Belles build Surrey League lead with dominant victory in Beckenham

Belgrave Harriers extended their lead over Herne Hill Harriers at the top of the Surrey League with a resounding victory in Beckenham Place Park.

With a massive turnout of 28 athletes, the Belles dominated the second round of the Surrey League just as they had done in the first match at Wimbledon. The A team have now stretched their lead to 90 points over Herne Hill after two matches, with the B team 377 ahead of their nearest rivals. The B team are now third in the overall standings out of thirty A and B teams.

The undulating grassland course in Beckenham Place Park is quite tough and although not muddy, the grass was very lumpy and long in parts. This made the going difficult, particularly for track specialists and the short course disadvantaged the distance runners. However, conditions were good and although the sky was a grey and overcast there was no wind or rain.

Imogen Wolsey continued the fine form she showed at Mansfield the week before, leading the Belles home in third place. She was closely followed by Ella Fennelly in fifth with another strong run, then Emily Robbins just two further places back now recovered from her latest marathon. Back to form Kristina Popadich was tenth and the ever-reliable Emily Bradley completed the scoring five A team in 12th. Their total was just 37 points. 

Next to finish were track athletes Juliet Hodder and Kosana Weir in 13th and 15th who both ran well despite the difficult terrain. Then with her best ever Surrey League position, Mimi Corden-Lloyd finished in 16th. Ruby Whyte-Wilding and Penny Oliver were both in the low twenties completed the B team with 91 points, 142 points clear of Herne Hill Bs.

The next five were led home by Steph Hewitt in 33rd. Karen Xiang finished just behind Steph, then Maddie Mastrolonardo making her Surrey League debut closely ahead of a vastly improved run from Lucy Peters. Nancy Bowlie was still inside the top fifty. Those five would have been fifth overall on the day. 

It should be remembered that all those who don't score for the A or B teams, still contribute to the Belles low scores by pushing back scorers form the other teams. The Belles kept coming, and it seemed that almost every other runner was in maroon and gold.

Molly Canham was followed home by Sam Munday and Laura Goodson, who are very pleased to see her back again after illness and injury. Lara Mangan is getting better and better, and cross-country specialist Ella-May Hards finished inside 70. 

They were followed by Laura Trask, Sarah Riceman, Lydia Gallyer-Barnett and new member Alice Bennett, still all under the top 90', followed by Lauren Liversidge and Marianna Patat completing the team.

Unfortunately, Emily Lowery twisted her ankle early in the race, and Sara Ridmy had to also wisely drop out having not recovered from a chest infection. 

Full results can be found here. Photos by Danny Easton.