Written by DB   

In a packed Richmond Park on a very warm sunny day,the turnout for K&P's first cross country championship race and inter club of the 2008/9 season was a trifle more modest. Perhaps the early start at 2pm flummoxed a number,but that will be the start time this winter for both the 7 & 9 Miles races later.

From a field of just over 20,which very quickly strung out,Andy Arbour,Matt Hyett and Ant Budarkiewicz made the pace and,although the firm going should perhaps have produced rather faster times,these three were never troubled for the medals. They finished in that order,with Andy grasping the Bert Long Trophy again. It was good to have Craig Price back in action.

Organiser,Bob McDonough,in his last winter as supremo,was in no mood to be beaten in the Vets Handicap for the Pat Wilks Trophy and he regained this award from Ant Budarkiewicz,who had to settle for silver,with Rupert Bole picking up the bronze.

Otherwise,it was a pleasant relief for the Alec Addis Under 20 Trophy to be actually contested,with Aljosa Isakovic the winner;and the leading lady was,not for the first - or last,one suspects - time,Nicky Atkins.

The presence of Richard Holt's track training squad,with the master himself in there,too,boosted the numbers but,to be honest,the strength or otherwise of the Mens team in the forthcoming Surrey League matches looks decidedly grim. Unless Bob's call to arms is heeded much,much further across the board,we are going to be,politely,'stuffed'.

There was a goodly number of officials,basking in the sunshine - good on yer,blues!