Stanmer Park in Brighton provided a scenic setting for this year's Southern. Weather was crisp with occasional sightings of the sun and conditions underfoot were firm, but the course provided a tough and hilly test. Ten Beagles made the trip to Sussex by the Sea - far fewer than had been anticipated just two days previously. The Senior Men's team lost six runners in that time, whilst our Under 15 and Under 13 teams became incomplete.

Juniors

Three Under 13's competed - one more and we'd have achieved a decent team finish - led home this time by Brampton Manor's Charlie Ackland in a commendable 37th, followed by Ben Haynes in 44th. Charlie and Ben have put themselves on the line all winter achieving no small measure of success. The Under 13's turnout was completed by Michael Oku-Ampofo from St Bonaventure's who placed 176th. A good show by the young men. David Kail was pleased with his 77th in the Under 20's race, and with good reason. His progress this winter has been pleasing - next stop a top 100 placing in the Met League?

Seniors

Just six senior men toed the line in the Senior Men's race - enough for a scoring team if they all finished but little margin for error if we wanted to finish in the medals. Ultimately we finished 7th with 414 points in a race won by an impressive Highgate outfit from defending champions Bedford. The individual race was exciting as long time leader Phil Wicks (Belgrave) suffered the misfortune of being hunted down by Ben Tickner (Wells) in the last 200 metres. For Beagles placings as follows:
26th Kevin Skinner - was underwhelmed with his performance as he couldn't really get going.
34th Olly Laws - now reaping the benefits of consistent training and plenty of races - can finish top 60 in National.
39th John Clarke - first over 40 to finish in the race. A great run from a man who had retired a year ago.
66th John Pike - change of job is working well for John who was rightly pleased with this run - 57 places higher than last year.
124th Steve Hepples - was lying 42nd pproaching halfway but tight hamstrings made this a slog for Steve who endured the worst of Team manager Smith's driving beforehand.
125th Wayne Bell - only joined the club in November and is improving on weekly basis. A strong runner and valuable addition to our ranks.

Midland Championships

Recent signing Tom Gayle, placed 38th in the Senior Men's race in Nottingham.