On Wednesday, 6th October the HMSG squad assembled for the SE Wales County Championship. This was an important race for the team as it is the qualifier/trial for County representational running and for the Welsh Schools’ invitational later in the season.
The course at Caldicot was longer than the girls had been used to this season, although it played into the hands of our stronger runners who have recently been focussing on stamina and strength work at our training sessions.
Having missed out on winning the SE Wales Relay title due the lack of a third relay team member it was great to have six Year 7 girls racing at Caldicot – an indication of the increasing popularity and benefits of the running club to girls from a wide range of other sports. Lauren and Hannah put in another brilliant effort to finish in the top 5 and this time were supported by Lizzie and Gabby in the top 20 with Josephine and Melissa running well. This strength in depth meant that the girls won the team event and are now SE Wales Cross Country Champions! This was an excellent result as it was Lizzie and Melissa’s first race for the club – well done.
In the Seniors, Menna came a very close second to the eventual winner but has been steadily improving in every race. A first place cannot be far away now which would be an incredible achievement for a Year 10 racing against girls as old as Year 13. Emily was again consistent and her effort was rewarded with a 2nd place in the Yr 12/13 category, narrowly beating Georgie into 3rd – another outstanding effort from a first time runner for the club.