Gala Harriers Challenge at National Cross Country Championships
February 12th, 2007A large Gala Harriers contingent made the trip through to the Central belt for the ScottishPower National Cross Country Championships in Falkirk.
The wintry conditions didn’t dampen spirits as the 10-race programme kicked off with the under-13 races, Dylan Howell (13.54) and Cameron Gowans (14.36) coming home in 62nd and 77th respectively from a field of 100 in the boys race.
The girls race proved to be one of the most exciting of the day, and was certainly worth a repeat viewing.
Gala’s Alice Haining, the 2006 National Champion, was up against her Edinburgh Southern rival Emily Owens and Kathryn Pennel of Pitreavie, all worthy contenders for the title. After leading from the start to the final straight, Haining found herself in a sprint finish with Owens, the result coming down to an officials decision with the vote going 3 v 2 in favour of the Edinburgh athlete.
Both recorded times of 12.35 over the 3.2km course.
Despite the individual disappointment, the Harriers team were an excellent 5th overall, twins Hannah (15th) and Emily Jones (36th) performing brilliantly in their National Cross Country debuts. Laura Anderson made up the scoring team, coming home in 86th place from a field of 117.
Harriet Murray (18.04) was first Harrier home in the under-15 girls race, with Gillian Inglis following in 18.51 over the 4km course. Former Harrier and local girl Laura Goodson was 29th in a time of 16.58.
Gala’s senior women had a good day overall, with Kate Jenkins, fresh from a top-10 finish in the scottishathletics 4km Cross Country Championships, first home for the club in 22nd place, recording 32.43 over the 8km course.
Katy Anderson (34.11) and Rachel Fagan (34.16) followed in 40th and 41st places respectively, making up the 3 counting runners to finish 7th team from 25.
Gillian Duncan ran a strong race to finish 70th in 36.18, with Melanie Goodson (36.40) close behind in 80th. Eileen Nicol (38.04) made up the full Harriers compliment, crossing the line in 98th position from 148 finishers.
The senior men’s race saw some fine individual performances for the Harriers, but overall, the team effort was disappointing.
Euan Jardine was first Harrier home in 44.54 over the 12km course, although his performance unfortunately didn’t reflect the good form he has shown recently as he finished in 92nd place from a field of 413.
Men’s captain Graham Murdoch made a strong return to competitive action after a month in New Zealand, recording a time of 48.19 to finish ahead of Martin Clark (49.48) and Fergus Johnson (50.05), with Magnus Inglis running a steady race to follow Fergus home in 50.54.
Tony Lunn (51.19), Robin Murray (53.34) and Malky Gowans (53.42) were next home, the latter two finishing in relatively quick succession. Will McDermott and Davie Darroch made up the men’s team, crossing the line in 57.37 and 59.45 respectively.
