Schools Area Team Cross Country Championships 17th October 2006

Further results are now available from the Schools Area Team Cross Country Championships, which took place at Allertonshire School, Northallerton on Tuesday 17th October, where more junior Harriers were in action. In the combined year 8 and 9 race, there were no less than four Harriers claiming the top four positions, the winner being George Robinson, followed by Sam Wood in second place. Marc Scott went on to win the year 8 race, being placed 3rd overall, while Thomas Allen rounded off the triumphant quartet, taking a well deserved 4th place.

NYSD Cross Country Relays - Whitby 29th October 2006

Sam Wood

The same athletes were in flying form once again, this time at Whitby on Sunday 29th October for the NYSD Cross Country Relays, where Richmond and Zetland came away with trophies and medals, spanning all age groups. Each lap was approximately 1.22 miles, with younger athletes running one lap and the senior athletes two per leg. First away were the Under 13 boys, who promptly reclaimed their title and the trophy, following on from last year’s victory. The team was comprised of brothers Marc and Rob Scott and Fergus Roberts, who also went on to win the prize for the fastest lap. The Under 13 girls took a fantastic second place in the next race, thanks to the combined efforts of Maddy Winzer, Leanne Ryder and Amy Coulson, all recording excellent runs. Kerry Robson also showed fine form on the course, running on behalf of a composite team.

It wasn’t long before the next trophy was heading towards the Richmond and Zetland camp, as the Under 15 boys landed another win in their race. Lead off by Thomas Allen, who ran a strong first leg, George Robinson took over, then handed to Sam Wood, who firmly brought the team home to victory. The Under 17 ladies also claimed a brilliant 3rd position in their team race, with excellent runs from Katie Roberts and Rosie Adams keeping them in contention, while Jo Adams anchored the team with 2 solid laps, well ahead of their nearest rivals. In the Senior Ladies race the team finished 6th overall, with Sarah Gregory running the first leg, handing on to Jenny Fenwick and finally Fiona Hughes, finishing strongly and making a welcome return to the cross country circuit. The senior men had eight competitors and were therefore able to enter an “A” and “B” team in their event, taking 2nd and 10th places respectively in an outstanding race. The first team had Jon Orange on the lead leg, who had another fabulous run to take fastest lap in the Vet 1 category, while Ian Scott was next away, keeping the team well and truly in contention. Ken Harker ran 3rd leg and ensured the team remained in the hunt, handing over to Shaun Purkiss, who kept his composure to secure the team 2nd position overall. James Brownfield-Pope got the second team underway with a great first leg, followed by Darren Cox, then Tony Ryder and on to Ray Robson, all demonstrating good form and enjoying themselves to claim 10th overall.

RZH Results: Under 13 Boys – Fergus Roberts, Rob Scott & Marc Scott, Team 1st. Under 13 Girls – Maddy Winzer, Leanne Ryder & Amy Coulson, Team 2nd. Under 15 Boys – Thomas Allen, George Robinson & Sam Wood, Team 1st. Under 17 Ladies – Katie Roberts, Rosie Adams & Jo Adams, Team 3rd. Senior Ladies – Sarah Gregory, Jenny Fenwick & Fiona Hughes, Team 6th. Senior Men – Team A - Jon Orange, Ian Scott, Ken Harker & Shaun Purkiss, Team 2nd. Team B - James Brownfield-Pope, Darren Cox, Tony Ryder & Ray Robson, Team 10th.

Woking 10K 29th October 2006

Further south on the same day, 400m hurdler and sprinter Matt Prosser decided to try his hand at the longer distance of 10K, something very different from his usual discipline, distance and training. Matt tackled the Woking 10K road race and was pleased with his result of 56 minutes for his first attempt. He now aims to build on this and run twice the distance again in the Bath Half Marathon on 25th March 2007.