Fergus Shines in the Cold and Wet of Cupar
March 6th, 2004Four Gala Harriers made their way to Cupar on Saturday to take part in the National Veteran’s Cross-Country Championships It looked like it was going to be a pleasant afternoon’s race until the starter gun fired to set off the 185 competitors and also started a torrential downpour, which made conditions very tough on the numerous uphill climbs.
Fergus Cochrane ran an excellent race to finish in 15th place in a time of 38.16 over the 10-km course, with Jack Knox finishing very strongly to pip Martin Clarke on the line. Jack’s time of 42.20 left him 64th overall but 2nd in the Vet’s 60+ category, with Martin finishing 65th in 42.22. Alastair Laurie may have looked like a vet for a few years now but this was the first time he could actually take part in the championships, his time of 43.49 gave him a respectable 87th place finish and helped the harriers claim 9th team overall.
There was no ladies team this year in a championship, which they won, only two years ago but the ladies were not skiving off as most of them were taking part in a coaches training session run by Scottish Athletics coach Sandy Robertson. Sandy put everyone through their paces in all aspects of athletics from running, jumping and throwing. Hopefully his efforts and the enthusiasm from the Gala coaches should see some positive results when junior training starts at the Tweedbank track on Thursday 1st of April.
St Abbs was the venue for the fifth race in the Eastern Borders Winter XC Series on Sunday. Martin Clarke was obviously feeling no ill effects from his race the day before and ran a good race to finish 12th and first in the vet’s 45+ category, another good race in two weeks time at Lauder should see him retain the title he won last season.
Robin Murray and Leanne Haining were in the rare position this season of being the next counters in the harrier’s team, as they finished 17th and 18th respectively. With Dunbar winning the team race again it looks like the six year long grip on the team trophy which Gala have enjoyed has come to an end.
David Darroch is beginning to get back into shape and was too strong for Jim Langsdale as they finished 23rd and 24th. Jim is definitely getting the hang of these cross-country races, his pained expression at the end of the race was a big improvement on the agonised one he had at the last race held at Galashiels.
Rosi Capper showed lots of guts and determination to limp her way round after pulling a calf muscle and finished 46th but first in her age category.
Sarah Mathers had another excellent run in the junior race to finish 9th overall and first in her age category, with club mate Kirstie Thomson finishing strongly to claim 17th place and 2nd behind Sarah in the f12/13 age group. Alice Haining sprinted down the last 400 metres of the course picking off runners on her way to an excellent 14th place finish and 1st in the u11 category.
Next race for the harriers will be the Round the Houses 10k at Grangemouth on Sunday 14th March. This will be a counting race for the club championship and a good turn out is expected.
