XC Oswestry & Weekly News 05-02-2017
Published In Cross Country PRC News
As expected, the final fixture of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross-Country League was a cause for celebration at Prestatyn Running Club, bringing individual and team honours.
On a drier than usual course at Oswestry Steve Skates had a “blinder”, coming second overall in a thrillingly tight finish, and that helped to cement the team‘s promotion from Division 2 as runners-up.
Behind him Andrew Bromley had another fine run, and there was great support down the field from the likes of Darrell Davies, Rob Alexander and James Williamson.
Slightly further back was stalwart Arwel Jones, marking the 40th anniversary of his first appearance in the League as a 17-year-old.
In the ladies’ race Helen Ashworth did a real captain’s job in leading the team home and helping to consolidate their Division 1 place next season. Ally Reid, surely one of the most improved competitors in the League, had another excellent run, and it was good to have Coral McShane back after illness.
Over the five-race series Steve Skates finished 6th in the senior men’s class, Benjamin Harrison second U20, John Hickman won the M75 category, Mike Davis was third M65, George Nixon 3rd M60 and Coral McShane was runner-up in the U20 section.
The placings at Oswestry were:-
Senior men:
- 2 Steve Skates 35.20
- 26 Andrew Bromley 40.12
- 33 Darrell Davies 41.06
- 65 Rob Alexander 43.59
- 71 James Williamson 44.17
- 95 George Nixon 46.20 (2nd M60)
- 99 Benjamin Harrison 47.24 (3rd U20)
- 112 Des Davies 49.13
- 113 Gareth Bailey 49.31
- 120 Nick Wood 50.21
- 129 Arwel Jones 53.26
- 130 Wyn Roberts 53.53
- 133 Mike Davis 54.22 (2nd M65)
M70:
- 1 Gareth Hughes 29.25
- 4 Steve Hatfield 33.13
M75:
- 1 Roger Harrison-Jones 33.52
- 2 John Hickman 33.54.
Ladies:
- 25 Helen Ashworth 25.58
- 40 Ally Reid 27.32
- 53 Coral McShane 29.02 (2nd U20)
- 54 Jo Hoppes 29.06
- 71 Gabby Waring 30.59
- 97 Claire Manley 38.32.
Club captain Russ Cheetham commented: “It’s been a great all-round team performance this season and everyone who ran can feel proud of themselves.”
Two members gave the final League fixture a miss to get in some speedwork at the Alsager 5-mile road race, which always attracts a quality field. It paid off for both of them, Amie Bagnall taking over a minute off her pb in 30.40 and Matty Smith also claiming a new pb of 31.26.
Two other club members were also in cross-country action the same day. Abbie Cheetham and Leah Miles both represented Keele University at the British Universities’ championships in Sheffield. Abbie finished 405th in 36.28 and Leah 607th in 48.15.
Teenager Callum Dally had an excellent outing in the Conwy Parkrun, finishing 27th overall in a new pb of 23.16. Jack and Leon McKenna finished together in 29.42 and Julia Evans ran with her eight-year-old step-granddaughter Shilah, finishing in 31.36.