Grand Prix Express North Wales

 Cross Country League.

Round 1; Colwyn Bay, 27/9/2008.

Photos

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