ATHLETICS

FIVE Orion Harriers athletes fully justified their selection to compete in the Inter-counties' Cross-country Championships at Wollaton Park in Nottingham.

Armanni Antoine-Chager, Lauren MacGregor, Jay Andrews, Jack Stroud and Ben Hall were all picked to represent the county as a result of their outstanding displays in the recent Essex Championships.

And they more than held their own at the prestigious annual event, which attracted the top runners in the country.

In the U13 girls' event, Antoine-Chager achieved an outstanding 44th place finish within the 300-strong entry.

Lauren MacGregor (63rd) and Jay Andrews who both had to work tirelessly to finish so high up the field in the U15 girls' run.

In the junior men's division, Jack Stroud finished in a well deserved 73rd position, ably supported by Ben Hall who notched up a 128th place finish against strong opposition.

Junior Orion team manager Jane Farrier was thrilled with the youngsters' efforts.

She said: "It just goes to show what talented young athletes can do when they really put their mind to the task and work towards their goals.

"This is yet another excellent achievement by runners from our junior set up and we look forward optimistically to the summer season of athletics that lies ahead."