Norham X/C 2011
February 6th, 2011The torrential rains of the latter part of last week plus incessant rain on the day ensured the usual levels of glorious mud for the Norham round of the Borders Winter Cross Country on Sunday.
The 56 juniors, a quarter of which were Gala Harriers had to endure sodden fields with a steady ascent for the first half and Rowan Marr, despite a tough training session the previous day bettered his last outing to finish 2nd overall and move up to 2nd in his age group on the day in 11 minutes 43 seconds. Fraser Wardhaugh, (also back to back training) romped home in 4th position overall, pleased with his time of 12.14. Paul Henney (likewise) squeaked in in 6th and 2nd in his age category in a well-judged 12.23, with Nathan Cox running equally well in 13.21. Next home for the Harriers was young Andrew Hogg in 13.44 coming a well-deserved 3rd in his category of M8-11 years. Isla King had a grand race finishing as 2nd girl and 1st in her category in 14.00, beating Martha Douglas who was making a welcome return to competition in 14.28. Alex Freer had a good run in 14.29 followed by Cara Hogg (15.12 and 3rd in her F8-11 age group). Zoe Pflug (15.35) and Jo Arres (15.37) came over the line in close order with Morven Cawthorn (16.06) and Marshall Smith (16.09) reversing the order of their previous race at Spittal. Mark Purves completed the set in 17.39, picking off other young runners around him with a good finish. Many of the Gala juniors are lying well up in their age categories after 3 rounds with only one to come in Dunbar.
The rain hadn’t eased by the time the 107 seniors stepped up for their mudbaths but such is the route, the opportunity to wash off the mud in the frequent river crossings enabled them to come through relatively unscathed. Although rhythms are broken by having to leap across water so often, 15 Harriers were led home in fine fashion by Mark Bryson in 6th position with his run in 28.35 giving him 2nd place in the M40-44 category. David Moffat (29.05), Paul Daly (30.37) and Colin McCall (31.08) were the next 3 Harriers home, with Alastair Lawrie (32.24) Ian Maxwell (32.26) and Dave Nightingale (32.54) and 3rd in his category following them. Fiona Dalgleish this time beat Bob Marshall home, running in 34.01 and 34.08 respectively, 2nd and 1st in their different categories too. Next came James Purves in a fast improving time of 37.00 with Fiona Shepherd (38.30 and 1st in category) Eileen Maxwell (40.27) Matthew Purves (42.32) Dawn Grant (43.09 and 3rd) and Shelagh King (46.18 and 2nd) rounding off the Gala line up before they could all head home for a welcome shower.
