Start Fitness Harrier League - Aykley Heads / Wallington (BRC XC Comp Races 3 and 4)
[Tue
2nd Dec]
22/11/14 - Aykley Heads NEHL
The NEHL resumed this week with a new venue at Aykley Heads in Durham where the hosting responsibilities
were shared by a collaboration of the local clubs. Not running this event
personally, the photos and reports afterwards certainly looked as though the
course proved a good albeit muddy challenge.
First back for the Blyth men was Brad Clough, a performance
which will earn him promotion to the fast pack. Second came Graeme Stewart who
missed out on promotion to the medium pack by the narrowest of margins. Third
place for Blyth was Dale Smith, who with the help of the other top 6 Blyth runners
ensured the men finished in 1st place in division 3.
For the ladies Julie Lemin ran well
and managed to stay in front of Leanne Herron who started from the Medium pack.
Finishing 3rd for Blyth was Sue Browning, a great effort from Sue, who with Ewa Johnson completed their first cross country races.
29/11/14 – Wallington Hall NEHL
The following week the NEHL switched to Wallington Hall where it
was the turn of Morpeth Harriers to host the event. This was the 2nd time of
running for the Wallington venue and after days of rain the going was mostly
soft although the hills on this course are pretty moderate.
This was the highest turn out of the XC season for the senior
men with 15 finishers. In form Graeme Stewart ran particularly well and was
first back for Blyth (promoted to medium pack), followed by Rob Barclay and then
Brad Clough starting from the fast pack. The strong men’s team finished with
top points in division 3 for the second time in a row. We are now lying in 2nd with
a good change of promotion and it’s only because we hosted the 1st NEHL event
at Cramlington that we aren’t top already!
5 ladies turned out to field another complete team. Heather
Christopher had an excellent race and was unlucky not to finish in the top 10
and was 11th overall, this will earn Heather promotion into the medium pack.
Behind Heather was Julie, Helen, Hayley and the ever-present Anne.
Well done all! Great attendance and some great performances!
After 4 league races now completed, the BRC trophy positions are
currently as follows: (with full results on the web site)
2.
Bradley Clough
3.
Sam Dodd
V. Martin Scott (V40)
1.
Julie
2.
Heather
3.
Helen
V. Sue Browning (V40)
The next fixture in the BRC XC league is the North Eastern
Championships on Saturday 13th December.