Michael Skinner produced one of the best cross country performances by a Blackheath & Bromley male athlete for over 60 years when he finished runner up in the Senior Mens National X country Championships at Alton Towers last Saturday.

The Club has only ever had one winner of the event and that is Sydney Wooderson, the former World Record Holder for the 800 metres, 880 yards, 1500 metres and Mile who, after winning the European 5000 metre track title, went on to win the National Cross Country title in 1948.

Skinner’ previous best in the Nationals came three years ago at the same venue when he finished 5th. He made his intentions for this years event evident as he tucked in with the lead pack early on. It soon became evident that the race was going to be between himself and Stockport’s Steve Vernon, as the two were quickly clear of the chasing pack.

After one small lap and one large lap of the muddy course, Vernon surged clear. Skinner tried to get back but had to settle for the silver medal on a course that was reduced to 10km from the expected 12km because of Health & Safety issues. He timed 35.32 to Vernon’s 35.11.

Behind him there were some more fine performances. Russell Bentley made a rare appearance on the country and finished in 48th. With Andy Rayner 68th, Alex Gibbins 76th, Jack Swallow 134th and Ben Harding 228th the Club finished 8th in the team contest, the third Southern team to finish and the top club from Kent.

The Club also has a previous victor on the womens side as Gillian Stacey won the event at Luton in 1993 and while the Senior women did not have an individual challenging for an individual medal they equalled the mens achievement of finishing in 8th position.

Strong packing saw Elaine Murty lead the Club home in 51st place with Shavaun Henry 57th Bryony Proctor 70th and joint team manager Jennie Butler 99th. They were the 4th Southern team to finish and the top Kent Team.

It was 8th again for the Junior Women with some more outstanding packing. Danielle Critchley led the squad home in 61st place just one place and six seconds ahead of Michelle Fewster. Clare Parkin closed in 73rd and Melody Kane 76th.

Sadly the Club were unable to complete teams in any of the other seven age groups, although this should not detract from the achievements of those who were in action. Loughborough student Stephen Cavey was 106th in the Junior mens race with Phil Sesemann 122nd and Ross Braden 138th.

Amber Reed was 51st in the under 17 womens race with Catherine Brooks 197th and it was 51st again in the under 15 girls race courtesy of Kate Curran. Bethony Frost finished in 120th. For the boys Will Ruiz was 185th.

Bailey Stickings showed great promise in the under 13s race as he finished in 77th while Remi Ulah was 238th. Shannon Riskey was 120th for the girls with Mary Guy 177th and Leah Everson 191st. For all the latest Club news visit the website at www.bandbhac.org.uk