NYSD Cross Country - Croft - October 12th 2008

Paul Harmsworth

The NYSD Cross Country season got underway at a new venue at Croft on Sunday 12th October. Richmond and Zetland made an excellent start with pleasing results for the team and individuals alike, taking two team victories. The Under 13 boys were first away with two athletes running very strongly, as Paul Harmsworth took a well-deserved 2nd place and Max Robson looked good with 4th overall. The Under 13 girl’s team claimed 2nd place, thanks to Emma King being first Harrier home in 10th position, followed by Freja Nicholson in 13th place and Rachel Stirr, who finished 16th overall.

Rosie Stirr and Amy Coulson were the only representatives in the Under 15 girl’s event, however, both made great starts with Rosie finishing strongly in 10th and Amy finding her way back to form in 17th position. The Under 15 boy’s team has been boulstered this season, with athletes moving up from the younger age group. Fergus Roberts continued his excellent form to take 3rd place, followed by his team-mates, Marc Scott and James King, who finished in 4th and 6th respectively. Daniel Overin then claimed an excellent 10th place, handing the team victory. Not to be outdone, the Under 17 Men also recorded a win, thanks to convincing runs from all four athletes. Sam Wood and George Robinson looked in fine form, finishing within four seconds of each other and taking 2nd and 3rd places in the process. Tom Allen also made a strong return, taking 8th position overall, while Liam Fletcher finished convincingly in 10th, with the team looking strong this season.

The ladies team line-up had seven athletes and finished 2nd overall, which was a great boost. Kelley Haniver was one of the front runners, taking 4th place and Jo Adams produced another strong performance, finishing 12th overall, while Fiona Atkinson was next home, running extremely well in 15th position. Rosie Adams also had a good race, finishing in 23rd place, while Caroline Allen competed well in her first Cross Country event to cross the line in 35th position. Laura Wrigley enjoyed the course and finished in 47th place and Jenny Fenwick was next home in 48th to complete the team.

The men’s team had thirteen athletes in total and despite some missing faces, finished in 3rd place with relative ease. Doug Roberts was first on the scoreboard for the Harriers with a brilliant 8th place, while Ken Harker ran well to claim 17th. There were then 3 Harriers in close proximity with Shaun Purkiss finishing well up the field in 23rd and Tad Zaranko in 24th, with only one second separating them, while Ian Scott was pleased to cross the line in 26th place. Lawrence Corbett was another having a good run to finish in 31st position and Adam Scott competed well for 49th overall. Jim Robinson enjoyed a successful outing, taking 88th position and 2nd Vet 60, while Ray Robson was next home in a well-deserved 92nd overall. Chris Allen was on his first outing in club colours, competing well on the undulating course to take 99th place, with some good, consistent running.