X-C Update Mar 2015

[Thu 19th Mar]

The final two NEHL events of the season marked an end to the XC season for another year. The events at Alnwick and Wrekenton were also the 10th and 11th fixtures in the BRC XC competition. With all running completed, the top 3 and highest veteran places in the men’s and ladies leagues are now decided. Race reports can be found below including details of the trophy winners.

NEHL Alnwick

Saturday 28th February 2015

In the senior men’s race the performance of the day went to Joseph Woods who started from the slow pack and finished in 19th position overall. This was Joseph’s first race in this year’s XC competition which saw him immediately promoted to the medium pack. Robbie Barkley also had a strong run to finish as the 2nd Blyth runner. Chris Sheffer and Callum Storey also had a good race with Chris getting down the funnel just before Callum, although both recorded the same time.

In the ladies race Rachelle Falloon was first Blyth lady home, who managed to hold off Heather Christopher who started from the medium pack. Sue Browning also had a very good run to finish as the 3rd Blyth runner. Sue was then followed home by XC regulars, Julie Lemin, Hayley Raithby, Helen Morris and Anne Craddock.

NEHL Wrekenton

Saturday 14th Mar 2015

Robbie Barkley improved on his 2nd place at Alnwick to lead the men’s home with another solid performance. Graeme Stewart was next back for Blyth and doesn’t seem to have lost much fitness after his short layoff through injury. Martin Scott, also running well finished in 3rd followed by Dave Bradley and Ralph Dickinson. Unfortunately the men didn’t manage to get a full team out to collect points in the NEHL team competition but a good turnout over the course of the season ensured 2nd place in Division 3 which was enough for promotion. Well done chaps! For the record the highest male finishers in the NEHL individual competition were Graeme Stewart (senior) and Robbie Barkley (vet).

For the BRC ladies Rachelle Falloon had an absolute stormer and finished in 10th place and will surely be promoted to medium for next season. Next back was Heather Christopher who started from the medium pack. Rachelle’s overall time was 1 second faster than Heather’s so that’s shaping up for an interesting dual if both run from the same pack next season. Sue Browning followed up in 3rd place for the second NEHL fixture in a row and seems to have found a real strength in XC running. The ladies team finished in a respectable 13th position in Division 2 out of 37 teams in that division. Highest female finishers in the NEHL individual competition were Leanne Herron (senior) and Heather Christopher who finished as the 25th highest vet.

Final X-C Competition Standings

In the BRC competition Graeme Stewart finished 1st with 99 points. A close battle took place for 2nd and 3rd but Martin Scott just managed to edge it with 72 points to Dave Bradleys 69. Steve Dobby made a strong start to the XC season and despite a recent injury still had enough early points on the board to hold off a late charge from Robbie Barkley on the M40+ trophy, Steve finished with 49 points to Robbie’s 46.

In the BRC competition Heather Christopher was 1st with 72 points. XC lover Helen Morris finished in 2nd place with 60 points, 3 points ahead of Julie Lemin who’s ran well all season finishing in 3rd overall. Highest place M40+ trophy goes to Anne Craddock with 43 points. Anne participated in 10 out of the 11 fixtures, a feat matched only by Dave Bradley.

And so the season concludes with BRC participation at the Northern and National Championships, a team promotion, many individual pack promotions and a load of great performances. Congratulations to the trophy winners – all extremely well deserved!