By Matthew Kiernan
Angus Harrington led the Croydon Harriers charge at the Surrey Schools Cross Country Championships in Reigate.
The Trinity School pupil won the year seven race in a thrilling finale, just edging Tom Morioka from South Surrey on the line, with both being awarded the identical time of 11 minutes, nine seconds.
There were more medals for Croydon athletes with Stevie Lawrence (inter-girls) and Peter Chambers (senior boys) both notching bronze medals to book their places to represent the county at the English Schools championships in Derbyshire next month.
With the top eight guaranteed a place for Surrey at the English Schools, Kieron Connor also secured his spot in dramatic fashion, propelling himself into the final qualification in the dying stages of the inter boys race.
Harvey White (10th, senior boys), Dom Nolan (11th, senior boys), Josh Haasz (15th, inter-boys) and Rob Spalding (17th, inter-boys) missed out on selection despite valiant efforts.
Elsewhere, at the British University and Colleges Cross Country Championships in Leeds, Mark Plackett finished 42nd in the B race in a field of more than 400 athletes.
At the East Surrey League cross country relays at Wimbledon Common, Croydon’s men finished an fourth over the boggy course.
Neil Aikman, Nic Gould, Simon Loughran and Alan Burn brought the team home.
The U15 girls were represented thanks to Altanta Drummond, Beth Matlock and Emily Howe, with non-scoring support from Caitlin James.
In the U13s race, Harry Smith finished second for the boys over 1.95 miles. He was supported by Robbie Tambling and Caleb, James and Aaron Drummond.
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