NYSD Cross Country Newton Aycliffe - 20th November 2005

Richmond and Zetland Harriers competed in the second NYSD cross country league fixture on Sunday 20th at Windlestone Hall near Newton Aycliffe and retained third place in their quest for the retention of the President’s Trophy, awarded to the best team. The overall turnout was promising, especially in the younger age groups where we have struggled in past years, with 5 scoring teams from a possible 7 and 31 athletes.

This venue was only used for the first time last year and sadly this was the last meeting here. It is a gently undulating course and the weather was cool, but kind during the events, with the ground being fairly firm overall.

'Taff' Rogers & Chris Peacock

The first race to get underway was the Under 13 Boys, who made their usual excellent start, maintaining their 2nd overall team place, with Marc Scott the leading harrier finishing in 2nd place, followed by Sam Wood in 12th, Thomas Allen in 15th, Rob Scott in 21st and Calum Wadsworth in 27th place. The Under 13 Girls also have a good team this year, with Maddy Winzer continuing her excellent form, finishing in 3rd place, along with Rachel Holloway in 13th and Kerry Robson in 37th who is racing well, despite being one of the youngest in this age group. Marc Scott and Maddy Winzer also presently lead their age groups in the Under 13 category.

The Harriers fielded 2 athletes in the Under 15 Boys age group and whilst missing the winner from Hartlepool, Douglas Roberts, who has recently suffered broken bones in his foot, Liam Waite and Rory Wadsworth put in good performances, finishing in 11th and 14th places. The Under 15 Girls team has received a boost this season, with many of the sprinters electing to use the Cross Country races as a solid grounding for their winter training. Rosie Adams lead the harriers in, finishing in 12th place and was ably assisted by no less than 5 other athletes; Ruth Hill, Vikki Waite, Leanne Shaw, Jane Thornton and Brogan Fraser, bringing the team into 3rd place.

The women’s race covered 5.2K and includes Under 17, Under 20, Senior and Vet Women. Despite Jessie Roberts still nursing an injury and team manager, Fiona Hughes being unavailable, Richmond put forward a team of 7 athletes. Jo Adams lead the Harriers home with 17th place overall, Heather Halliday made her debut, finishing in 27th, Sarah Gregory 35th, Katie Roberts in 46th, the evergreen Jenny Fenwick in 62nd and Shirley Mathurin, making her seasonal debut in 64th place.

The men’s race was over a distance of 8.6K, which incorporates the Under 17 men (who cover 6.5k), Under 20, Senior and Vet men. Despite no Richmond athletes competing in the Under 17 men’s category and the three fastest Harriers from the Hartlepool race missing, two with injuries, the team put on a strong performance to finish in 5th place overall. Nick Zissler was first counter for the team and 10th overall, backed up by strong performances from Ian Scott in 24th and Shaun Purkiss in 33rd position. Taff Rogers and Chris Peacock battled it out over the course, with Chris nudging just ahead of Taff on the line in 54th and 57th places. Dan Brooks was 6th and final counter for the team, followed closely by Brian Halliday, also a Cross Country debutant for the club. Mike Brooks and Ray Robson were also positioned well in the field of 149 competitors in 106th and 118th place respectively.

RZH Results: Under 13 Boys – 2nd Marc Scott, 12th Sam Wood, 15th Thomas Allen, 21st Rob Scott & 27th Calum Wadsworth, team 2nd. Under 13 Girls – 3rd Maddy Winzer, 13th Rachel Holloway & Kerry Robson 37th, team 6th. Under 15 Boys – 11th Liam Waite & 14th Rory Wadsworth. Under 15 Girls – 12th Rosie Adams, 16th Ruth Hill, 19th Vikki Waite, 20th Leanne Shaw, 23rd Jane Thornton, 25th Brogan Fraser, team 3rd. U17, U20, Senior & Vet Women – 17th Jo Adams, 27th Heather Halliday, 35th Sarah Gregory, 46th Katie Roberts, 62nd Jenny Fenwick & 64th Shirley Mathurin, team 7th. U17, U20, Senior & Vet Men – 10th Nick Zissler, 24th Ian Scott, 33rd Shaun Purkiss, 54th Chris Peacock, 57th Taff Rogers, 77th Dan Brooks, 81st Brian Halliday, 106th Mike Brooks & 118th Ray Robson, team 5th.