Denbies Wine Estate, Mole Valley – 7th January 2024
The Gees kicked off the 2024 with a great turnout at Denbies Vineyard. Despite the terrible weather for most of the Christmas and New Year period, the ground had dried out significantly, opening up the age old debate of spike length or even if trail shoes might be a better option (sacrilege!).
The highlight from the seniors was an excellent second place in the women’s team competition, with Eleanor Harrison (7th), Evie Warren (8th), Katie Grinyer (14th) and Amy-Jo Clarke (25th) finishing just behind AFD, but well ahead of Belgrave. Other notable performances amongst our seventeen-strong squad were Susanna Harrison (1st F60), Nici Cahusac (2nd F50) and Christine Robinson (3rd F45).
Our men’s team – Tom Foster (9th), Jake Bowles (25th), Andrew Welch (31st), Callum Job (37th), Matt McDaniel (38th) and Will Ford (56th) finished just outside of the medals, and were well supported by another eighteen Gees – with notable age-group placings from Guy Holcroft (1st M55), Mark Tennyson & Dave Williams (1st & 2nd M60s) and Nick Tearle (3rd M50).
There were also some excellent results in the younger age groups, including an individual bronze for Suzy Lecoutre in the U20s and Eloise Hudson with an individual silver in the U17s. The junior team results were as follows:
U13G – 7 ran, Team Score – 2nd
U13B – 4 ran, Team Score – 4th
U15G – 6 ran, Team Score – 4th
U15B – 4 ran, Team Score – 4th
U17W – 5 ran, Team Score – 2nd
All photos: Dan Milton