Jersey takes inter-insular cross-country honours – Report, Results and Photos (21/03/26)

Saturday saw the return of Inter-Insular Cross-Country racing for the first time in a number of years, with a team of JSAC junior athletes taking on their counterparts from Guernsey Athletics in glorious sunshine at Kempt Tower, St Ouen.

Racing took place across the U13 and U15/U17 age groups, with some fantastic performances and exciting battles, with Jersey prevailing 3-1 in races overall.

In the U13Bs there were determined efforts from scorers Daniel Rogers, Harvey Capstick, Louis Roberts and James Naude, but it was not quite enough to overhaul a strong Guernsey team led by a dominant performance from Paul Friedrich.

However, the tables were turned in the U13Gs, where Bobbi Billington of Jersey battled hard to win a tight race with Erin Greenfield.  She was well supported by Savannah Hern, Emily Satchel and Florence Kennedy who all fought for places, giving Jersey the team win.

It was a more comfortable win for Jersey in the U15/U17Bs, who fielded a strong team including winner Ewan Pilley and second place Danny Wood, together with Myles Christopher, Leo Gage and Zane Simpson – the latter two running with confidence after their recent English Schools XC Championships experience.

The closest race of the day – and the difference between a Jersey win and honours even – was the U15/U17G race, where Jersey prevailed by a single point.  Whilst the Jersey team was low in numbers, it was high in quality – with a combination of Phoebe Assiter, Florence Williams and Lia Romero digging deep to overcome a talented Guernsey team spearheaded by Grace King, Theodora Murray and Indi Warren.

There was then time for informal relay races, with 4 teams of 4 athletes from each Island competing over a 550m loop.

The full results can be found here: Results – Inter-Insular(71191556.1)

The day also saw the completion of the local XC Series, bringing a successful and fun season to a close.  Overall results of the Series will follow once the final points tallies are completed (and the results from Saturday are also in the above link).  As ever, we extend our thanks to our sponsor Ogier, who have allowed this Series to be free to enter.

Thanks to the army of volunteers who made the event happen.  Nick Williams and Matt Wilson (RDs), Tim Oldham (chief marshal), Linda Lelai (check-in and chief Easter egg provider), Katrina Williams (start lists and admin), Philippa Arnett-Willie, Judy Andrews-Callec, Evan Naude, Sam Naude, Harry Mcalinden, Gary Broster, Sonja and John Assiter, Helen Hadjam, Andy Wood, Sarah Billington and photographer Rob Billington.

Thanks also to our junior helpers, who are always selfless and committed in lending a hand: Zara Williams at check-in, and Orla Lelai, Evelyn Precious, Fraser Collins, Max Assiter and Owen Assiter as the lead and tail-running crew making sure the youngest athletes navigated the course safely.

We are also incredibly grateful to Guernsey Athletic for making the trip.  It was great to renew old rivalries, and build new friendships.  Thanks to Lee Merrien for helping to organise from the Guernsey side, and coaches Alun Williams and Matt Mason for bringing the team over.

We look forward to the return trip next year!