April 2003

Northumberland College Wansbeck 10km.
Ashington.  Wed. 30th April.
Morpeth's Paul Johnson was an easy winner of last night's Northumberland College 10km Multi Terrain event, taking the trophy for the thid successive year. Johnson came home over a minute clear of Alnwick's Stuart Pringle, with another Morpeth Harrier, Gavin Bayne taking third place. Elswick's Vicky Russell also gained a hat trick of victories in the Womens' race, finishing in 13th position, overall.
Result.
1 P Johnson (Morp, M40) 34:25;  2 S Pringle (Aln) 35:27; 3 G Bayne (Morp, M45) 36:27; 4 S White (Els, M55) 36:29; 5 R Barkley (Blyth) 36:55; 6 G McDougal (Morp, M45) 37:41; 7 S Kirtley (Morp, U17) 38:12; 8 B Henderson (Morp, U17) 38:53; 9 G Dixon (Morp, M40) 39:11; 10 J Wood (Morp, U17) 39:41  Team: Morpeth 17
Women: 1 V Russell (Els) 39:49; 2 N Grey (Aur) 42:17; 3 S Welch (Morp, W35) 47:42
(Newcastle Journal: Thurs. 1st May 2003).

Additional Comments: Only report used. Will resubmit results for next Monday (5th). Bright sunny evening but breezy. 71 runners (at leat two dropped out), which was better than the previous two years. Probable Womens' course record, though no previous statistics kept. A good event but is given a very low profile. Very few prizes and they are trophies. Results are also very limited and as expected only an M40 or W35 category. Acting as a marshal was Nicola Halliday. Saw runners by river after about 3M. Johnson had 25 secs lead over Pringle, with a group of three a further 50 secs behind. Pringle, who is a new name to me, also ran well at Blyth. Other age-category performances included Geoff Hume (M60) (38th in 45:24) and Ray Laverick (M65) (52nd in 51:48). Heaton had two runners: 37 Allen Mulliss 44:58 and 58 George Routledge 57:52. The Golds were due to run but did not turn up.
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National Junior Track and Field League.
Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.  Sun. 27th April.
Selected Winners.
Men: 1 Gateshead 275; 2 Birchfield 238.5; 3 Notts AC 234.5; 4 Sale, Manchester 222; 5 Middlesbrough-Mandale 221; 6 Liverpool H 202; 7 City of Stoke 200; 8 Bolton 168.
100: P Vickers (Midd) 11.5  400: S Gill (Midd) 49.3  1500: C Parr (Gate) 3:59.8  400H: C Glanville (Gate, U17) 56.9  B: D Pope (Gate) 57.8  HJ: D Burns (Gate) 1.98  TJ: J Stacey (Gate) 13.20  B: A Sturrock (Gate) 12.98  DT: L Richards (Midd) 45.23
Women: 1 Liverpool H 259; 2 Wakefield 247; 3 Sale, Manchester 230; 4 Gateshead 198; 5 Birchfield 193.5; 6 Edinburgh WM 191; 7 Notts AC 174; 8 Trafford 148
100: T Ameobi (Gate) 13.0  200: T Ameobi 25.6  1500: S Crowe (Gate, U17) 4:57.8  400H: E Morris (Gate) 65.1  HJ: 1= E Morris 1.60
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 5th May 2003).

Additional Comments: Results courtesy of Chris Betts. Too late for previous week, but resubmitted here. "North East All Stars" did well in Mens' match, but need more "recruits" for Womens' team. Good to see Titi back. Still think she is better over 200m.
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Blyth Valley 10M Road Race.
Sun. 27th April.
Less than 24 hours after competing for his club in the National 12 Stage relay, Stewart Bell of Chester le Street repeated his 2002 victory in yesterday's Blyth Valley 10M Road Race. On the route from Cramlington to Blyth via Seaton Delaval, Bell was joined in the early stages by Morpeth teenager Kirk Wilson and Jon Archer of Low Fell. The challenge faded after the first 2M, and in the favourable conditions, Bell pulled away to a 2mins 5secs victory over Gateshead's Michael Thompson, with Archer taking third place. Wilson in fifth position was joined by leading veterans, Les Atkinson (7th) and Paul Johnson (8th), as Morpeth secured the team prize. Jarrow and Hebburn's Claire Smallwood easily won the Womens' race finishing 28th in the 330 strong field. 2002 winner, Judith Nutt of Elswick took second place, with Angela Hunter in third, ensuring Jarrow and Hebburn won the team event.
Result.
1 S Bell (CleS) 50:42; 2 M Thompson (Gate) 52:47; 3 J Archer (Low F) 53:14; 4 M McDonald (Low F) 53:40; 5 K Wilson (Morp, U17) 53:54; 6 A Tatham (Quak) 53:57; 7 L Atkinson (Morp, M45) 54:31; 8 P Johnson (Morp, M40) 54:44; 9 I Twaddle (NSP) 54:48; 10 M Slesser (J&H) 54:57; 11 S Pringle (Aln) 55:08; 12 P Walker (Blay) 55:09; 13 I Scott (Quak, M45) 56:30; 14 E Makin (Dur) 56:57; 15 S Clark (NSP, M40) 57:03; 16 T Mellor (NSP, M40) 57:20; 17 D Hall (NSP, M40) 57:46; 18 M Jones (SSh, M40) 57:49; 19 P Grey (Aln, M45) 57:54; 20 M McNally (Els, M55) 57:55  Further Veterans: M50 - P Embleton (Aln) 61:25  M60 - T O'Gara (Walls) 62:42  M65 - B Cordes (Morp) 67:50  Teams: 1 Morpeth 20; 2 Low Fell 37; 3 North Shields Poly 40
Women: 1 C Smallwood (J&H) 59:18; 2 J Nutt (Els) 62:45; 3 A Hunter (J&H) 64:29; 4 K Bentley (Birt, W35) 66:55; 5 T Laws (Derw) 68:10; 6 L Walker (Walls) 69:05; 7 K Davis (NSP, W35) 69:23; 8 S Evans (J&H, U17) 69:48; 9 J Heatherington (unatt) 70:21; 10 M Holt (Sun) 70:53; 11 A Adams (CleS, W45) 71:00; 12 A Nott (Heat, W40) 71:12; 13 C Young (Blyth, W45) 71:25; 14 H Lambert (unatt, W45) 71:42; 15 S Calvert (Morp, W35) 71:53  Further Veterans: W50 - S Greener (Blyth) 75:12  W55 - P Gold (Heat) 80:53  W60 - 1 K Stewart (NSP) 79:48; 2 E Armstrong (Tyne) 80:33  Teams: 1 Jarrow and Hebburn 12; 2 Sunderland 43; 3 Blyth 57
(Newcastle Journal: Mon 28th April 2003).

Additional Comments: All used but in small print. Bright but breezy day. Wind helped runners most of way. Quite warm. 328 finishers (last time 2:02 so no Ted). Slightly confused as to positioning of first Mile marker. Leaders passed in 5:26 and Claire in 5:55, which seemed slow, compared to final time. However both winners said they started too fast. Good run from three Jarrow girls. Sara Evans seems to be getting quite fit. David Tait finished 310th in 91:20. No age-category after M65 so not sure whether Harry C was first M70 ? Thanks to host club for full results.  Heaton fielded 21 athletes. Anita was 150th and Pam (258th).
Other Placings: 52 Sean Kelly 62:12; 83 Ian Legge 65:40; 99 Vaughan Lewis 67:01; 106 Ted Baty 68:04; 113 Howard Gold 68:43; 149 Allen Mulliss 71:10; 168 John Josephs 72:59; 171 Jeff Wilson 73:10; 200 Gary Campbell 75:43; 211 Susan Auld 76:36 (26L); 214 Shirley Atkinson 76:38 (27L); 221 Kelly McEntee 77:02 (30L); 260 Jo Parkinson 81:09 (43L); 266 Helen Mitford 81:38 (48L); 313 Marg Finn 89:39 (59L); 304 Kate Forsyth 89:39 (60L); 305 Scott McEntee 89:39; 321 Harry Craven 98:32; 323 George Routledge 99:28. Official results had Kelly M and Kate F the other way round. Mens' team 20th / Womens' team 5th.
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National Road Relay Championships.
Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield.  Sat. 26th April.
Chester Le Street gained the bronze medals in the Womens' event, and Morpeth finished fourth in the Mens' race at Saturday's National  Road Relay Championships, at Sutton Coldfield. Dianne Henaghan led home the field on Chester Le Street's first leg, before Angie Wilson dropped to fifth. Caroline Bowman lost anoother place, before Ruth Brown moved up to fourth. Heather Robinson maintained the position, and Morag McDonnell progressed to third on the final leg. Sale and Windsor, Slough and Eton took the first two places.
Morpeth had expected to improve on last year's third position, in the Mens' 12 Stage race, but were never higher than fourth. In fact they occupied this position, after Terry Wall's fifth leg moved them up from 7th. Belgrave retained the title from Tipton and Birchfield.
Runners with North East connections gained medals for other teams. Michael Openshaw led for Birchfield on leg 1, clocking the second fastest time of the day. David Anderson ran from the front on Belgrave's fourth leg. Sonia Thomas ran the first leg for Sale (16:49), and Carolyn Dickie ran the second leg for Windsor, Slough and Eton (17:12).
Results.
Men 12 Stage.  1 Belgrave; 2 Tipton; 3 Birchfield; 4 Morpeth 4:13:42 (M Morris 26:50, I Hollingsworth 14:58, S Platts 27:18, R Kay 15:26, T Wall 27:35, A Toward 14:52, I Hudspith 26:28, G Sharp 15:20, M Hudspith 26:31, R Holladay 15:28, M Brown 27:57, D Swinburne 14:59); 5 Salford
Fastest Times: Short Leg (3M 100yds): 1 C Thompson (Aldershot F&D) 13:47; 2 C Davies 13:50; 3 C Livesey 13:52; 5 D Anderson (Belg) 14:17
Long Leg (5M 600yds): 1 M McCarthy (London I) 25:48; 2 M Openshaw (Birch) 26:01; 3 A O'Connor 26:03; 4 M Scaife (CleS) 26:06
Women: 6 Stage:  1 Sale; 2 Windsor Slough Eton and Hounslow; 3 Chester Le Street 1:45:32 (D Henaghan 16:20, A Wilson 18:18, C Bowman 18:43, R Brown 16:58, H Robinson 18:42, M McDonald 16:31); 4 Shaftesbury Barnet; 5 Reading
Fastest Time (3M 100yds):  H Yelling (Windsor) 15:59.
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 28th April 2003).

Additional Comments: Most info used but in small print. This was only information available before 6.00pm Sunday. Problems with full results on day (this info from Kevin Carr), which meant they did not appear on website until late on Sunday evening. First five on ukathletics site on Saturday night, but no total team times and no fastest Womens' times. Weather was dry but cool and breezy. Sunderland were 12th. Kathryn Waugh withdrew the previous day, through injury. If she had ran, Chester Le Street would have been 2nd, but Sale won by 4mins. Henaghan was third fastest overall, and McDonnell 5th (Kelly Gilibrand was second best in 16:13). Chris Lamb was missing from Chester Le Street team through illness. Morpeth only had one lady athlete, Liz Ranger (19th in 19:30). Meryl Dodd was sole Bingley runner (13th in 17:27). Morpeth could well have missed a golden chance of victory as their "leading" runners, are getting older and slightly slower. They may need more "imports". Michael Openshaw went straight to Derby match (Sunderland 0 Newcastle 1) after run. Good run from Scaife who ran first leg (3rd).
Updated news (from AW and website): 57 male and 28 female teams finished. Chris O'Connell ran 7th leg for Sale (6th at finish) in 28:37 dropping from 8th to 11th. Sunderland (4:21:59) splits were B Rushworth 26:57 (14), G Massingham 15:46 (12), M Hood (26:53) (4), P Martin 15:22 (5), R Kemp 28:11 (7), M Donkin 15:40 (6), A Lilliendale 28:50 (10), N Younger 15:34 (8), S Potts 29:25 (12), S Coxon 15:52 (12), T Field 28:03 (11) and P Groark 16:06. Chester Le Street (25th in 4:33:54) splits (not good enough for AW) were Scaife 26:06, A Roberts 15:28 (6), S Bell 27:17 (3), S O'Donnell 15:24 (4), I Bloomfield 29:47 (12), M Tomlinson 16:03 (13), P Embleton 29:40 (17), S Winter 17:39 (20), G Thraves 30:02 (24), D Cheshire 17:05 (25), S Wells 32:09 and G Robinson 17:14.
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North Eastern Athletics League.
Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.  Wed. 23rd April.
Results.
Senior Men:  100: 1 N Wiscombe (J&H) 11.3; 2 S Smith (Gate) 11.6; 3 D Greaves (J&H, U20) 11.9  800: 1 G Massingham (Sun) 1:52.3; 2 R McLeod (Els, U20) 1:55.7; 3 V Wilson (Morp) 1:56.4  LJ: P Coates (Dur) 6.03  DT: P Coates 28.63
Under 17 Men:  100: P Moore (Morp) 11.9  800: 1 K Flannery (Gate) 2:02.8; 2 L Timmins (Gosf) 2:03.9; 3 M Wilson (J&H) 2:04.9  LJ: G Simpson (Gate) 5.70  DT: R Ward (H&P) 38.56
Under 15 Boys:  100: 1 A Dalby (Gate) 12.2; 2 S Dale (Morp) 12.3  800: J Pearson (Els) 2:14.1  C: A Stanton (SSh) 2:13.8  HJ: 1 J Newby (SSh) 1.50; 2 M Docherty (Birt) 1.50; 3 N Ridgeon (SSh) 1.50  DT: P Brown (Black B) 23.96
Under 13 Boys: 100: 1 N Flannery (Gate) 13.7; 2 G Howard (Gate) 13.9  800: 1 N Flannery 2:26.4; 2 S Fenwick (Blay) 2:29.0
Senior Women:  100: 1 E Morris (SSh, U20) 12.9; 2 N Roe (Morp) 13.5; 3 R Archer (Morp) 13.6  800: 1 E Grant (Hillingdon) 2:13.1; 2 J Elliott (Blay) 2:19.9; 3 C Wilson (Morp) 2:22.5  LJ: E Morris 5.02
Under 17 Women:  100: E Wood (Black B) 12.9  800: D James (Morp) 2:28.7  LJ: 1 R Abbs (Dur) 5.42; 2 L Hunter (SSh) 4.63
Under 15 Girls: 100: 1 L Cowell (Sun) 12.9; 2 Steph Lamb (SSh) 13.3  800: L Rawlings (Blay) 2:34.3  HJ: Steph Lamb 1.40  DT: 1 A Maddison (Gate) 32.71; 2 S Dodd (Els) 26.19
Under 13 Girls:  100: 1 L Welch (Gate) 14.2; 2 S-K Crowell (J&H) 14.2; 3 N Pearson (H&P) 14.4  800: 1 E Spoor (Sun) 2:32.7; 2 S-K Crowell 2:32.9
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 28th April 2003).

Additional Comments: Results sent as WM was not there (in hospital but recovering ok). Weather slight breeze (not helping sprinters) and getting quite cool. Good 800m turn-out (only two heats Senior Men, however) but poor in sprints. Excellent in-depth Senior A race with whole field breaking 2mins. Other times were 4 S Moralee 1:56.9; 5 D Samuels 1:57.0; 6 M Armstrong 1:57.7; 7 C Lamb 1:58.3; 8 D Graham 1:58.8 (eased up before line). Massingham was impressive. McLeod struggled with the pace on first lap, but came through strongly in last 200m.  Paul Hutton won B race (2:02.1) from John Moore (2:02.6). Good night for Emma Morris, who was also 4th in B 800m (2:24.3-a pb surely).
Best performance awards went to Niall Flannery (800m) and A Maddison (Flannery was more inside Grade 2 standard than Massingham).
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Weekly Round-up
(to 20th April).
Martin Scaife won the Guisley Gallop, in West Yorkshire, on 20th April, in a time of 34:05.
Michael Scott (Border) won the Keswick Round-the-Houses race on 16th April, in a time of 27:59. Richard Kemp was 2nd (28:11) and Bev Blakeman was first lady (34:06). Info from AW.
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Hartlepool Easter Egg 10km Multi Terrain.
Seaton Carew.  Mon. 21st Apl.
Chester Le Street based Birchfield Harrier, Michael Openshaw, gained his second Easter victory at yesterday's Hartlepool Easter Egg Multi Terrain event. Openshaw, successful 3 days earlier in the Bydales 10M at New Marske, soon dominated the field. Despite slowing down on two occasions, to ask the chasing local runners, the correct route, Openshaw still came home with 38secs to spare over Rickie Wilson of Scarborough. Steve Everett of Durham was the leading veteran, in third place. Newly-crowned British Veterans' Over 45 Cross Country champion, Sheila Allen of Houghton and Peterlee, repeated her 2002 victory in the Womens' race. Allen fought off an early challenge from Donna James of Elvet, with Dawn Elliott of Chester Le Street taking third place.
Result.
1 M Openshaw (Birch) 32:38; 2 R Wilson (Scar) 33:16; 3 S Everett (Dur, M40) 33:43; 4 M Slesser (J&H) 34:15; 5 I Cook (Hart, M40) 34:25; 6 M Armstrong (Hart) 35:21; 7 G Grounds (unatt) 35:33; 8 J Skidmore (Midd) 36:53; 9 R Simpson (Bill MH) 37:00; 10 A Jenkins (Morp, M50) 37:28; 11 C Rafferty (T&S, M50) 37:56; 12 G Slesser (J&H) 38:02  M60 - R Todd (N Ayc) 49:45
Women: 1 S Allen (H&P, W45) 38:54; 2 D James (Elv, W35) 39:35; 3 D Elliott (CleS, W40) 43:04; 4 T Waller (Hart) 43:12; 5 S Gayter (N Marske, W35) 44:53; 6 F Beedle (Hart, U17) 46:55
(Newcastle Journal: Tues. 22nd April 2003).

Additional Comments: Most of report used. 71 runners, which was an improvement on 2002. Weather was bright and breezy, but a little bit warmer. Openshaw had previously finished 2nd to Brian Rushworth about 4/5 years ago, when BR set the record. Would appreciate pre-2000 statistics? Sheila Allen finished 17th, but was second for first 200m or so. Allen Mulliss was 45th (45:03). Problem finding venue this time, as for security reasons, all signs to Power Station had been removed.
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Gateshead Harriers Open Medal Meeting.
Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.  Sun. 20th Apl.
The cold wind assisted the sprinters at yesterday's third Gateshead Open Medal Meeting, at Monkton Stadium. Dean Daniel of Middlesbrough-Mandale, clocked fast times in the Under 17 100m and 200m. His clubmate, double Northern Indoor champion, Louis McElwee won both sprints in the Under 15 age-group. Jarrow's Adam Rogers took the Senior 200m after a victory in the B 100m. Border's Maria Morganella and Lisa Cowell of Sunderland also gained sprint doubles in the Senior and Under 15 age-groups respectively. Martin Gordon of Middlesbrough-Mandale came with a late run, to overhaul long-time leader, Chris Parr of Gateshead in the Senior 800m.
Results.
Senior Men:  100: 1 A Robson (Hart, U20) 11.1; 2 C Campbell (Gate, U20) 11.3  B: A Rogers (J&H) 11.3  200: 1 A Rogers 22.5; 2 A Robson 22.8  800: 1 M Gordon (Midd) 1:55.6; 2 C Parr (Gate, U20) 1:56.6; 3 J Hardman (R&Z) 1:59.3
Under 20 Men:  110H: J Stacey (Gate) 16.3  LJ: D Robertson (J&H) 5.99  SP: J Stacey 9.75  JT: C Ridley (Birt) 37.75
Under 17 Men:  100: 1 D Daniel (Midd) 10.8; 2 P Moore (Morp) 11.4; 3 D Cudlip (Gate) 11.4  B: J Sinclair (Gate) 11.4  200: 1 D Daniel 21.9  B: 1 C Glanville (Gate) 23.0; 2 J Sinclair 23.5 800: 1 K Flannery (Gate) 2:00.9; 2 J Carmichael (Gate) 2:02.9; 3 B Walpole (Gate) 2:04.7  100H: I Murray (Gate) 15.8  HJ: S Stanislaus (R&Z) 1.70  JT: 1 J Sinclair 47.79; 2 C Glanville 36.08
Under 15 Boys:  100: 1 L McElwee (Midd) 11.6; 2 R Harrison (Gate) 11.7; 3 S Dale (Morp) 11.9  200: 1 L McElwee 24.0; 2 A Dalby (Gate) 24.4  B: M Danilow (Midd) 24.8  800: J Flannery (unatt) 2:15.6  80H: R Harrison (Gate) 13.1  HJ: D Blackett (Gate) 1.55  LJ: 1 D Blackett 5.80; 2 A Dalby 5.53  SP: D Hubberd (Gate) 9.12  JT: D Barratt (Gate) 43.68
Under 13 Boys:  100: 1 J Cowie (Gate) 13.5; 2 G Howard (Gate) 13.7; 3 B Sanderson (Midd) 13.8  800: N Flannery (Gate) 2:31.5  LJ: N Flannery 4.44  SP: C France (Gate) 7.80
Senior Women:  100: 1 M Morganella (Bord) 12.3; 2 V Carmichael (Gate, U20) 12.4  200: 1 M Morganella 25.4; 2 V Carmichael 25.6  800: P McCrea (Gate) 2:23.5  LJ: K Readman (H&P, U20) 4.59
Under 17 Women:  100: 1 E Wood Black B) 12.5; 2 A Dopierala (Gate) 13.0; 3 G Donnelly (Els) 13.2  200: 1 E Payne (Midd) 26.9; 2 G Donnelly 27.1  800: C Gilmore (Gate) 2:37.2  80H: 1 A Dopierala 12.6; 2 E Payne 12.7  LJ: E Wood 4.41  SP: 1 V Young (Gate) 9.01; 2 S Dodd (Els) 8.97  JT: H Conroy (Midd) 31.46
Under 15 Girls:  100: 1 L Cowell (Sun) 12.8; 2 L Arthur (Gate) 12.9  B: F Winspear (Midd) 12.9  200: 1 L Cowell 26.1; 2 F Winspear 27.3  B: L Arthur 26.9  800: R Shield (Dur) 2:32.6  75H: S Coleby (Dur) 12.6   HJ: S Hopkinson (Birt) 1.25  SP: K Wilson (Birt) 10.53
Under 13 Girls:  100: 1 L Welch (Gate) 13.6; 2 A Penn (Black B) 13.8  800: 1 S-K Crowell (J&H) 2:33.9; 2 E Spoor (Sun) 2:35.8  LJ: C Gill (Black B) 3.98
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 21st April 2003).

Additional Comments: Most of report used. Bright day but chilly wind blowing. Temperature dropped a lot as meeting progressed. Turn-out not as great as normal, but date was not good. There were eight competitors in both Senior/Junior women sprints, however. Lisa Cowell seems to have made a return to her form, of 2 years ago. Samantha Coleby was impressive in Hurdles. Max was there. It was Barry Smith's 50th birthday party, the night before. Bell time in Kieran Flannery race was 59.4. Dispute over first two times in Under 15 Boys 100m B race, as there was apparently a clear gap. Cannot remember however.
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Elswick Harriers Taylor Woodrow Good Friday Road Races.
Fri. 18th April.
Morpeth Harriers gained their fifth successive victory, in the feature event, at yesterday's Taylor Woodrow sponsored Elswick Good Friday Road Race promotion, at the Newburn Riverside Park. The course was being used for the first time after increasing traffic problems, caused the races to be moved from their traditional Fenham venue. Guesting athlete, Chris O'Connell of Sale led on leg 1, closely followed by Elswick's Steve Horn. Junior International, Ryan McLeod took the host club into a 44sec lead over Morpeth on leg 2, with the day's fastest time. Gerard Sharp took Morpeth to the front on leg 3, with their B team 10 secs adrift in second place ahead of Gateshead and Elswick. Mark Brown, despite suffering a nasty fall, still brought Morpeth home 28 secs ahead of their B team, with Tim Field anchoring Sunderland into third position. Durham won the Veterans Relay after a close battle with Sunderland. Rob Hand, with the fastest time, and Steve Everett took Durham into a clear early lead, but the Wearsiders were temporarily in front on leg 3. Ian Crampton, only 5 days after finishing as fifth veteran in the London Marathon, regained the initiative for Durham on the final leg.
Dianne Henaghan of Chester Le Street, easily won the Womens' race, ahead of Jarrow and Hebburn's Claire Smallwood, with former Gosforth athlete, Sarah Maude taking third place. Elswick's Sam Crowe was an impressive winner of the Under 17 event. Mary Ferrier of Gateshead once again dominated in the Under 15 age-group, whilst Gina McMeiken of Blaydon, was a more surprising winner in the Under 13 event. Gosforth's Lewis Timmins and Simon Watson of Gateshead, won the Under 17 and Under 15 Boys' races, respectively, and North Eastern Cross Country team champions, St Cuthberts High School, took the Under 13 Relay event.
Results.
Senior Relay 4 x 3.6km.  1 Morpeth 44:22 (T Wall 10:54, D Swinburne 10:59, G Sharp 11:26, M Brown 11:03); 2 Morpeth B 44:50 (I Hollingsworth 10:48, R Holladay 11:21, A Toward 11:20, C McBurney 11:29); 3 Sunderland 45:17 (A Lilliendale 11:25, M Donkin 11:26, R Kemp 11:08, T Field 11:18); 4 Chester Le Street 45:43; 5 Elswick 46:15; 6 Gateshead 47:20; 7 Gosforth 47:24; 8 North Shields Poly 48:41; 9 Tynedale 48:53; 10 Durham City 49:05  Fastest Times: 1 R McLeod (Els, U20) 10:27; 2 A Caine (Tyne) 10:31; 3 C Parr (Gate, U20) 10:37; 4 C O'Connell (Sale) 10:40; 5 S Horn (Els) 10:41; 6 I Hollingsworth 10:48
Veterans Relay. 4 x 3.6km.  1 Durham City 46:50 (R Hand 11:12, S Everett 11:24, S Marshall 12:45, I Crampton 11:29); 2 Sunderland 46:58 (J Laws 11:37, G Forster 11:43, R Rush 11:56, S Coxon 11:42); 3 Morpeth 47:50 (G Bayne 12:19, L Atkinson 11:21, A Jenkins 12:26, P Johnson 11:44); 4 Tynedale 49:48; 5 Sunderland B 50:43; 6 Wallsend 50:57  Fastest Times: 1 R Hand 11:12; 2 L Atkinson 11:21; 3 S Everett 11:24
Under 17 Men. 3.6km.  1 L Timmins (Gosf) 11:15; 2 R Stephenson (NSP) 11:18; 3 A Holliday (Trafford) 11:23; 4 N Shrubb (Morp) 11:34; 5 J Creegan (Gate) 11:36; 6 G Driscoll (Morp) 11:59  Team: Morpeth 17
Under 15 Boys. 3.6km.  1 S Watson (Gate) 11:42; 2 S Hall (Gate) 11:43; 3 A Muir (Blay) 12:26; 4 P Robson (Morp) 12:31; 5 B Henderson (Morp) 12:34; 6 J Cook (Gosf) 12:36  Team: Gateshead 16
Under 13 Boys Relay. 3 x 2.4km.  1 St Cuthberts High School 24:30 (C Watson 8:04, K Moloney 8:17, M Atkinson 8:09); 2 Morpeth 24:53; 3 Sunderland 25:33; 4 Morpeth B 25:52; 5 Gateshead 26:00; 6 St Cuthberts HS B 26:11  Fastest Times: 1 R Cunningham (Birt) 7:49; 2 J Gibson (Gate) 7:55; 3 C Watson 8:04
Senior Women. 3.6km.  1 D Henaghan (CleS, W35) 12:12; 2 C Smallwood (J&H) 12:31; 3 S Maude (Charnwood) 12:42; 4 M Dodd (Bingley) 12:49; 5 A Carter (Dur) 13:02; 6 A Hunter (J&H) 13:07; 7 J Nutt (Els) 13:14; 8 S Allen (H&P, W45) 13:20; 9 L Ranger (Morp) 13:26; 10 C Bowman (CleS, W40) 13:27  W60 - C Lee (Gosf) 15:25
Under 17 Women. 3.6km.  1 S Crowe (Els) 12:59; 2 S Evans (J&H) 13:59; 3 L McKernan (Gate) 14:00; 4 A Gibson (Els) 14:15; 5 N Dawson (Morp) 14:37; 6 C Cockburn (Morp) 14:41
Team (Combined): 1 Jarrow and Hebburn 22; 2 Elswick 30; 3 Chester Le Street 31
Under 15 Girls. 2.4km.  1 M Ferrier (Gate) 8:23; 2 L Wright (Gate) 8:37; 3 S Duffy (Gate) 8:40; 4 E Nesbitt (Morp) 8:45; 5 C Bellamy (Gosf) 8:59; 6 N Sage (Morp) 9:03  Team: Gateshead 6
Under 13 Girls. 2.4km.  1 G McMeiken (Blay) 8:43; 2 L Dixon (Morp) 8:45; 3 A Reed (Gate) 9:01; 4 S-K Crowell (J&H) 9:08; 5 R Adams (Morp) 9:10; 6 L Smith (Gosf) 9:15  Team: Morpeth 15
(Newcastle Journal: Sat. 19th April 2003).

Additional Comments: Both report and results edited. Weather warm and sunny, but very hot in sheltered parts. 20 Senior Teams completed, 13 Veterans' and 55 Women (including Under 17's). Mark Brown looked to have broken finger when falling on final turn. Morpeth have also finished second for three years, but I think B team were victorious once. Andy Caine moved Tynedale from 14th to 6th on leg 2. Senior course was good, but very narrow area for start/changeover in Young athletes races. See Jackson Creegan has gone to Gateshead. A Gateshead Under 15 runner was taken to hospital after collapsing and hitting his head during his event. Heaton had a poor turn-out. The A team was 19th and splits were John Moore 11:18 (8), Scott McEntee 14:47 (21), Colin McEntee 14:23 (17) and Eric Appleby 15:53 (19). In Womens' race, Anita Nott was 23rd (14:44) (5th W40) and Kelly McEntee 44th (15:49). Scott and Kelly had only travelled up from London, on the early train.
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Bydales 10M Road Race.
Marske-by-the-Sea.  Fri. 18th April.
Result.
1 M Openshaw (Birch) 53:10; 2 P Lowe (Midd) 53:28; 3 T Wilks (Leeds C) 54:16; 4 J Convery (Bing, M40) 54:41; 5 M Armstrong (Hart) 56:26; 6 M Grainger (Darl) 56:29  Further Veterans: M50 - S Watson (Bill MH) 62:52  M60 - R Sherwood (N Marske) 70:04  Team: Loftus
Women: 1 K Bentley (Birt, W35) 67:44; 2 T Laws (Derw) 68:28; 3 C Jackson (unatt, W35) 69:29; 4 M Holt (Sun) 70:05; 5 S Laws (Derw, W45) 70:21  Team: Sunderland
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 21st April 2003).

Additional Comments: Only Results (courtesy of Graham Hall) sent. 131 runners. Looks like Openshaw just did enough to win. Allen Mulliss was 71st in 73:44. It was sunny, but there was a coolish breeze. Sharon Gayter was 9th lady (74:54). Dave Whitmore was 110th (81:33).
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Gateshead Winter Standards Meeting.
International Stadium.  Thurs. 17th April.
Results
(Sprints + Long Jump Indoors).
Senior Men:  50: M Wright (Gate) 6.6  DT: R Hunter (Tyne) 30.80  HT: 1 S Towers (J&H, M40) 38.70; 2 S Hudson (J&H) 37.65
Under 20 Men:  DT: 1 C Sturrock (Gate) 35.94; 2 A Smith (Midd) 34.65  HT: 1 A Smith 50.57; 2 C Sturrock 36.24
Under 17 Men:  50: J McDonald (Gate) 7.0  50H: L Robson (Gate) 7.7  DT: L Robson 29.58
Under 15 Boys:  50: 1 A Dalby (Gate) 6.6; 2 A Renwick (Gate) 6.7  50H: N Ridgeon (SSh) 8.1  B: A Renwick 8.4
Under 13 Boys:  50: 1 G Howard (Gate) 7.6; 2 N Flannery (Gate) 7.7  50H: N Flannery 9.2
Senior Women:  50: N Roe (Morp) 7.2  DT: L-M Shippen (Gate) 26.31  HT: L-M Shippen 41.57
Under 20 Women:  50: 1 E Morris (SSh) 6.8; 2 R Forrest (Gate) 7.1  LJ: E Morris 5.41  DT: E Foster (Gate) 19.22  HT: E Foster 35.64
Under 17 Women:  50: 1 L Garthwaite (SSh) 7.2; 2 L Hunter (SSh) 7.3   LJ: 1 L Hunter 4.77; 2 D Phan (H&P) 4.77  DT: A Maddison (Gate) 30.09  HT: S Dodd (Els) 17.23
Under 15 Girls:  50: Steph Lamb (SSh) 7.2  LJ: 1 Steph Lamb 5.23; 2 Sarah Lamb (SSh) 4.83
Under 13 Girls:  50: 1 L Welch (Gate) 7.5; 2 N Pearson (H&P) 7.6; 3 C Gill (Black B) 7.8
LJ: 1 L Welch 4.47; 2 N Pearson 4.34; 3 C Gill 4.07
Overall Series Winners:  Men: Senior: W Gedge (Morp)  Under 20: J Stacey (Gate)  Under 17: L Robson   Under 15: A Dalby  Under 13: N Flannery
Women:  Senior: A-M Lappin (Gate)  Under 20: E Morris  Under 17: L Hunter  Under 15: Steph Lamb  Under 13: L Welch
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 21st April 2003).

Additional Comments: Only results sent. Not a great turn-out. With track being resurfaced, perhaps it would have been better to cancel this meeting, especially on an inconvenient day for many. Track events were over quickly, but outdoor field events took a while. Not sure how much interest the organisers really have in athletics ?
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Weekly Round-up
(to 13th April).
Further London Marathon info received: Paula's victory margin was 4:30. Her main splits were 5:10 (1M), 25:32 (5M), 51:48 (10M), 68:02 (half distance), 77:48 (15M), 1:43:33 (20M), 2:09:14 (25M). Leading North East athletes were 51 Dave Robertson 2:29:44; 52 Jon Orange 2:29:50; 59 Ian Crampton 2:31:47. They were 3rd, 4th and 5th M40 respectively. Womens' performances included 34 Fiona Shenton 2:58:33 (4th W40); 74 Heather Robinson 3:08:32; 466 Sharon Gayter 3:34:23 (after 1000M Challenge). Also in the field were 2781 Mike Brooks 3:22:11; and 6115 (W) Suzanne Maddock (from "The Bill") 5:22:34 (just behind GR).
Heaton fielded five athletes, led by 2350 Gary Campbell 3:17:47 (pb); 4720 Chris Brown 3:37:11; 11239 Colin McEntee 4:14:09; 11243 Scott McEntee 4:14:11; 28981 George Routledge 5:22:23.
In the Mini Marathon, Northumberland did not take any athletes, as they did not qualify (not sure of what qualification is?). Durham seemed to have a few individuals, but some who would have been on team, were at Shildon (eg V Angus and C Harrison). In oldest age-group, Chris Lamb was 3rd (12:48) and Patrick Martin 5th (12:51). Rosie Smith was fifth lady (15:01). Mark Rostron won Wheelchair event (11:06).
Matthew Nicholson won the Meanwood Trail Race in Leeds (12th April) in a time of 42:11.
All info from AW or Marathon website.
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Filmco Anne Marie Readshaw Memorial Open Track and Field Meeting.
Stadium 2000, Shildon.  Sun. 13th April.
The strengthening wind ruled out any chance of any top performances, at yesterday's Filmco Anne Marie Readshaw Open Track and Field Meeting, which opened the summer season, at Shildon 2000 Arena.
Selected Results.
Senior Men: 100: 1 P Vickers (Midd, U20) 11.5; 2 A Robson (Hart, U20) 11.8  200: P Vickers 25.5  400: S Gill (M&C) 49.8  800: P White (Midd) 2:01.4  3000: R Cole (Midd) 9:07.5  SP: P Reed (Morp) 15.39
Under 17 Men: 100: 1 C Jones (Midd) 12.0; 2 B Wilson (Midd) 12.0  200: D Cudlip (Gate) 25.1  B: C Jones 24.8  400: J Carmichael (Gate) 53.7  800: A Spoor (Sun) 2:08.2  3000: 1 M Lomax (Shil) 9:22.1; 2 N Shrubb (Morp) 9:27.1
Under 15 Boys: 100: R Kilty (Midd) 12.8  200: P Thomas (J&H) 27.7 400: G Docherty (Birt) 59.0  800: L Stockton (Midd) 2:13.9  3000: W Pike (Gate) 10:18.6
Under 13 Boys: 100: J Corrigan (Midd) 14.1  800: A Cummings (Shil) 2:33.1
Under 11 Boys:  60: 1 J Roberts (Shil) 9.9; 2 P Clifford (Darl) 9.9  600: J Archer (Sun) 2:00.7 LJ: J Roberts 3.46
Senior Women: 100: V Carmichael (Gate, U20) 13.0  200: V Carmichael 26.8  800: A Gibson (Els, U20) 2:26.1  3000: 1 A Woodvine (R&Z) 10:47.8; 2 J Battersby (Elv, W40) 10:49.6
Under 17 Women: 100: 1 K Thomas (Gate) 13.1; 2 E Wood (Black B) 13.2  200: 1 E Payne (Midd) 28.1; 2 C Jones (Gate) 28.1  800: N Douglas (Gate) 2:30.4  B: S Crowe (Els) 2:26.5  3000: C Harrison (Sun) 11:13.4  LJ: R Abbs (Dur) 5.51
Under 15 Girls: 100: L Cowell (Sun) 13.5  B: L Arthur (Gate) 13.3  200: 1 L Cowell 26.8; 2 L Arthur 27.4  800: V Angus (H&P) 2:30.3  LJ: L Smales (Blay) 4.71  SP: K Wilson (Birt) 10.28
Under 13 Girls: 100: L Welsh (Gate) 14.8  800: L Watson (Midd) 2:42.9
Under 11 Girls:  60: C Fletcher (Gate) 9.9  600: C Fletcher 2:05.5  B: D Clarke (Black B) 2:04.8  LJ: J Hansom (Black B) 3.42 3
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 14th April 2003).
Additional Comments: Only results used. A good finish (4.00 pm) compared to 2002, but the entry was well down. Sunny most of time, but a cool wind grew stronger affecting track times. Stephen Gill was by far the best track performer, with Paul Reed and Rachel Abbs, the top field eventers. Personal best by Sam Crowe, outclassing the B field. Acting as "runners" for results were Gemma Brown and Vicky Finn. Not many AW standards.
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British Masters' Cross Country Championships.
Irvine.  Sat. 12th April.
North East athletes were again among the medals, at Saturday's British Masters' (Veterans)  Cross Country Championships, at Irvine. Jimmy Bell of Elswick (M55), Sheila Allen of Houghton and Peterlee (W45), Val Hancock of Durham (W55) and Christine Lee of Gosforth (W60) all won their respective races. Kath Stewart of North Shields Poly was second in the latter event. The main M40 event was won by Scottish International Tommy Murray ahead of Julian Critchley, with Sunderland's Brian Rushworth taking the bronze medal.
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 14th April 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used, courtesy of Kevin Carr. He thought Eric Appleby had dropped out but he finished 4th M70, after struggling on the difficult course. It was also oppresively hot. Brian Rushworth also struggled. Poor results service on day, with no times available. Omitted from info were Walter Ryder (2nd M65), Jim Caddy (1st M75) and Jimmy Johnston (1st M80). Not sure, but I think Val Hancock is on the verge of  being a W60. Footnote: Results appeared on Scottish Athletics website, but too late for me. Times are as follows: T Murray 33:37; J Critchlow (apologies got name wrong) 33:43; B Rushworth 34:06; J Bell 36:57; W Ryder 44:01; E Appleby 23:48; J Caddy 30:03; J Johnston 38:40; S Allen 19:50; V Hancock 23:22; C Lee 24:31 and K Stewart 26:04. W70 winner was B McCall (Edinburgh) 23:14.

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Spring Coast 5km.
Marske-by-the-Sea.  Tues. 8th April.
Result.
1 N Wilkinson (Salf) 14:52; 2 P Welham (N Marske) 15:36; 3 B Turner (Lothian) 16:01; 4 S Potts (Sun) 16:08; 5 M Armstrong (Hart) 16:19; 6 A Duffield (Loft, U15) 16:38; 7 R Simpson (Bill MH) 16:57; 8 C Jefferies (Bill MH) 16:58  Veterans: M40 - K Bulman (N Marske) 17:03  M45 - G Pemberton (NE Vets) 17:37  M500 - C Youngson (Loft) 18:15  M55 - D Bell (Redcar) 19:32  M60 - R Sherwood (N Marske) 21:03  M65 - S Edwards (N Marske) 20:37
Women: 1 J Jackson (M&C, U20) 18:44; 2 C Bowman (CleS, W40) 18:47; 3 C Ratcliff (Dur, W35) 18:53; 4 C Summersgill (M&C) 18:57; 5 C Woods (St Albans) 20:21; 6 A Nott (Heat, W40) 20:37  Further Veterans: W45 - A Bentley (M&C) 22:52  W50 -- L Woods (N Marske) 21:55  W60 - I Conaghan (N Marske) 24:43
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 14th April 2003).

Additional Comments: Only Results (courtesy of Graham Hall) submitted. 113 runners. Good time by Neil Wilkinson. Anita was 55th in a personal best time. Caroline Bowman also clocked a pb. Catherine Brennan, returning to competition, dropped out approaching finish, after a poor run.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 6th April).
Barry Stephenson of Quakers, won the Belvoir Half Marathon at Leicester (6th Apl) in a time of 70:07.
Paul Lowe won the Guisborough Moors Race (81:18) from Charles Stead (82:52). Alison Raw won the Womens' race (40:53).
At the Midland 12 Stage Relay, Mike Openshaw led for Birchfield after leg 1 (26:02). Birchfield were second behind Tipton, and Openshaw clocked the third fastest long stage behind Chris Davies of Telford (25:18).
Morpeth were third in the Under 15 event, at the National Young Athletes Road Relays, at Sutton Coldfield. Their team of Ross Floyd (12:49), Peter Robson (13:21) and Jonathon Young (12:36), clocked 38:46, behind Southend (37:08). Trafford won the Under 17 event with Adrian Holliday clocking 12:07 on leg 2. Sadly Morpeth were 15th, after Andrew Lawrence fell on leg 1. Kirk Wilson was also unwell.
Angie Dickie was 4th lady (39th in 35:23) in the Wakefield 10km. Mike Walker was 2nd M55 (36:44).
Belgrave won the Southern 12 Stage Relay at Milton Keynes (5th April). David Anderson on leg 4, clocked the fastest short stage (15:51).
Info courtesy of AW.
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Wellstream Hydro Wallsend Road Races.
Sun. 6th April.
Tyneside-based Sale Harrier, Chris O'Connell was an easy winner of yesterday's 22nd Wellstream Hydro sponsored Wallsend Road Race. In the overcast, but ideal conditions, O'Connell was content to stay in the leading group of 10 athletes for the first 2M, before making his bid for victory. The margin of victory was 19 secs over Jonathon Archer, who in a close battle for second place, edged out Morpeth veteran, Les Atkinson and his Low Fell clubmate, Mark McDonald. Sheila Allen of Houghton and Peterlee, who is aiming to take the British Veterans' Over 45 Cross Country title at Irvine, this Saturday, comfortably won the Womens' race. The minor placings were taken by the Elswick pair of Judith Nutt and Andrea Banner.
Results.
Senior: 10km.  1 C O'Connell (Sale) 32:31; 2 J Archer (Low F) 32:50; 3 L Atkinson (Morp, M45) 32:51; 4 M McDonald (Low F) 32:51; 5 J Moore (Heat) 32:58; 6 P Besford (Gate) 33:01; 7 I Twaddle (NSP) 33:12; 8 M Slesser (J&H) 33:14; 9 P Utterson (Blay) 33:31; 10 R Clements (NSP, U20) 33:39; 11 P Walker (Blay) 34:03; 12 S Pringle (Aln) 34:34; 13 T Mellor (NSP, M40) 34:41; 14 S Clark (NSP, M40) 35:03; 15 P Morgan (SSh, M45) 35:08  Further Veterans: M40 - 3 N Morris (Low F) 35:19  M45 - 3 G McDougall (Morp) 35:32  M50 - B Jameson (Tyne) 35:33  M55 - S White (Els) 36:46  M60 - G Hume (low F) 42:48  M65 - B Cordes (Morp) 41:05  M70 - E Appleby (Heat) 44:58
Women: 1 S Allen (H&P, W45) 37:14; 2 J Nutt (Els) 38:01; 3 A Banner (Els) 39:49; 4 J Smith (Heat) 40:28; 5 K Davison (Els, W40) 41:25; 6 S Youden (Gate) 41:31; 7 L Walker (Walls) 42:29; 8 S Hunter (Conc, W35) 45:14; 9 A Brown (Blyth) 45:33; 10 S Auld (Heat) 45:53  W55 - I Henderson (unatt) 50:10
Under 17 Men: 2.8km.  1 K Watt (NSP) 10:17; 2 A Allsopp (Walls) 11:55
Under 15 Boys: 2.8km.  1 S Brewis (H&P) 10:02; 2 C Patterson (Walls) 10:10; 3 T Carter (Walls) 10:28; 4 N Reed (Gate) 10:33
Under 13 Boys: 2.8km.  1 M Cochrane (Morp) 10:23; 2 R Murray (Walls) 10:43; 3 T Perrins (Gate) 10:48; 4 G Ritchie (J&H) 10:48
Under 15 Girls: 2.8km.  1 L Firth (Walls) 11:23; 2 L Dodsworth (Gate) 11:39; 3 L Long (Els) 12:53
Under 13 Girls: 2.8km.  1 A Reed (Gate) 11:26; 2 S-K Crowell (J&H) 11:45; 3 S Goodfellow (Morp) 12:21; 4 E Murray (J&H) 12:35
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 7th April 2003).

Additional Comments: Report edited. Bright and dry but colder than of late. Results courtesy of Cris Robson. 104 finishers in Senior race. This was O'Connell's first race since Boxing Day, due to work commitments. Slowest ever winning time in this event, but good times for "also-rans". Very poor turn-out in Young Athletes' races, especially as this was the first time the girls competed (no Under 17 and never heard of Under 15 Girls' winner). Though the National Relays were on at Sutton Coldfield, NOT every North East club was represented ! One of Wallsend members is in traffic police, which helps a lot in putting on a Road Race promotion. Other results included 80 Joe Prudham 44:31 (2nd M65) and 102 David Tait 56:34. Jo Smith finished in 53rd position, Eric Appleby was 83rd and Susan Auld 86th. Other Heaton performances: 27 Steve Cardiff 36:55; 73 Allen Mulliss 42:25; 82 Jeff Wilson 44:55; 98 George Routledge 55:03; 103 Harry Craven 56:39.
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North of England Road Relay Championships.
Blackpool Promenade.  Sat. 5th April.
It was a day of double celebration for North East clubs, at Saturday's North of England Road Relay Championships, at a hot and sunny Blackpool. Morpeth won the Senior Mens' 12 Stage event for the fourth successive year, and Chester Le Street took the third 6 Stage womens' title. For good measure Sunderland took the bronze medals, in the Mens' event. After Terry Wall come home 8th for Morpeth on leg 1, Tom Ranger moved them through to fifth. Glen Hilton, Steve Platts and Rob Holladay maintained the position, before Michael Morris took them to second on leg 6, his time only being bettered on the day, by Ranger. Ian Hudspith took the lead on leg 7, and the advantage was maintained through Archie Jenkins, Richard Kay, Mark Brown, Ivan Hollingsworth and David Swinburne. The margin of victory was 83secs over Sale, with Sunderland a further 3 mins 27secs behind in third place. The Wearsiders, who last gained medals in this event in 1992,  actually led the field on legs 4, 5 and 6, through Mark Hood, Norman Younger Jnr and Mark Donkin. Chester Le Street finished in 11th position, after occupying second place on the first three legs. Martin Scaife got them off to a good start, narrowly losing to Liverpool's Alistair O'Connor. The leading clubs will now contest the National event at Sutton Coldfield, in 3 weeks time. Chester Le Street easily won the Womens' event, adding this title to the National Cross Country championship. The Durham squad were never headed after Dianne Henaghan's opening leg, as Kathryn Waugh, Angie Watson, Ruth Brown, Heather Robinson and Morag McDonnell extended the advantage to over 2mins over Salford. Henaghan's time was only bettered by Sale's Kerry Smithson.
Results.
Men: 12 Stage.
1 Morpeth 3:28:40 (T Wall 25:44, T Ranger 12:28, G Hilton 13:54, S Platts 25:55, R Holladay 13:31, M Morris 12:54, I Hudspith 24:15, A Jenkins 14:40, R Kay 13:25, M Brown 25:36, I Hollingsworth 13:07, D Swinburne 13:11); 2 Sale 3:30:03; 3 Sunderland 3:33:30 (B Rushworth 24:51, P Martin 13:24, G Massingham 13:14, M Hood 25:02, N Younger Jnr 13:49, M Donkin 13:41, A Lilliendale 26:41, S Coxon 13:52, N Younger Snr 13:55, T Field 26:20, P Groark 14:02, G Harden 14:39); 4 Leeds City 3:34:37; 5 Hallamshire 3:36:17; 6 Bolton 3:36:34; 7 Salford 3:37:24; 8 Derby 3:38:14; 9 Trafford 3:38:21; 10 Altrincham 3:38:38; 11 Chester Le Street 3:38:50 (M Scaife 24:15, C Lamb 13:38, S O'Donnell 13:34, M Tomlinson 27:22, A Roberts 13:45, I Bloomfield 14:12, S Bell 25:21, G Robinson 15:13, P Embleton 14:00, G Thraves 27:32, G McAdam 14:40, D Cheshire 15:18)  Fastest: Short Stage (2.7M): 1 T Ranger 12:28; 2 M Morris 12:54; 3 C Robb (Liverpool H) 12:56  Long Stage (5M): 1 A O'Connor (Liverpool H) 24:14; 2= M Scaife, K Farrow (Derby) & I Hudspith 24:15
Women: 6 Stage.
1 Chester Le Street 1:31:19 (D Henaghan 14:17, K Waugh 15:05, A Watson 15:56, R Brown 15:11, H Robinson 16:16, M McDonnell 14:34); 2 Salford 1:33:21; 3 Sale 1:34:03; 4 Wigan Pheonix 1:34:28; 5 Leeds City 1:35:45; 6 Altrincham 1:40:07; 8 Morpeth 1:41:57 (L Ranger 16:37; N Desai 17:53, A Fox 15:56, G Priest 17:48, R Adams 17:41, S Ellison 16:02)
Fastest: (2.7M): 1 K Smithson (Sale) 14:10; 2 D Henaghan 14:17; 3 B Jenkins (Salford) 17:27
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 7th April 2003).

Additional Comments: Most of report used, though slightly reworded in parts.. Results courtesy of race-results website (about 6.30). Like a summers' day (according to Kevin Carr) (nb. it was dull in Newcastle). At North end of promenade, which was very quiet. Poor entry (and turn-out). Only 39 (Men) and 25 (Women) finishing teams, though the latter was on par. A small reason could be that Stage distances were advertised as 5.1km and 2.8km !
Archie Jenkins was a surprise member of winning squad.
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