McDonnell leads Luton to fifth place

LUTON AC’s junior men’s squad finished fifth in the Saucony English Cross-Country Relays at Berry Hill Park in Mansfield at the weekend.

The side were one of the pre-race favourites but suffered a major setback when Daniel Clorley withdrew injured.

First year junior Tom Mead stepped in, running a competitive first leg to finish in 45th position from 80 teams.

John McDonnell took over and stormed round the 3km course in an incredible 8.38mins, easily the fastest time by any athlete in the competition, and gained an amazing 38 places in the process. Daniel Woodgate ran the final leg in 9.09mins, to improve a further two spots as the team ended in fifth position.

The U15 girls team, led by Ellie Still with a time of 7.38mins over the 2km course, and backed up by Hannah Farmer and Katherine Lathwell finished in 38th place from 100 teams. The senior men were satisfied with 55th position in a record field of 163 teams, Peter Bridger running the fastest leg. The club returns to Chiltern Cross-Country League action at Watford this Saturday.