Derricott upsets the form-guide on International debut

Report by Tom Gayle

Stoke AC’s most successful athlete of the winter Alex Derricott (left) brought his impressive cross country campaign to an end when placing 5^th at the Schools International over in Dublin.

In the bright sunshine Alex occupied the same position he collected at the English Schools just over a fortnight earlier, but this performance would have given him more satisfaction as he was third English athlete home.

From the off the team race was pretty much decided as the lead group were all wearing white. Over the first of three laps Derricott was part of a breakaway group that included the three medallists from Brighton Matt Clarke (Dorset A.C), Sam Dalgleish and Christian Booker (Halesowen).

Derricott and Booker were the first to drop off the lead group and were reeled in by Irelands Brendan O’Neill who seemed to be judging the race perfectly.

After catching the lead two, O’Neill forced the pace into the final lap while Scotland’s Alex Thoirs now joined Derricott and Booker for the closing stages. With 800m to go Clarke and O’Neill broke away from Dalgleich and with 400m to go Clarke looked the most likely winner.

Unfortunately though the Brighton gold medallist couldn’t complete the schools double as he was directed off course which allowed O’Neill in for a surprised victory. After rejoining the circuit Clarke chased down his team mate Dalgleish with the later just claiming the silver.

Thoirs had the strongest finish out of the second group to claim fourth while Derricott just held off Intercounties U13 champion Booker for fifth.

With the whole England scoring team inside the top ten they easily scooped the title to ensure Derricott ended his season with the gold medal his efforts have deserved this winter.

A proven championship performer, Alex’s consistency this season speaks volumes for his competitive nature and the careful nurturing of his coach George Cooper. Despite being at the bottom of the U15 age group he is County Champion, Midland Silver medallist and a fine 18^th at the National championships. The English Schools give a good indication of those who will be vying for the major U15 honours next year of off this form hopefully Derricott will pick up the National medal he deserves.

Next on his calendar is the rescheduled National Young Athletes Road Relays and then he will turn his attentions will turn to the track where off this form I believe he is capable of attacking his training partner Carl Shubothams U15 club records for the 1500m (4:17) and 3000m (9.29).

Results

Junior Boys

1. Brendan O'Neill (Ireland) 14.55

2. Sam Dalgleish (England) 15.03

3. Matthew Clarke (England) 15.04

5. Alex Derricott (England) 15.17

Team

1. England 32 (2. Dalgleich, 3. Clarke, 5. Derricott, 6. Christian Booker, 7.Ross Clarke, 9. Glen Wooldridge)

2. Ireland 66

3. Scotland 98

4. Wales 135

Full results from the meeting are available at www.esaa.net

Pictures courtesy of www.leavale.org