TOM Sharland and Matt Barnes-Smith each ran the fastest legs in their respective age groups at the English National Cross Country Relays, staged at Mansfield last weekend.
TOM Sharland and Matt Barnes-Smith each ran the fastest legs in their respective age groups at the English National Cross Country Relays, staged at Mansfield last weekend.
Current English Schools champion Sharland anchored Ipswich Harriers to a fine fourth in the under-20 men's race. Ollie Barrett set them on their way with a first leg of 10mins 03secs for 20th position at the change-over and second leg runner Sam Jacobs lifted the team into 15th with 9.20. Sharland then tore through the field to earn fourth spot with a cracking 8.51 final leg.
Barnes-Smith was just as devastating in the under-17 men's race. Paul Graham brought the Harriers into 24th spot with 10.14, before Jo Thompson clocked 10.18 to leave the Ipswich club lying 26th. Bury St Edmunds-based Barnes-Smith upped the pace to register a flying 9.07, leapfrogging the team into 13th.
Barnes-Smith was 10 seconds quicker than anyone else in his age group.
Ipswich Harriers were also represented in the under-15 girls' race. The trio of E Calver (9.00), R Carter (8.46) and J Cargill (8.08) finished 37th team.
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