In-form ace Cat Foley-Wray led Nene Valley Harriers to an unexpected victory in the Frostbite League fixture at Bourne Woods.
The 29-year-old was first lady home, finishing 16th in a high quality field.
More significantly, she led the Nene Valley challenge, leaving the entire men’s team trailing in her wake. With the English National Cross Country Championship just a week away, the Nene Valley speedster is in the type of form which should help to cement her growing reputation on the national scene.
The points system employed by the Frostbite League, where the first seven men and the leading trio of ladies from each club score, means that a strong ladies squad is key.
The ladies didn’t disappoint, making a huge contribution for the Harriers with Nicky Morgan, on her 46th birthday, and Chloe Pavey finishing amongst the leading ladies, adding valued support to Foley-Wray’s heroics.
The race winner was London-based Werrington ace Anthony Johnson, who covered the hilly, muddy and windswept five mile course in an impressive 27.19mins, a full 20 seconds ahead of
Yaxley’s James Mogridge, who he pulled clear of mid race.
PACTRAC’S Paul Vernon won the first three races in the series but was beaten into third place at Bourne a further 24 seconds back.
Despite owing much to their ladies, the victorious Nene Valley team could not afford any slips from their men. They did not disappoint, with Mike Chapman, Nathan Tweedie, Lee Harthill, Drew
Warnes and James McDonald grouping well for top 40 finishes.
Rachel Gibbs, of Werrington Joggers was second lady home, over two minutes behind the outstanding Foley-Wray, with Bourne’s Claire Steels third.
Nene Valley’s victory on the day cemented their fifth place in the standings, two positions behind Werrington Joggers who were second local team in fourth position.
With just one race to go in the series Hunts AC appear to have an unassailable advantage, but good performances from Nene Valley or Werrington could see either club in contention for the runners up spot.
The junior race was comfortably won by Hunts AC’S Joey Croft, with Jonathan Oakley of PACTRAC second.
Harvey Hancock from Werrington, Codi-Leigh Middleton of Nene Valley, and Yaxley youngster Alexander Devine all made the top ten, while Shannon Flockhart was the leading girl ahead of PACTRAC’s Flo Brill.
Nene Valley’s juniors were second to Hunts AC at Bourne, and lie third in the overall standings.
