GALA GIRLS STRIKE SILVER IN THE GRANITE CITY
December 12th, 2011North east Scotland was the destination for a dozen Gala Harriers who fought through the surprising dump of snow on Saturday morning to a cold crisp Aberdeen for the East District Cross Country Championships.
The newly-created Team Borders, already so successful in the League was not in evidence at the championships as only individual clubs compete, but the Under 17 Gala girls clearly wanted to replicate the success that they have already achieved this season with the composite team. Lucy Henderson-Morris (17 minutes 54 seconds), Kerry Sandilands (18.12) and Becky Couch (19.05) brought home the Gala team in 8th, 11th and 13th place respectively, clinching a superb second team place and with it the silver medal. The girls should be congratulated on what is a massive achievement, both individually and for their club and testament to their exceptionally hard work in training sessions.
The three senior ladies posted an excellent set of performances over the longer course; another stellar run from Dianne Lauder in 24.37 placed her 7th, while Rachel Fagan (27.36) and Fiona Shepherd (30.21) ran strongly to finish in 28th and 49th in a substantial field of competitors from each end of eastern Scotland.
Half a dozen senior Gala men, including a masters team mingled with the 135 others across the longest course of the day and brought home a 10th placing for the less senior chaps and an excellent 8th for the masters or veterans/super vets. The club was led home by Fergus Johnston in a very creditable 35 minutes 44 seconds, with Graeme Murdoch second Harrier home in 39.38. Magnus Inglis followed in 41.47, with Dave Nightingale running a mature race in 41.55, backed up by Derrick Brydon (42.21) and Billy McCulloch (44.34).
For the Sporting Week Ahead: Next outing for the Harriers is their own Ladhope Cross Country race on Saturday 17th December, starting at the Heatheryett at 11am.
Rachel Says:
Well done, to everyone who made the long and difficult journey up to Aberdeen and ran well on what was a very cold and challenging course.