Silver ladies: The Bristol & West AC squad (Back row and L to R): Isabelle Talbot-Price and Katrine Entistle. (Front row): Catie O’Donoghue, Elaina Gard and Natalie Griffiths.
YOU have to hand it to the Bristol & West AC women’s squad for the tremendous record they now boast in the Midland Counties Cross Country Championships with another set of medals.
Since winning the event in 2010 they have claimed four gold and four silvers and placed fourth twice; only in 2012 did they fail to field a team.
That’s a terrific record that puts them up there with the very best in the region an, wider afield, across the country as far as cross country and road is concerned.
Little wonder, then, that team manager Keith Brackstone was highly satisfied with their latest success.
“Over the past ten years the make-up of the club’s senior women’s team has changed every year but they have always been very competitive, hard-working in training and have a remarkable team spirit,” said Brackstone.
“In recent weeks there have been several new joiners who will strengthen the team so it looks as though this level of performance should continue for the next few years as well.”
Leading the way on Saturday was Isabelle Talbot-Price in 11th with solid support from Natalie Griffiths in 17th with Elaina Gard 28th and former Tri-Counties champion Catie O’Donoghue the fourth and final scorer in 30th just ahead of first reserve Katrine Entwistle.
“Saturday’s result was down to tenacity and the athletes supporting each other during the race with Izzy and Nat close together throughout and Elaina, Catie and Katrina also running close together,” added Brackstone.
“In addition the consistent hard work they put in all year round meant they were able to finish strongly on a challenging 8k course.”