Athletics

THE MORLEY S from Ditchling both had good runs in the Boxing Day road races in Brighton.

Former Sussex cross-country champion Suzanne, now a veteran, whose racing programme seems to be limited to the Boxing Day events, showed that she is still good enough to hold her own in Sussex by finishing in second place, albeit nearly one minute behind the race winner, clocking 37min. 09sec. for the five-and-a-ahlf-mile race.

In the mens event over the same distance husband Simon, who is also a veteran, finished in sixth place in 31min. 24sec.

Will it be third time lucky for Stephen Rees-Jones from Lewes in the Sussex senior cross country championships at Brighton s Stanmer Park on Saturday.

Third in 1999 and 2000 and runner up, by just two seconds, last year, Stephen is hoping that the title will be his this year.

Gavin Thompson from East Grinstead, the reigning champion is at University in the United States and is not expected to race but Maresfield s Joel Kidger, getting back to top form after illness, and the evergreen Nigel Gates from East Hoathly, who has already won the title three times, are likely to be in contention as will Crawley s Louis Jones the winner of the recent Sussex League event.

Last year Stephen had led the field as they entered the final lap at Lancing but was overhauled in the finishing field by Thompson, but it is unlikely that the Lewes runners will let the same thing happen again this year.

In the senior women s race Julia Armstrong from Framfield, who won the recent Sussex League race at Lancing, should be challenging for a medal. After a disappointing run in the Veterans championships at the Pestalozzi Village at the beginning of December the stylish Armstrong hopes to put those troubles behind her, but she will not be expected to challenge the reigning champion, Caroline Hoyte from Arena 80 who really is a hot favourite.

In the Under 20 age group Jack Vail from Ditchling will be mixing it with former Lewes Tertiary student and reigning champion Darryl Hards in the men s race while Alice Coutinho from Lewes is expected to get amongst the medals in the womens race.

Hailsham s Craig Ivemy is expected to start as the favourite for the Under 17 Boys title while club mate Todd Leckie, although maybe not the favourite, will be closely watched for the Under 15 crown.

The first race will be at 11am.