GLOUCESTER Park, Basildon, played host to the individual Cross Country County Championship. Only two Harlow AC athletes, Ciara Dobson and George Watkins took part, and both at U13 level. Forty-eight U13 Girls were in action and Ciara completed the course in 16.26 mins. She was thirty-first.

St Mark’s pupil George has dominated the cross country league events, winning each race in this team event. Naturally, this made him favourite for the Essex title. He did win but the margin of victory was the closest that it has been for any race this year.

Fifty-four competitors completed the course and Watkins only pipped Chelmsford’s Hayden Potten by three seconds. His winning time was 11.46 mins.

George Watkin’s cross country season has been exceptional and he will look to end it unbeaten in Essex and Eastern events, at school and club level, in the final league event on 15 February.