Borders miss out in exciting league end

A sunny late winter morning, perfect for running, marshalling and spectating, brought the final race in the Southern Cross Country League for Haslemere Border AC.

The Polecat Valley Cross Country, hosted by HBAC, is a very challenging race.

The league consists of 24 clubs, all based around the Hampshire area, with members of Alton Runners, Liss Runners and Farnham Runners all entering.

With five cross-country runs hosted by different running clubs across the winter season, Haslemere’s Polecat event is the finale.

With the Borders having won the league in the two previous years, this year they were pipped by Basingstoke and Mid-hants.

Duncan Selmes was first male home for the Haslemere team, in second overall position, followed by Ollie Bradford, Dave Jarrett, Dean Kellaway and Charlie Barwick.

Andy Webb, Roger Cripps, Tim Whishaw, Alastair Doyle, Richard Spandley and Tom Bampton all added vital points for the team’s men.

Haslemere ladies had Philomel Bennett fifth overall and first lady back for the club, with Donna Read and Sarah Smith following. They were followed by Susie Adams, Rachel Fenwick, Steph Moss, Lari Williams, Rosalind Minto, Lauren Blatherwick, Sarah Bergvist, Carolien Lawler, Tina Laing and Ann-marie Greenaway.