Yorkshire Cross Country Championships - Skipton 6th January 2007

A triumphant trio of gold medals is exactly what Richmond and Zetland athletes scooped at the Yorkshire Cross Country Championships, with one team and two individual victories. Four athletes also finished high enough in their respective races to represent Yorkshire at the Inter-County Cross Country Championships at Nottingham, later in the season. The event was held at Aireville Park, Skipton on Saturday 6th January and the course was a very challenging, hilly and muddy affair, in testing conditions.

Maddy Winzer (Centre)

First away were the Under 13 girls, with Maddy Winzer and Amy Coulson representing the Club. Both were up with the early pace and in good positions, coming into the last lap of the park. Maddy made a break with around 200 metres go and won comfortably to take the county title and a fantastic gold medal. She will now go on to represent Yorkshire at the Inter-County Championships. Amy also finished well up the field in 31st position from 82 competitors.

With no less than seven Richmond and Zetland entrants in the Under 13 boys race, hopes were high for a team medal, after taking Bronze last year. Fergus Roberts and Marc Scott, got a flying start and were front runners from the gun, while James King, Paul Harmsworth, Rob MacLean, Rob Scott and Thomas Targett all got into their stride amongst the main pack. Fergus made a break for it coming out of the wood towards the finish and promptly took the second gold medal of the day and title of Yorkshire Champion. Marc Scott gained a wonderful 4th place overall and will join Fergus, competing for the Yorkshire team. Team medals were still to be decided and with James King’s position of 19th and Paul Harmsworth crossing the line in 31st place, they took the gold, a fantastic achievement! Rob MacLean put in an excellent performance, finishing in 36th, as did Rob Scott, who took 42nd overall, while Thomas Targett achieved a well-deserved 54th position from 74 runners. Following two consecutive victories, the commentator even stated “I don’t know what they’re putting in the water at Richmond, but it’s certainly doing the trick here today.”

For the under 15 girls, the Harriers had a sole representative; Hannah Dawson, who flew the team flag admirably in a competitive field of athletes. She had a strong race to finish 49th overall and enjoyed the competition. The under 15 boys had the regular trio of Thomas Allen, Sam Wood and Jack Young taking part, the first two being part of last year’s bronze medal-winning team. Having moved up an age category this year, they achieved brilliant results, with Thomas crossing the line first in 17th place, followed by Sam in 22nd position, while Jack kept up a good pace to take 56th overall.

The under 17 women were represented by sisters Jo and Rosie Adams, who have competed for the Club extremely well on many occasions. Jo tackled the course marvellously and was first Harrier in 25th place, with Rosie crossing the line in 37th in a quality field of athletes. Dougie Roberts found himselft the sole Harrier in the Under 17 mens race and had a fantastic outing against stiff opposition from the large city Clubs. He finished in 14th position and showed that he is well up with pace during his first year in this age group.

The senior ladies were up next and had four representatives, including second-claim member, Andrea Woodvine, a regular in the Yorkshire team. The 4 mile course was a testing one and hard going under foot by now, however, Andrea lead the charge, finishing in 6th position and earning another chance to represent Yorkshire. Next across the line was Kelley Haniver, running well after a bout of flu, to claim a fantastic 42nd overall. Sarah Gregory was next home in 73rd position and pleased with her performance on the day, finally getting attuned to the country this year, while team manager Fiona Hughes finished in 94th with a strong run, to bring the team home in 15th place. The senior men were certainly thin on the ground this year, with only two athletes making it to the start line. Richard Hunt started his first race for over 14 months, following a knee injury and had a fabulous result, taking 32nd place from over 209 runners, showing that his form is certainly returning. Neil Piper enjoyed his outing on the course, being used to the off-road conditions and finished in 200th position; a good result in his MV60 category.

RZH Results: Under 13 Girls – 1st (& Yorkshire Champion) Maddy Winzer, 31st Amy Coulson. Under 13 Boys – 1st (& Yorkshire Champion) Fergus Roberts, 4th Marc Scott, 19th James King, 31st Paul Harmsworth, 36th Rob MacLean, 42nd Rob Scottt & 54th Thomas Targett, Team 1st (& Yorkshire Champions). Under 15 Girls – 49th Hannah Dawson. Under 15 Boys – 17th Thomas Allen, 22nd Sam Wood & 56th Jack Young. Under 17 Women – 25th Jo Adams & 37th Rosie Adams. Under 17 Men – 14th Dougie Roberts. Senior/Vet Women – 6th Andrea Woodvine, 42nd Kelley Haniver, 73rd Kelley Haniver & 94th Fiona Hughes, Team 15th. Senior/Vet Men – 32nd Richard Hunt, 200th Neil Piper.