Gala Harriers close their cross-country season with highs and lows
March 27th, 2004Gala Harriers competed in the last Winter XC race of the series at Lauder and had to yield the Team Championship to Dunbar RC after six years of dominance in the series. However there were still lots of successes for the harriers, where Sarah Mathers and Alice Haining both claimed the winners trophy in their junior age groups and were ably supported by Kirstie Thomson and Lucy Jones who were 2nd and 3rd respectively in the f12/13 and f14/15 categories.
In the senior event Martin Clarke retained his male Vet 45+, with Robin Murray picking up the 3rd Vet 45+ prize.
Iain Arnott missed the last race at St Abbs due to injury and was still feeling the effects on an undulating Lauder course and could only manage an 8th place finish on the day. On any normal day that would have been enough to ensure Iain of 2nd place in the Vet’s series but unfortunately there were 4 other vet’s in front of him on Sunday and Iain unluckily slipped down to 4th place in the final standings.
Leanne Haining was trying to emulate her daughter but had to be content with 2nd place in the ladies vet’s category after another typically gutsy run. Rosi Capper was determined to complete at least four races in the series and her determination was rewarded by claiming the ladies super vet’s title.
The other harrier running was David Darroch who is getting back into the swing of things after years off with a back injury. David was 29th on the day and will be hoping to complete all the races next season.
