News

The last fixture of the NYSD X-C season was at Windlestone Hall, hosted by Newton Aycliffe AC. This was a first-time location for the League: the one lap course was excellent for the runners (although a little swampy by the end of the afternoon), for the spectators and officials and will probably be a venue in the future. Richmond and Zetland Harriers had a good last match with one team victory, individual winners in two races and another in class.

Nick Outhwaite has become accustomed to being the lone Harrier in the under 13 boys race; he had the benefit of running in race one and finished the 1½ miles in 19^th place.

Jessie Roberts has had an outstanding winter in the League, winning all her races and leading the under 13 girls to team success. Jessie’s fifth consecutive win meant she finished the season with a maximum 50 points and the Trophy. Behind her, there was a real scrap for places as runners with 20 or more points from their best five races earned medals. Twins Jessica and Scarlett Gray were 4^th and 6^th on the day but finished inseparable over the season with 24 points and a medal apiece. Jo Adams finished 7^th and she too earned her medal with a 21 point total. Jade Cawthray was 9^th and admitted afterwards that she found the course very hard and is looking forward to the track & field season! Sophie Broadway finished 15^th, equalling her best finish of the season, and Katie Roberts was 23^rd from 38 finishers.

Nick Zissler was the Harriers second race winner with a clear-cut victory in the under 15 boys race. Unfortunately, Nick had only contested three races due to Elite Squad training weekends so his 29 points from two wins and a second place only earned him a medal! Philip Fitzpatrick was another with an interrupted season; he finished 7^th on the day but just outside the medals.

Georgina Zissler, Leah Jackson and Lianne Broadfoot made up the under 15 girls team as they have consistently since October. They finished their 1¾ mile race in 9^th, 16^th and 17^th places - muddy, happy and 3^rd team.

James Raper finished 8^th in the under 17 boys race, the only red and white vest, although after 4 miles with the course getting boggier with every lap, it was more red and black.

Louise Jackson ended the NYSD season with 48 points from three wins and two second places and the Junior Ladies Trophy. Louise was 6^th overall and 2^nd Junior in the race behind Catherine Hare of Loftus who was an outstanding winner on the day. Rachel Robinson was 7^th one place ahead of her friend and rival Maxine Czarnecka of Scarborough, both in the race and in the final standings with 33 points giving her 3^rd place overall and a medal. Fiona Hughes enjoyed the shouts of encouragement from the athletes she coaches en-route to 23^rd place, her best position of the season and 3^rd team place.

Scott Wardman had an outstanding run in the Men’s race. Having missed the last two races with a back strain he was well rested and showed no signs of discomfort over the four laps, 5¼ miles of a "real cross country course". Scott finished 10^th in the race and 1^st Junior Man to end his season with 28 points and a medal. Second home for RZH was Jon Orange in 17^th place and Shaun Purkiss was 30^th. Dan Brooks was another runner coming-back from injury; he finished 43^rd and 6^th Junior and also earned a medal with 29 points. Tony Colmer was fifth counter for the Club in 60^th place. Jim Robinson was 79^th and 8^th MVO50 and, not to be outdone by his daughter, Rachel, became the 10^th Harrier to win a medal with a final tally of 20 points. Mike Brooks was 81^st, Wes Hodgens 92^nd, Ian Hepworth 107^th and Martin Carter 112^th. The team were 4^th on the day and also finished the season 4^th place.