South of the Thames Championships, Tonbridge, 19 Dec 2015

Nicely Bronzed (in the 17 degree heatwave)

More tenacious running from these spirited squads saw them claim two sets of bronze medals in high-quality races, over another severe course.  As this elevation map shows, climbers were in clover:Adrius Jaksevicius continued his purple form in 5th, and was followed by Paskar Owor who was never truly able get into his running.  The packing was excellent, and came from Alexander Miller, Paul Lowe and Zekeriyas Abery – the latter two on their scoring debuts.  Nick Smallwood did a sterling job to close in.For the women, Samantha Amend produced the goods to take individual honours; and Melanie Wilkins, on the comeback trail, just took things steady.  Zoe Vail Smith fought hard throughout, while Felicity Cole was again at the heart of the action. Lizzie Goldie-Scot lost a shoe to the gloop at half-way, but completed the course ‘one foot bare’.  Vicki Goodwin and Megan Bailey duelled all race long for the final medal spot.Men:1 J Gilbert (Ken) 42:29; 5 A Jaksevicius 43:36; 7 P Owor 44:29; 16 A Miller 45:39; 19 P Lowe 46:00; 20 Z Abery 46:15; 50 N Smallwood 49:54; 63 W Cockerell 51:22; 83 J Goymour 53:44; 117 R Norville 57:37.  177 finished1 Kent 52; 2 Tonbridge 58; 3 Belgrave H 117.  19 teams closed in.Women:1 A Clements (Ken) 50:40; 3 S Amend 52:19; 8 M Wilkins 55:04; 11 Z Vail Smith 56:21; 16 F Cole 58:28; 30 L Goldie-Scot 64:38; 38 V Goodwin 66:23; 41 M Bailey 66:56.  65 finished.1 Dulwich R 92; 2 Kent 99; 3 Belgrave H 106.  6 teams closed in.