X-country is usually associated with mud and cold, wet weather, but the conditions at Harewood Hall – Leeds were like a summers day with the conditions under foot (although uneven) really good and the course a real X-country.
This venue was excellent on all counts, with the organisation exceptional. Our Ladies were again out in force keeping up the great season that they have had so far. There were over 1000 runners who toed the line in the Senior Ladies 8k race and what a sight it was as they all headed towards the first bend some 300m/400m up the hill. Our Ladies ran really well and initially established themselves in good positions, the Team finishing in 28th position with well over a hundred full teams finishing, but the best thing was that they finished 1st North East Team, and 11th Northern team consolidating their earlier season achievements. So well done to Jane Giles who continued her tremendous season, she was closely followed by Brigid Dennehy and with Aife McSheffrey, Liz O,Connor and the ever consistent Maggie Lorraine all backing up well, enabled the Team to deliver once again.
It was left up to the Senior Men to match the performance of our Ladies and it was a close call, with our Men also performing well on the day, if the start of the Ladies race was not to be missed, there were over 2000 starting the Men’s Championships and what a sight that was. With this the last race and the weather having been very dry (sunny) the conditions remained really good and the lads had to work hard on a very demanding course, with the warm conditions also having its toll. But the lads as always battled throughout and they eventually finished in 29th position (144 full teams finished), which was also 10th Northern Team and 3rd North Eastern Team. This again consolidated their seasons performances so far. Matt Linsley was first home closely followed by Ross Christie and Dan Alexander, they were backed up by Steven Asquith, Kevin Connolly Steven Medd and Johnny Malley all contributing to a hard earned Team performance. Congratulations, they have worked hard all season.
So thanks to all Parents, Coaches, TM’s and helpers who made it a very enjoyable day, can I also bring to your attention that it is the final Harrier League fixture on Saturday 2nd March at Alnwick. We need a really good turn in both our Senior Male and Female races with our Ladies on the brink of winning the League Championship and we want the Men to consolidate if not improve their position in the Men’s Championship, so lets see a really good turn out, we really need as many Red & White vests on show and racing as possible, no matter what pack you are in you can help the team to again DELIVER.