Harry sparkles with second spot in Welsh Championships

November 7, 2017

In-form Monmouth athlete Harry D took the runner-up spot in the Welsh Athletics Cross-Country Relay Championships at Monmouthshire Showground.

Harry (pictured far left on the podium) represented Monmouth School Boys’ Prep, who continued their fine start to the new season in the boys’ under 11/Primary School section.

Together with Sebastian and John N-B, Harry was part of the school’s A team who finished third overall in the boys’ event.

Harry’s father, Alex, an Old Monmothian who manages the cross-country team, was delighted with the school’s efforts against strong opposition.

“We may not have retained our under-11 Welsh crown but our A team came a very creditable third,” said Alex.

“Our B team was placed eighth which was another great position with Thomas K, Tom C and Ben finishing one after the other. Our four other runners also put in solid performances.”

Harry D had previously finished third in the opening race of the Gwent Cross-Country League at Llandaff Fields in Cardiff last month.

Once again, he was in sparkling form to secure second spot and a place on the podium after clocking 6:21 – just five seconds adrift of the race winner.

Sebastian was the second runner home for Monmouth School Boys’ Prep, finishing 13th in 6:57, while John N-B was 16th in 7:09.

Thomas K (7:30), Tom C (7:31) and Ben (7:36) also finished inside the top 30.

Fellow pupils Frank (7:43), Harry G (7:52), Feargus (7:52) and Gabriel (7:56) also returned creditable times for the school.

Alex said: “Carmarthen Harriers are the club to watch this season; they had nine runners in the top 25 places, while we had three.

“We are a school coming up against clubs who draw their runners from many schools, so our boys should feel a great deal of pride in their achievements.”

He said the foundation for the runners’ fine start to the season was laid two years ago by Dr Evans who entered the school into the Gwent Cross-Country League.

Monmouth School Boys’ Prep will now be gearing up for the second event in the five-race Gwent Cross-Country League series which takes place in Brecon on Saturday.

The race will incorporate the East Wales Championships and gives the school another realistic opportunity to achieve a place on the podium in the team event.

“As both a Grange and Monmouth School old boy it is very satisfying for me to see the boys gaining recognition and success in cross-country,” added Alex.