Priest secures his double and Chapple a shock win
JAMES PRIEST has completed a splendid league and championship double on the country.
He backed up his pre-sealed FNB Cross-Country League title by winning the Club Championships at Les Norgiots, on a Saturday when Megan Chapple scored a surprise women’s victory, eased by Rosie William’s injury misfortune.
It is the second time Priest has completed this specific double – yet this one meant much more to him.
With Will Bodkin in form, the university boys re-emerging and Richard Friedrich back for the occasion, competition is significantly tougher than it was during that 2018-2019 season.
Priest still produced a fairly convincing victory, clocking 37min. 58sec. over five laps of a slightly shortened 1.2-mile circuit, beating runner-up Friedrich by some 35sec.
‘Very pleased to have won the “double”,’ the delighted winner said.
‘Massive thanks to all the volunteers etc. for organising these events – it’s been amazing that we’ve be able to get a full track and cross-country series in this year.
‘It means a lot more this time. Much more competitive as neither Richard, Alex nor Will have done this race in the past for various reasons.’
In the four-lap women’s race, Gibraltar 2019 silver-medal triathlete Chapple did not have an easy ride.
Williams got away well and carved out a clear lead in the first lap. Then disaster struck – for Williams at least.
She knocked her wrist late into lap two and picked up an injury, and while she gamefully continued, that ended her challenge.
That passed the lead to Island Games silver-medal triathlete Chapple, who is enjoying a fruitful Christmas break away from her London base.
‘Unfortunately I didn’t have spikes, but it was so muddy at times I don’t think it wouldn’t have made much difference,’ she said.
‘A bit shocked to be club champ as I assumed Jenny [James] would have been racing, who would have wiped the floor with everyone.
‘But it’s great – I’ve done cross-countries since I was little and still have a love/hate relationship with them.
‘I feel so fortunate to be back in Guernsey and able to race. There is nowhere better to be at the moment.’
Mikey Ingrouille pinched overall honours and the U20 title for that distance in 36-01, while the remaining juniors earned their crowns over two laps.
Jack Le Tissier headed the charge and topped the U17s in 16-36 – however, U13 Thomas Merrien impressed by following just 12sec. behind.
George Montgomery soon sealed the U15 title with 17-06.
The three girls’ champions finished in very close succession just under the 18min. marker.
Lottie Smith continued her run of form to clock 17-54 and top the U17 ranks, but U15 Talia Godet and U13 Darcey Hodgson closed within the next 5sec.
More in Monday's Guernsey Press.
