FOR team manager Mike Down the quest is finally over – Bristol & West AC’s senior men are the 2022 team champions in the Midland Counties Cross Country Championships.
Not since the event was first held in 1879 – three years before the club was officially founded – has the team trophy headed back west.
There have been a few close calls and near misses but the elusive prize evaded the club until today at Berry Hill Park, Mansfield.
Led by Jack Millar, who made the podium in third place for his best ever individual result, the six-strong squad scored a total of 91 points to beat Notts AC by 34. Tipton Harriers were a distant third on 271.
Ben Robinson had his best run since re-joining the club to finish 10th and just behind him Felix McGrath and captain Owain Jones packed well in 13th and 14th respectively.
Andrew Watt placed 20th and the sixth and vital last scorer was Joe Connors in 31st in what was his first race of the year – so a timely appearance.
Senior men teams: 1 Bristol & West AC 91; 2 Notts AC 125; 3 Tipton Harriers 271
Men: 1 Doug Musson (Notts) 37:48; 2 Jack Gray (C&C) 37:58; 3 Jack Millar (B&W) 38:00.
B&W: 10 Ben Robinson; 13 Felix McGrath; 14 Owain Jones; 20 Andrew Watt; 31 Joe Connors; 47 Andy Salmon; 57 Graham Breen; 80 Graham Donald; 81 Matt Brydon.