Baker serves up home countries glory

Teenage athletics talent Grace Baker (middle) stands proudly on top of the podium having been victorious for England in Nottingham

Athletics ace Grace Baker’s second international call-up was rewarded with a second victory.

The 18-year-old Bexhill College student saved her best race of the cross-country season for last by winning the Home Countries International in Nottingham on Saturday.

Pett-based Baker triumphed by more than seven seconds from her Aldershot, Farnham & District AC team-mate Amy Griffiths, leading the England team to victory.

This was another top scalp for the local girl as Griffiths had won the English Schools’ title the previous weekend. Baker’s previous international win came last November in northern Spain.

Her 14-year-old training partner Jess Margorrian was also on international duty for England Schools at the Schools’ Home International in Bolton. He finished in an impressive sixth place and third English runner.

The pair are both second claim members of Hastings Athletic Club and train together under the careful watch of Hastings middle distance coach Peter Baker. This was the last race of a huge winter season and now the summer track campaign beckons.