After both the men’s and ladies’ teams historically won promotion to the prestigious Surrey League division one last season. The new target for those in blue and white was to avoid relegation at the intensely competitive standard. The final chance to do this found the club on Wimbledon Common, with the iconic windmill backdrop, the Hollywood story of Holland’s growth was set for another movie.

Going into the final instalment of the tetralogy, the men’s team appeared to be safe with little to play for. Despite this, Holland athletes know the truth behind running with dignity, athletes soared to season high positions and won their individual battles.

Kieran Barnes was first to finish; he gurned into the finish just ahead of Andy Green who is in red hot form. Sam Burgoyne and Matt Orbell both rounded out excellent debut seasons at the club as they soared to A-team finishes. Lucas Abrams is going from strength to strength; his rise is recognised by everyone at the club. After the uncomprehendable achievement of completing the Winter Spine, Dave Hyman made a heroes return to Surrey League action.

The support stood out today, every Holland member was hailed with praise as they waded through the mud. It was lovely to see the faces of those who found themselves unable to run but still wanted to witness history in motion.

The main event was the ladies’ quest for survival, on paper this was mission impossible, an 89-point deficit to the team they needed to beat, it wasn’t going to happen, was it? At the finish, the club was counting each runner in compared to the rival club, it was as if time stood still, Lucy Berryman was first through the finish, followed by Alice Martin. The phrases ‘it’s not going to happen’ and ‘this will be close’ echoed, but suddenly a wave of mud-splattered Holland vests broke onto the finishing straight. While waiting for the highly anticipated results, the rest of the team was cheered into the finish. A special mention is deserved for the teamwork of Heidi Quine and Sam West who finished together.

Football fans can think of classic relegation escapes, but nothing quite compared to just how ridiculous it would be if Holland Ladies secured another season in division one. They could make a Hollywood film about this, and they should, the team survived by the skin of their teeth, an outstanding achievement, one which will be celebrated.

We cannot wait for the return of cross-country next autumn.