ANDOVER Athletics Club had a successful day as they competed in the first cross-country match of the season.

The event, held at Farley Mount, near Winchester, took place last weekend under weather that provided near perfect running conditions for the athletes.

The first winner of the day was Helen Dobson, who received the Popplewell Trophy.

Helen is the first female recipient of the trophy that was set up to acknowledge the work of coaches, parents, helpers and athletes from the affiliated clubs Helen, who freely gives up her time for training and events, is a former athlete herself, having won 1500-metre titles for England and represented her country at crosscountry.

Following her presentation the Andover Athletics Club stars started their campaign with two athletes in the under-13 boys’ category.

With a 3km run to conquer it was Taylor Anstie who lead the Andover boys to finish 22nd with a time of 12:23.

Close on his heels in 30th was cross-country newcomer Dylan George with a fantastic 12:36.

Next up to face a 4km course were the Under-15 girls.

First home for the blue and whites was Sarah Brett, unfazed by competing in a new age category, she held on to 25th place in 18:41.

Close behind was Ella HeathcoteHobbins, who had to retire after the first lap, leaving Alicia Matthews to continue last years form to finish 62nd in 21:02. Rounding up the team was Amber Harvey, competing in her first cross country with a brilliant 69th place in 21:55.

The Under-15 girls team sit in 11th place.

The Under-15 boys saw Jared Rolfe run a strong 4km calculated race to finish in a brilliant 15th with a time of 16:04, whilst team mate Freddie Heathcote-Hobbins ran a superb 20:08 to finish 64th.

The senior women were disappointed with numbers. With only two competitors, they couldn’t field a complete team for the 6km race.

Undeterred, Carrie Power ran true to her name with a 98th placing in 32:56, followed by a fine performance from Caroline Bennett,112th in 35:09 (40th VET 45).

The senior men also struggled with numbers but bulked up their numbers for their four lap 10km race.

Despite this they competed well.

First home in 81st place was inform Chris Dewey with a sizzling 39:11 (and 16th Veteran).

Just turned 18, Archie McKellar had to endure the 10km course for the first time, finishing next for Andover in 90th place with a respectable 39:59 and 17th under 20.

Club legend Dougie Brisco was next in 99th place with a great 40:21 time.

Dougie was wrapped up in a dual with a fellow over 60 athlete, but was pipped to the post by four seconds to take second in the over-60s.

Steve Brett finished in 124th 41:42 (39th Vet) while Matt Dewey, who was warming up for his pentathlon the next day, finished in 126th in 41:51.

The result puts the men’s senior team in fourth place in Division 2 whilst the veterans sit second in Division 2 ahead of the next event on Saturday, November 7.