Dulwich Runners round-up: Strong displays in Surrey League Cross Country Division Two

BY JONATHAN WHITTAKER

Both Dulwich Runners teams enjoyed strong team performances in the second round of their Surrey League Cross Country Division Two campaign last weekend.

The club’s women extended their lead over nearest rivals London City Runners with a commanding performance at Wimbledon Common. Polly Warrack built on her recent sub-three hour London marathon performance on her cross country debut to finish second in 24:54, just ahead of Clare Elms 25:04. Kay Sheedy, another newcomer to cross country conditions, finished14th (26:48).

Katie Styles rounded off the top 20 in 27:13. Clare Whitaker was the final A team scorer in 29th (27:32). The B team of Ange Norris, Ola Balme, Katie Smith, Michelle Lennon and Eleanor Simmons finished eighth overall.

Unusually the men raced on a Sunday, depriving the team of some regular performers at a hilly and energy sapping Denbies Vineyard course.

Despite these challenges Dulwich finished second behind Croydon with 347 points to maintain first place in the division but more importantly increase their lead over promotion rivals Reigate Priory and Clapham Chasers.

Fred Bungay (ninth, 31:05) Rob Armstrong (10th, 31:28) and new recruit Aaron Wilson (12th, 31:36) put in a sparkling performance near the front of the field to get Dulwich’s initial scoring off to a strong start.

Ever-reliable Andy Bond (20th, 32:15), Shane O’Neill (22nd, 32:22), Jon Phillips (31st, 32:45) and Adrian Russell (37th, 32:57) provided some good packing a minute or so back, with Bond second V40-plus finisher. James Burrows (63rd, 34:37), Kev Chadwick (77th, 35:10) and Shane Donlon (80th, 35:17) completed the scoring.