Good showing from St Albans AC

ATHLETICS: St Albans AC could reflect on an excellent initial effort as its middle distance squad took part in the National Cross Country Relays for the first time at Nottingham on Saturday. Heavy morning rain cleared to make conditions perfect for some s

ATHLETICS: St Albans AC could reflect on an excellent initial effort as its middle distance squad took part in the National Cross Country Relays for the first time at Nottingham on Saturday.

Heavy morning rain cleared to make conditions perfect for some strong squads from as far away as Devon in the south and Preston in the north.

Each team consisted of three runners, each covering between two and two and a half kilometres, with elite athletes striving to secure a vest for the European championships.

St Albans' girls team put up bold showings, with the U15 squad of Naomi Hodson, Hannah Hull and Megan Steer grabbing an excellent 21st place in the 77-strong team contest.

In the U17s, the team of Laura Farrar, Melissa Patel and Rebecca Pritchard finished 14th out of 40.

At U13 level, St Albans were represented by both an A and B team, who finished 49th and 51st respectively.

Victoria Pritchard, Charlotte Brooke and Pippa Bailey ran for the A team while Rebecca Doidge, Alice Mulcathy and Niamh Quinn made up the B squad.

In the U15 boys, James McMurray ran the 10th fastest leg and together with Ollie Poulain and Andrew Black ended up in 47th place.