 13th, while Hywel Care was next home in 32nd. There were other strong showings from Craig Berg, Angus Holford, Martin Cryer and Lofti Chebli as the men matched last year’s result by taking the bronze medal.
Elsewhere, Tosin Oke leaped to a personal best of 16.73m to take the title in the triple jump at Glasgow’s Indoor Track and Field meet.
Meanwhile, in Karlsrube, Germany, Joice Maduaka was in fine form as she powered to second place in the 60m, as well as confirming her status at the top of the UK rankings in the 200m with a brilliant run.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/trade_directory/