English Schools Cross Country Finals - Bolton - 2nd December 2006

George Robinson

Canon Slade School, Bolton was the venue for this year’s English Schools Cross Country Cup Final on Saturday 2nd December and four Richmond and Zetland athletes made the journey, after qualifying from earlier rounds. The course was extremely muddy, making it very hard going underfoot. In the Junior Boys race, the top finisher and 4th overall on the day, was Fergus Roberts, continuing his excellent form and he was followed only 4 seconds later, by team mate Marc Scott in 5th, also racing strongly this season. Nathaniel Frankland then had a great run to take 22nd place and Rob Scott showed determination to cross the line in 106th position from a field of 144 competitors. George Robinson was the sole Richmond athlete in the Intermediate Boys category, finishing a fantastic 46th place overall from 135 runners, congratulations to all on achieving such a high standard.

NYSD Cross Country - Thirsk 3rd December 2006

Some of the same athletes were in action again the next day at Thirsk for the 3rd NYSD cross country fixture. The strong wind and course, which was very boggy in places, made challenging work for those electing to compete. First away were the U13 boys, who have already shown winning ways this season. They tied with Scarborough on points, but were eventually awarded 2nd place on count back. Fergus Roberts was out in front again, winning the boys race by a comfortable margin, while Marc Scott showed real staying power to finish second and brother Rob Scott, had an excellent outing to finish as 3rd team counter in 7th position overall. Paul Harmsworth was not far behind and claimed 8th place to bring the scoring quartet across the line, while Callum Wadsworth worked hard to take a well-earned 10th position. There were also two debut runs for the club by Nicki and Jordan Watkinson, enjoying their first outing on the cross country circuit and finishing well in 19th and 22nd place respectively.

The U13 girls had 3 representatives, who showed good form in the conditions, with Amy Coulson crossing the line, after a strong performance, in 10th place, followed by Leanne Ryder in 20th and Rosie Stirr in 21st, both racing consistently to ensure the team 6th place. Three athletes competed for the U15 boys, with Thomas Allen leading the team round, finishing in an excellent 4th place, followed by Sam Wood in 5th, also displaying great form. Rory Wadsworth also had a fine outing, bringing the team into 2nd place on the day with a 16th place finish. Dougie Roberts regained his flying form by winning the U17 men’s race by a good distance and put in a solid performance, being the sole competitor in this age group.

The ladies managed to repeat their excellent 3rd team place, with first-rate performances from all those taking part. Kelley Haniver finished as top Harrier, with a fantastic run to claim 3rd overall, while Jo Adams improved her standing even further, finishing strongly in 13th position. Sarah Gregory is finding her feet again post injury and promptly took 19th place and Fiona Hughes raced well to cross the line in 25th overall. Rosie Adams moved further up the rankings to 31st overall, bringing the team home to 3rd place. The men’s team had the minimum number of 6 runners, but nevertheless managed to take an excellent 5th place. Jon Orange once again led the Harriers home with 6th place and finished second in the Vet 1 category, chasing down his rival John Hunter. Ken Harker wasn’t far behind in 10th, bumping up the team standings, while Shaun Purkiss made it home in 20th place, with some fine, consistent running. Tony Ryder braved the increasing wind and rain to take a well-earned 47th position, while Jim Robinson took top spot in the Vet 3 age group again and was 69th in the process. Neil Piper raced his way round to complete the line-up and finish as 108th competitor.

RZH Results: U13 Boys – 1st Fergus Roberts, 2nd Marc Scott, 7th Rob Scott, 8th Paul Harmsworth, 10th Callum Wadsworth, 19th Nicki Watkinson & 22nd Jordan Watkinson, Team 2nd. U13 Girls – 10th Amy Coulson, 20th Leanne Ryder & 21st Rosie Stirr, Team 6th. U15 Boys – 4th Thomas Allen, 5th Sam Wood & 16th Rory Wadsworth, Team 2nd. U17 Men – 1st Dougie Roberts. Senior/Vet/U17 Ladies – 3rd Kelley Haniver, 13th Jo Adams, 19th Sarah Gregory, 25th Fiona Hughes & 31st Rosie Adams, Team 3rd. Senior/Vet Men – 6th Jon Orange (& 2nd Vet 1), 10th Ken Harker, 20th Shaun Purkiss, 47th Tony Ryder, 69th Jim Robinson (& 1st Vet 3) & 108th Neil Piper, Team 5th.