Grand Prix Express North Wales
Cross Country League.
Round 1; Colwyn Bay, 27/9/2008.
Despite injuries to key members before and during the races, Abergele Harriers still managed to have ten men and six women complete the first round of the Grand Prix Express Cross Country League in Colwyn Bay, and although team results were disappointing there were many outstanding individual performances. Hero of the day was Carol Willgoose, who despite injuring her ankle mid way through the first lap of her two lap race, after some first aid treatment from Club Captain Geran Hughes, himself injured and unable to run, she got up and worked her way back from last position to 57th overall, a counting position for the newly promoted women’s team. Jenny Richards, making her debut on the grass had a much more enjoyable day, finishing an excellent 41st overall, first female Harrier home. Richards was pushed all the way by Angie Hughes, another member just back from injury, who finished 44th, and cross country veteran Allison Guillemin, in 48th. Sonia Wignall and Annwen Begley, two Harriers who always seem to enjoy the challenge of the cross country, also ran excellently finishing in 70th and 74th positions respectively.
For the men, in a record-sized field, Darren Blazier and Sean McCormack had a fantastic battle at the front with Blazier, who was making only his third ever appearance on grass, eventually coming out on top, finishing in 11th position, and McCormack just behind in 12th, by far his best ever league finishing position. The duo were originally joined by Josh Dixon, but he unfortunately got injured half way through the race and had to withdraw. Third Harrier home was Tim Cahill, finishing in 48th, an excellent position considering the quality of the field, while Steven McCormack also finished in a very respectful 61st overall. Ever-reliable Grahame Shone finished in 116th, with Keith Elliott, another Harrier on form at present, finishing in a superb 122nd. Paul Thomas ran a very solid race, finishing in 144th, while Dave Edwards, who sandwiched the race between half-marathons last and next week, was just behind in 148th. Alan Lucas in 163rd, and Steve Ward in 170th, completed the team, while Matthew Ashton, unfortunately didn’t even manage to start the race, injuring himself on the warm-up. Thanks also to the many club members, who despite injury turned up in numbers to support the team.
Ladies positions;
Name |
Position |
Time |
Jenny Richards |
39 |
22:20 |
Angie Hughes |
42 |
22:38 |
Alison Guillemin |
46 |
23:48 |
Carol Willgoose |
53 |
25:19 |
Sonia Wignall |
65 |
28:11 |
Annwen Begley |
69 |
29:16 |
Ladies Team Total |
180 |
|
Mens Positions;
Name |
Position |
Time |
Darren Blazier |
11 |
33:01 |
Sean McCormack |
12 |
33:12 |
Tim Cahill |
48 |
36:12 |
Steven McCormack |
61 |
36:54 |
Grahame Shone |
116 |
41:23 |
Keith Elliott |
122 |
41:46 |
Paul Thomas |
144 |
44:17 |
Dave Edwards |
148 |
44:35 |
Alan Lucas |
163 |
47:20 |
Steve Ward |
170 |
60:51 |
Josh Dixon |
DNF |
|
Men’s Team Total |
370 |
|
Men's Division 1 after 1st Round
Team | Points |
Shrewsbury AC | 125 |
Wrexham AC | 176 |
Telford AC | 179 |
Eryri Harriers | 230 |
Colwyn Bay AC | 257 |
Abergele Harriers | 370 |
Tattenhall Runners | 534 |
Buckley Runners | 737 |
Men's Veteran League after 1st Round
Team | Points |
Shrewsbury AC | 28 |
Wrexham AC | 44 |
Prestatyn RC | 65 |
Maldwyn Harriers | 66 |
Vale Royal | 71 |
Abergele Harriers | 82 |
Eryri Harriers | 89 |
Oswestry Olympians | 91 |
Colwyn Bay AC | 100 |
Denbigh Harriers | 104 |
Tattenhall Runners | 105 |
Buckley Runners | 119 |
Wrecsam Tri | 121 |
Bro Dysynni RC | 256 |
Ladies 1st Division after 1st Round
Team | Points |
Eryri Harriers | 44 |
Oswestry Olympians | 53 |
Colwyn Bay AC | 64 |
Wrexham AC | 76 |
Buckley Runners | 93 |
Tattenhall Runners | 107 |
Abergele Harriers | 180 |
Ladies Veteran League after 1st Round
Team | Points |
Colwyn Bay AC | 19 |
Oswestry Olympians | 25 |
Wrexham AC | 32 |
Eryri Harriers | 44 |
Buckley Runners | 51 |
Denbigh Harriers | 58 |
Abergele Harriers | 77 |
Vale Royal | 88 |
Wrecsam Tri | 97 |
Bro Dysynni RC | 114 |