The South of England officials breathed a sigh of relief when the Albion were drawn away in this weekend’s F.A cup, as it meant there would be parking at the Amex stadium for the SEAA Cross Country championships after all.
It was a risky decision, made in December, to bring the championships to Stanmer Park again this coming Saturday as there was a chance that there would not be any parking locally. Entries for the championships, one of the most important races of the winter, closed in December, before the F.A. cup venue was confirmed.
Some London clubs decided not to support the championships, because of the uncertainty. When the Seagulls news was announced SEAA organised pre-paid parking through Eventbrite. Unfortunately this is now sold out for cars and Mini buses.
**PARKING IS PRE PAID and all drivers must bring proof of payment and their VOUCHER to gain entry to the car parks.**
The races begin at 11.00 with the U15 Boys but it is the U15 Girls race, at 11.50, that Sussex has their best chance of a medal. Bethany Cook (Bodyworks), the County champion, is in her first year in this age group but has been undefeated this season, including the SEAA Inter-county event and will be expected to challenge the best on Saturday.
Another winner at the SEAA Inter-counties in December was Almi Nerurkar (Brighton Phoenix) but was unwell and missed the Sussex Schools championships ten days ago so is not expected to be at her best and may even miss the event.
Nick Hollan-Ellidge (Crawley) just missed out on the medals in the U13 boy’s race at the Inter-counties, when he placed a close fourth, and will no doubt have a score to settle.
It will be interesting to see how newly crowned Sussex senior champion Tom Evans (Lewes) fares and just how strong the opposition will be.
Nicole Taylor, the County Women’s champion, runs for the Tonbridge Club which is one of the clubs who will not be supporting the event though individuals may show.
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