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Top 10 finish for Phoenix Under 20's

Tuesday 5th November 2024

8th & 18th in National Relays

Phoenix entered two strong U20 teams into this years National Cross Country Relays in Mansfield. For most of the team this would be their debut in the event. 

The team travelled up to Mansfield on the Friday afternoon, with Miles and Xander joining them from Loughborough on the Saturday. 

For the U20s the relays consisted of 3x3km legs around Berry Park with most of the course winding and twisting through woodland. Both teams were excited to race and hoped for a high finish.

Owen Wallek was to take on the first leg for the A team with newly signed Xander Sproston debuting for Brighton Phoenix B. After a messy start both Owen and Xander were away and got stuck in. Xander had a quality Phoenix debut and used his experience of the course to navigate through the pack bringing the B team through in 3rd place. Owen Wallek dug deep and kept the A team in contention for a top finish.

Ravi Clark (me) took over from Xander on the second leg accompanied by Sam Stapely who ran the middle leg for the A team. I tried to focus on holding onto the front pack and keeping the B team in contention going into the last leg. Sam worked his way through the field picking off runners going through the woods and ran a great split of 9:04. Going into the last leg the B team were in 5th with the A team inside the top 20. Everything was close and all to play for on the last leg.

800m specialist Josh Dunne was only notified he would be running on Thursday morning, after Euan Willis faced an unfortunate injury niggle, and really stepped out of his comfort zone to ensure Phoenix fielded 2 teams. Miles Waterworth anchored the A team, and a spot within the top 10 was still in their grasp. Miles ran well as the teams position improved to a top 10 with Miles finally bringing them in to finish in 8th place. Josh dug in towards the end and held on to the top 20 with the B team finishing in 18th.

Thanks to coaches Bruce Warren and Joel Kidger who travelled to support us, and to Josh Dunne who stepped up last minute.

We were happy with both finishes and are as hungry as ever to improve at the top level.

Up the Phoenix!