galaharriers.com

Superb running from Gala women, young and old(er) secured a spectacular brace of runners up placings in the East District Cross Country League in Livingston on Saturday. Going into this, the final leg of three league races, both the Under 13 girls and the senior women were lying second in their categories and they needed to run well to hold on to these places and come away with what would be a fantastic achievement - second only to two of the strongest clubs in the area. And they did not disappoint. Deans Country Park in Livingston provided the ideal setting, the weather was fine although breezy and the course undulating with wet grass underfoot.

Over the 2.6 kilometre junior course the U13 squad of Hannah Jones, Lucy Morris, Martha Douglas, Emily Jones and Laura Anderson ran as if their lives depended on it and produced some excellent times and spirited finishes, ensuring that Gala Harriers finished in 2nd place on the day and took the runner’s up position overall – a fantastic result for the young team.

As they were celebrating, the senior squad of Kate Jenkins, Dianne Lauder, Katy Anderson and Rachel Fagan were clearly not to be outdone as they were also lying second overall as they sprinted off at the start of their 6.2k course. Packing closely for support, the first three girls mirrored the supreme efforts of their junior colleagues and although finishing third on the day, had done enough to keep hold of the closely fought runner’s up position, again a magnificent result for the Club.

(At the time of writing no results have yet been posted on the website but consult scottishathletics for details.)

Last to run were the senior men who have been finding it hard this season to emulate the success of the female club members. They nevertheless ran well-judged races, finishing a creditable 12th placed team on the day, an improvement on earlier outings. Running on a muddier course than everyone else, and finishing in this order were: Euan Jardine, Graeme Murdoch, Fergus Johnstone, Martin Clarke, Derek Brydon, Alastair Lawrie and Malky Gowans.

The next fixture for the Harriers is at Spittal where the 5th round of the Borders Winter Cross Country series is to be held – juniors at 11.30, seniors at 12 noon on Sunday 27th January.

IMAGE – caption: Kate Jenkins, Dianne Lauder and Katy Anderson battle it out for Gala Harriers in Livingston.)

Posted on Monday, January 21st, 2008 at 7:44 am and is filed under News, Race Reports.
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