Michael Skinner is getting a little tired of the name Vernon. Two weeks ago he finished runner up in the English National Cross Country Championships behind Stockport’s Steve Vernon. Last Saturday he had to settle for second place again at the Inter Counties Championships at Birmingham, which incorporated the Trial race for the World Cross Country Championships and the McCain cross Challenge. This time he was beaten by Aldershot’s Andy Vernon.

“The Vernon’s are starting to wind me up now!” joked the 31 year old Blackheath & Bromley athlete. He gets on well with his rivals and despite the disappointment of missing out on being Inter County Champion it was, nevertheless, his highest ever placing in this event.

His reward for his efforts, apart from a drugs test, is selection for the Great Britain team for the World Championships in Punto Umbria in Spain at the end of the month. However, he has turned down the opportunity to compete as he travels to Kenya for a months training prior to the track season.

Further down the field Alex Bruce Littlewood finished in 44th place the same position as Elaine Murty came in the Senior Womens race.

Danielle Critchley was 62nd in the under 20 womens race with Michelle Fewster 93rd and Phil Sesemann was 66th in the mens race.

Amber Reed was 62nd in the under 17 womens race and Bailey Stickings was 194th in the under 13 boys race.

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