Dulwich Runners in action at Surrey Cross-Country League meeting at Mitcham Common

Dulwich Runners returned to Surrey Cross-County League Division One action at Mitcham Common on Saturday, writes Jonathan Whittaker.

Conditions were relatively benign for a November cross country race with cool sunshine and not too much mud.

The women ran a tw0-lap (5.7km) undulating course with an excellent turnout of 14 members looking to move up the table. A successful outing saw the A team finish in 11th place and close the gap on Reigate, FOT and Ranelagh in the battle to avoid relegation.

The returning Kay Sheedy (56th, 24:21) and Polly Low-Macrae (57th, 24:22) were separated by one second. Some crowded scenes saw Helen Shannon (74th, 25:08) and Katie Smith (80th, 25:13) finish in a group of 14 runners separated by just eight seconds. Rosie Murton (109th) completed the A team scoring with an accomplished run in 26:03.

The men’s team repeated their fourth place from round one on a three-lap (8.6km) circuit of Mitcham Common. Twenty-six members took part and this strength in depth will be important in helping to navigate the close battle for third to sixth place between Kent AC, Herne Hill Harriers, Dulwich and Guildford & Godalming over the remaining two fixtures.

Max Milarvie (third, 27:35) and best ever Division One finishes from Ed Chuck (fourth, 27:50) and Jack Ramm (seventh, 27:59) gave Dulwich the best possible start.

Max Bloor (19th, 28:40) and Aaron Wilson’s (35th, 29:06) are in a rich vein of form and the dependable Ben Howe (52nd, 29:55) and Joe Hallsworth (70th, 30:31) provided some useful midfield packing.

Jon Phillips (119th, 31:36), James Blackwood (130th, 31:51) and Sean Cordon (135th, 31:55) completed the scoring.

PICTURES: DULWICH RUNNERS