NYSD Cross Country - Hartlepool - 15th October 2006

Sunday 15th October marked the start of the NYSD cross country season, as races got underway at Sumerhill Park, Hartlepool. As usual, the Under 13 Boys started proceedings and got Richmond and Zetland Harriers off to a flying start, with a team win. This has traditionally proved be a strong team and they did no disappoint. Fergus Roberts was first Harrier across the line on the one lap course in 2nd position and only 7 seconds behind the winner. Close behind was the ever-present Marc Scott in 3rd place, proving that his recent off-road racing has paid dividends, while brother and team mate Rob Scott rounded off the victorious trio in 7th place.

Maddy Winzer made a strong start in defence of her title in the Under 13 Girls race, winning comfortably and looking in great shape for the season ahead. Rosie Stirr was next home in 14th position and provided a good, strong run in her first cross country season. Hard worker Kerry Robson made great improvements on last year, finishing in 18th place and taking the girl’s team to 4th position.

Two Richmond and Zetland athletes made their appearance for the Under 15 Boys, with excellent results, having only just moved into this age group. Thomas Allen took a fantastic 5th place overall, while Sam Wood was hot on his heels in 7th, both showing great potential. Due to an unfortunate mix up with birth dates, two entrants competed in the Under 15 Girls race, but were in fact in the under 13 age group. Undeterred by the competition, Gaby Rawdin finished a magnificent 19th overall, while Leanne Ryder unfortunately had to retire from the race. Great runs were had by both athletes, which will see the Under 13 Girl’s team boosted at the next event.

Dougie Roberts was the sole competitor for the Under 17 Men, again having moved up an age group, but in usual fashion, managed a fantastic result with 3rd place overall and displayed great stamina and form. In the ladies race, Richmond and Zetland held their own to come in 4th on the day, putting them in a strong position when all athletes return. Jessie Roberts put in another excellent performance to finish 10th overall and first in the under 20 category, while Jo Adams showed that her summer training has paid off, crossing the line in 19th position. Sarah Gregory made a welcome return to competition, still finding her way back to race fitness after 3 months absence with a foot injury, steadily moving her way through the field, to take 31st place and act as 3rd counter for the team. Rounding off the scoring positions in the team race, was Katie Roberts, running a determined and strong race to take 40th position. Jane Thornton also moved up an age group to the under 17 ladies and found her footing well to finish in 59th place, while the ever-present and hard working Jenny Fenwick rounded off her run with a well deserved 63rd overall.

The men managed to equal the ladies’ efforts and finish as 4th team. Jon Orange continued his fabulous run of form, taking 9th place in a field of 135 athletes, along with 2nd place in the Vet 1 category. Ken Harker was the next home in 17th place, proving that he can run just as well off-road as on the track. Shaun Purkiss was 3rd team counter in 25th with a strong and determined run, while newcomer Dan Spencer made 32nd place and put the team in a great position. Tad Zaranko wasn’t far behind in 38th position in his first season for the Club and Taff Rogers displayed his usual agility on the country, taking 50th place to anchor the team home. Jim Robinson made a welcome return, competing strongly and taking a well deserved victory in the Vet 3 category by some margin, so congratulations to him. Ray Robson appeared to enjoy himself over the duration of the race, taking 120th in close competition with Neil Piper, who competed well and finished strongly to take 122nd overall.

RZH Results: Under 13 Boys – 2nd Fergus Roberts, 3rd Marc Scott, 7th Rob Scott, Team 1st. Under 13 Girls – 1st Maddy Winzer, 14th Rosie Stirr, 18th Kerry Robson, Team 4th. Under 15 Boys – 5th Thomas Allen, 7th Sam Wood. Under 15 Girls – 19th Gaby Rawdin. Under 17 Men – 3rd Dougie Roberts. Under 17, Under 20, Senior & Vet Ladies – 10th Jessie Roberts (& 1st U20), 19th Jo Adams, 31st Sarah Gregory, 40th Katie Roberts, 59th Jane Thormton, 63rd Jenny Fenwick, Team 4th. Under 20, Senior & Vet Men – 9th Jon Orange (& 2nd Vet 1), 25th Shaun Purkiss, 32nd Dan Spencer, 38th Tad Zaranko, 50th Taff Rogers, 78th (& 1st Vet 3) Jim Robinson, 120th Ray Robson, 122nd Neil Piper, Team 4th.

Richmond Castle 10K - 15th October 2006

James, Dan, Tony, Gerry

On the same day several Richmond and Zetland athletes, past and present, opted to take part in the popular Richmond 10K road race. Top performance by a Harrier on the day, winner of the ladies race and 24th overall, was Kelly Haniver, with a truly magnificent run. She ran an outstanding time of 39.13 on a hilly route - breaking the course record in the process! Tony Hewson also had an excellent outing and took a well earned 33rd place in 40.02, which is pleasing for the start of the winter season. Brian Halliday was getting back to competitive ways, running a very determined and controlled race, crossing the line in 43.20, which clinched 75th position. James Brownfield-Pope had another good outing, tackling the route in 44.23 and taking 93rd overall. Dan Brooks was another making a welcome return to the fold, taking 144th place with a solid time of 46.44. Julie Tanner also acquitted herself well throughout the race, finishing in 234th with an admirable time of 50.50, while Gerry Atkinson ran in the Male Vet 60 category, claiming 330th position with an excellent time of 57.25.

RZH Results: Kelly Haniver 24th (& 1st Lady & New Course Record) 39.13, Tony Hewson 33rd 40.02, Brain Halliday 75th 43.20, James Brownfield-Pope 93rd 44.23, Dan Brooks 144th 46.44, Julie Tanner 234th 50.50, Gerry Atkinson 330th 57.25.