Press Report

Ilford Recorder Article

Press Report 8th January 2007

Athletes from Ilford AC completed a busy Christmas holiday program culminating in the Essex Cross Country Championships held at at Stubbers Outdoor Centre Upminster on Saturday. Pride of place went to Alex Richards who won his first county cross country medal when finishing in bronze position in the under 13 boys race. On a very muddy and rain sodden course Richards set off with the leaders moving into to third place just after half way. Despite a challenge from D.Worbey of Thurrock, Richards maintained his form to ease away down the last big hill to finish just 5 seconds behind H O’Donaghue of Basildon in 2^nd and only 17 seconds adrift of race winner Stephen Woodford of Chelmsford. In the under15 girls Lydia Hall ran strongly to finish 25^th out of 38 finishers.

Despite missing captain Keelie Brooks, sidelined due to breaking her hand in a snowboarding accident , Ilford's senior women’s squad packed well in a top class field to finish 13^th out of 19 closing teams. Superveteran Bree Nordin ran exceptionally well to get the better of many of her younger rivals leading the squad home in 34^th position. Mel Jones put in another good effort to finish in 51^st just ahead of Nicola Hopkinson, another athlete returning from injury in 57^th. Dianne Crisp showed some improved form to close in 71^st. Sally Gillam was only just behind in 78^th and the ever dependable Pam Jones enjoyed her run in 86^th.

The senior men’s race saw a depleted Ilford team do well to finish 9^th out of 20. Malcolm Muir was very happy with his 12^th place considering the calibre of the opposition. Rob Nixon, still someway short of his full fitness, was next home in 36^th. Terry Knightley enjoyed his run in 67^th just ahead of Matt Maple running for the first time in 2 weeks in 79^th. Neil Crisp continues to improve looking good in 87th and Henry Ricketts closed the team in 161^st just getting the better of Stephen Cheal one place behind.

Racing over the holiday period saw appearances from Abdi Berleen and Lindsey Barker in the Witham Boxing Day 5 miles who clocked 32.23 and 38.46 respectively. On a thankfully bright and sunny New Years Day following a period of overnight storms Pam Jones and Sukhbinder Jandu did battle in the Hyde Park 10k with Pam just coming out on top with 51.28 to Jandu’s 51.39. Pam once again extended her considerable collection of awards being easily the fastest over 70’s woman on the day. Stephen Cheal, unable to enter the 10k race on the day, had to settle for the accompanying 3k run where he turned in a commendable time of 12.38 to finish in 9^th spot.

Ilford AC now look forward to the final Essex cross country league match at Orion Harriers, Chingford, next Saturday. The club goes into the New Year encouraging new members to join by attending the Ilford Harriers beginners night on Wednesday at 7pm from Cricklefields Stadium, High Road, Seven Kings. See our website www.ilfordathleticclub.org.uk for further details.