M&M duo set standard
Athletics
22 teams, while the club also took second in the 12-to-score.
The club’s top 12 was completed by Jacques Cunningham-Marsh (34.08), Ben Tyler (34.18), Justin Lane (34.45, third M40), Jack Crossley (34.47), Michael Major (34.49), Chris Rampling (35.10), Noel Sutton (35.18) – first M45 runner home – and Neill Wright (35.19).
Just behind them was Barry Royden (35.29), who was the second-placed M50.
The club finished third in the under-20 men’s event with two athletes placing in the top 10. Jude Gordon led the way in ninth (17.53) and was backed up by Alex Donnelly (10th, 18.05). Quinn Austin completed the team, placing just behind in 14th (19.03). Ethan Gear led the club’s under17s with a sixth-place finish (16.29). He was supported by Luke Stringer (14th, 17.05) and Finn Rodgers (37th, 20.40).
There was a strong run from Jay Trimmer in the under-13 boys’ race to claim ninth place. Great support came from Henry Gibson (19th, 10.54) and Theo Ronchetti (23rd, 11.04).
Hayden Gear finished first in for the under-15 team in seventh place (13.45). Next in was Kaz Gogol 24th (14.49) and Alistair Shelley 35th (15.15) to complete the three-toscore in fourth place.
The senior ladies had a strong start to the cross-country season, finishing third in both the three and six-to-score.
First in was Emily Hale (19.05), in ninth place, followed by equally-strong runs from Jemma Whyman (17th, 19.43) and Taryne McPherson (23rd, 20.03). M&M had seven athletes in the under-15 girls’ age group, with club stalwart Abigail Royden coming over the line first for the club in 20th (16.57). She was followed by Emma Ryan (21st, also 16.57), Annabel Young (26th, 17.16), Lily Crossley (37th, 17.51), Sarah Mitchell (40th, 18.13), Amy Jukes (56th, 20.22) and Ciara Harrop (60th, 21.06).
There were several new faces competing for the club for the first time in the under-13 girls’ category. First for M&M was Iris Crossley in an excellent 16th (11.16) in her first competitive cross-country event for the club. She was followed over the line by Amber Matthews (11.36), Olivia Ryan (12.20), Molly Marsh (12.31), Elizabeth Fry (12.34), Heidi Hughes (12.39), Sophie Stratford (12.52) and Erin Marsh (13.06). British champions
Oliver and Zac Martin starred for their country in international competition.
Oliver finished 10th at the European Championships in Germany with a score of 59.58, which was the second highest in the GB team.
Younger brother Zac went to Italy to compete in the Cup of Europe. He took seventh place in the youth men’s solo dance category with 48.95, which again was the second highest score by a British dancer.
Ann Odhams, one of the Maidstone coaches, Tonbridge remain five points clear in National 2 South after a 45-10 victory at Worthing on Saturday.
The Raiders have been something of a bogey side but TJs produced a competent performance in the rain.
Hugo Watson scored two early tries, while Ryan Jackson and Finlay CoxonSmith also crossed the line as the visitors, boosted by two Will Robinson conversions, led 24-3 at halftime.
A penalty try extended the lead, followed by a try for Charlie Edwards, converted by replacement fly-half Rob White.
The best of the Raiders led to a converted try but Tonbridge completed the scoring when the ball was moved left to Noah Ferdinand, whose try was converted by White.
TJs host fourth-placed Henley Hawks this Saturday. Maidstone were handed a walkover win in the Intermediate Cup first round after Deal & Betteshanger failed to raise a side.
They’re seeking a first London 2 South East victory of the season at Old Alleynians on Saturday, while Aylesford Bulls are off to Vigo in London 3 South East.