Bartlett pips Kelling as they earn runners-up position

Banbury Harriers claimed the second team position on the final day of the Oxford Mail Cross Country League season.
The Banbury Harriers squad which took second place: Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Pull, Lisa Ansell, Ros Kelling, Michelle Bartlett and Rosie WestonThe Banbury Harriers squad which took second place: Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Pull, Lisa Ansell, Ros Kelling, Michelle Bartlett and Rosie Weston
The Banbury Harriers squad which took second place: Rebecca Biegel, Rebecca Pull, Lisa Ansell, Ros Kelling, Michelle Bartlett and Rosie Weston

After torrential overnight rain, the water ditches were full and the steep hills a big test at a muddy Farmoor.

Michelle Bartlett and Ros Kelling had their usual battle in the ladies’ race. Bartlett showed her strength on the hills to take 11th place and Kelling was 13th, both just pipping Rosie Weston in 15th.

Those three runners gave Harriers a great second place on the day. Lisa Ansell had her best run, moving through the field into 55th place while Rebecca Biegel and Rebecca Pull, both on the comeback trail, were 84th and 101st respectively.

In the men’s race, Tim Wright was 12th, Simon Pritchard 81st, Jonathan Carruthers 175th and Phil Coy 187th.

Harriers athletes came away with several trophies from the campaign with first places overall for Snelson and Kelling.

There were second place trophies for Hannah and Wright, and third places for Dumbreck, Owen Knox and Bartlett.