Watford Harriers second Chiltern League fixture of the season was held at historic Shuttleworth College near Biggleswade on Saturday.

The top performer on the day was England schools international Ben Rochford, who in the Under-17 men’s race was very impressive in winning the Division Two race by well over a minute, coming within a few seconds of beating all in the Division One race too.

Rochford also led the team to first place, ably-supported by Cory Keane (sixth), Lewis Sills (13th) and Max Lewis (16th).

In the senior men’s race there was a welcome return to the team for Julian Critchlow following his return to the Harriers, having also taken on a coaching role. He led the team home in 10th ahead of a resurgent Matt Adcock (18th), Nick Harris (30th) and Mikk Bradley (49th).

There was also an excellent turnout from the senior ladies team as they finished fourth on the day. In an exciting battle Helen Johal (12th) had to run hard all the way to hold off the fast finishing Natalie Wickings (13th) and Liza Croft (16th) with the trio separated only 16 seconds.

The Under-17 ladies emulated their seniors fourth-place finish with Page Smith (tenth), Chloe Dearman (11th) and Mikhailas Markwell (14th) completing the team.

In the Under-15 boy’s race Dean Johal (11th), Aaron Spalter (13th) and Owen Dearman (16th) completed.

Emi Economou was the sole representative for the Under-15 girls, crossing the line in 12th whilst Jessica Rosewarn was 28th in the Under-13 girl’s race.

There was an excellent ninth-place for Hannah Trotman in the Under-11 girl’s race, followed home by Rachel Crowder (26th), Caitlin Johal (52nd) and Grace Stedman (57th). In the Under-11’s boy’s race Lewis Clark (67th) and Brandon Graft (70th) finished.