Dulwich Runners round-up: Ladies and men make winning starts in Surrey Cross Country League opener

BY JONATHAN WHITTAKER

The ladies and mens teams made winning starts to life in Division 2 of the Surrey Cross Country League following relegation in the 2019-20 season.

The ladies pipped London City Runners on the four-mile course in Richmond Park while the men finished comfortably clear of Croydon Harriers and Reigate Priory on a five-mile circuit of Epsom Downs.

Clare Elms finished seventh in 26:30, Katie Styles recorded her highest ever position in the league – 12th – in 27:37. Madison Newey and Clare Whitaker made cross country debuts in 16th (28:15) and 29th (28:58) respectively. Michelle Lennon completed the team scoring in 36th place (29:22).

Ed Chuck and Jack Ramm put in another commanding performance at the top of the field, finishing second (25:15) and third (25:38) to Croydon’s Dom Nolan (24:50).

Fred Bungay ran his first cross country run since his school days to finish 12th (27:43).

There was some close top 20 packing from Shane O’Neill (27:52, 14th), Rob Armstrong (27:59, 15th) and Andy Bond (28:02, 16th) that helped to cement Dulwich’s position with debuts from Adrian Russell (28:19, 23rd) and Jon Phillips (28:45, 32nd).

Daniel Mann (29:46, 55th) and Kev Chadwick (29:54, 58th) completed the team scoring.