The Sussex Schools squad will travel to Blackburn on Friday for the English Schools Cross-country championships minus three of their top performers.
Archie Davis who was planning a good run in the intermediate race and a place in the International team has had to withdraw as his fine run in the Indoor 800 metre Championships a couple of weeks back has earnt him Indoor international selection, which is great.
No such luck however for County Schools senior girls champion Rosie Ellis who has had withdraw because of illness while Joe Body who was due to race in the intermediate boy’s race is injured.
The senior girls team had looked quite strong and Sussex has an excellent record in this age group in recent years but without Ellis or Martha Coyle, the Sussex Champion, has been laid low and did not even make the Sussex Schools event, there is still some strength there with Sophie Markwick, Sian Driscoll and Leah Harris it is still quite strong up to number three.
The senior boy’s team headed by Stephen Ferroni also looks fairly strong particularly if Harry Leleu can regain his early season form.
Following her eighth place in last weekend’s Inter-counties championships Almi Nerurkar will be looking for another Top Ten placing in the junior girl’s race and this rather young team, with several of leading runners still young enough to race again next year in this age group, could surprise.
Ben Collins, who was such an impressive winner of the Sussex Schools junior title, could get a high placing.
SUSSEX 10KM WALK CHAMPIONSHIP.
The Sussex 10km track walking championship will be held at Broadbridge Heath starting at 11.00 on Saturday in conjunction with the Annual "Alf Palmer" and "Pat Bryce" race walks