December 2002

Weekly Round-Up.
(to 29th Dec).
Did not go to Ripon 10km (29th), as there were no late entries and advanced entry contained no top (or even above average) North East names. New Year Handicap (110m) (28th), was shown on C4 Racing from Musselburgh. It was won by David Lauder of Hawick (off 11.75m) in 11.67 with Alan Selby in 6th (11.79) (off 8.5m). Vince Wilson (1:54.65) won 800m at new Manchester Indoor Arena (extra info from AW, though they thought it was Kirk). This is, I think, a track record. Keith Higham won Junior Pole Vault (4.70m). Terry West won Gosforth H Turkey Trot (at I presume Gosforth Park) on Boxing Day in 15:55, from Matthew Nicholson (16:03) and Jonathon Graham (16:13). Gillian Butler was first lady (20:48). At Brussels Cross Country on 22nd Dec, Ryan Mcleod (21:45) was 5th in Junior race. Chris Lamb (22:31) was 13th and Tim Lawrence was 20th (22:48). Latter info from AW. Late News: Results of Ripon 10km appeared in AW (15th Jan). Won by Rickie Wilson (Scarborough) in 34:52 from Robert Hudson (Bingley) (35:04) and Martin Grainger (Darlington) (1st vet in 35:37). Elizabeth Day  of Ripon (18th in 39:34) was first lady from Alison Raw (39:54). Mike Walker was leading M55 (39:14) and Ian Barnes was first M60 (43:14).
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Run for Bob.
Whitley Bay.  Sun. 29th Dec.
Over 100 athletes took part in yesterday's Run for Bob Trail Run, at Whitley Bay. The event, organised by North Shields Poly,  was held in memory of Bob Peart, one of the North East's top veteran athletes, who died of cancer in 2001. Peart was a gold medallist in the Over 70 category in the Marathon, in the World Championships at Gateshead, in 1999. The course used started at the War Memorial, and followed a route via a muddy Hollywell Dene, back to the Churchill Playing Fields, and was one of Bob's favourite training runs. In the ideal conditions, the leading group of 7 runners, took 52mins 30secs to cover the 8M course. Proceeds for the event went to cancer research.
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 30th Dec 2002).

Additional Comments: All info used. No official positions or times. Ian Twaddle was only recognisable runner of leading seven (actual time 52:31), and Karen Johns (running with a Clarkson), was leading lady (58:36). Other times included Lawrence Hutchinson (56:05) (well up), Mike Bateman (61:05) and Dave Whitmore (63:15). Heaton had five runners: Gary Campbell, Allen Mulliss and Amy Waters came in together (63:05), Eric Appleby (too far for him) clocked 63:32, and Reg Checkley clocked 65:40. An enjoyable non-competive event on a fine and fairly mild morning (started to rain about 3hours later). There was a drink and Christmas confectionery given free after event. Could develop into a race, in future years, I understand. Training on track were Claire Brason, Joanne Suddes and Peter Middleton, under guidance of Joan and Aileen Mills. Gemma Fergusson has tonsilitus and sister Hayley has "retired". Peter Clark was also in attendance. He now umpires cricket matches.
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Woodlawn Christmas Pudding Run.
Whitley Bay.  Thurs. 26th Dec.
Wallsend-based Sale Harrier, Chris O'Connell was a comfortable winner of yesterday's popular Boxing Day Woodlawn Christmas Pudding Run, at Whitley Bay. O'Connell along with regular visitor Charles Errington of Belgrave (third in 2001), soon headed the field, the pair pulling well away from their nearest rivals, in the very early stages. The former Morpeth Harrier, dropped Herrington at the halfway point, coming home 11secs clear at the finish line at the War Memorial. Morpeth veteran, Paul Johnson finished in an isolated third position. Caroline Bowman of Chester Le Street, easily won the Womens' race, for the third successive year, with Heaton's Sally Gold taking second place. Over 300 runners braved the wet and windy conditions, with all proceeds going to the Woodlawn Special School, in Monkseaton.
Result.  Distance: 3.2M.
1 C O'Connell (Sale) 16:45; 2 C Herrington (Belg) 16:56; 3 P Johnson (Morp, M40) 17:54; 4 P Reay (CleS) 18:09; 5 C Morley (unatt) 18:10; 6 R Stephenson (NSP, U17) 18:12; 7 S Redshaw (CleS) 18:18; 8 B Jameson (Tyne, M45) 18:23; 9 S Sutherland (NSP, U20) 18:25; 10 A Jenkins (Morp, M50) 18:37
Women: 1 C Bowman (CleS, W40) 20:53; 2 S Gold (Heat) 21:45; 3 L Carmichael (Eton M) 22:06; 4 B Ingman (NSP, W50) 22:19; 5 A Adams (CleS, W40) 22:29; 6 J Phizacklea (Buxton) 22:30
(Newcastle Journal: Fri. 27th Dec).

Additional Comments: All info used. Weather was windy with drizzle at start, but turned to heavy rain at finish. As usual difficult getting leading names. John Watson was 14th in 18:56, but unfortunately could not get names of other runners from 10 - 15 (thanks to Bill McGuirk for others). Ian Hudspith was spotted training in opposite direction, on way there. Excellent quality field for Fun Run, as Eric Appleby (22:35) was just outside first 100. Sally Gold passed Carmichael after halfway. Heaton had an excellent turn-out as usual, but unfortunately due to conditions, I only managed to get Ted Baty (22:07), Howard Gold (22:15), and Allen Mulliss (22:20).
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Loftus Christmas Poultry Run.
Sun. 22nd Dec.
Shaun O'Grady of New Marske defeated the field of 500 runners, to gain his first victory in yesterday's 19th Loftus Christmas Poultry Run. Scarborough's Louise Brown won the Womens' race from top veteran, Sheila Allen of Houghton and Peterlee.
Result.  Distance 8M.
1 S O'Grady (N Marske) 43:55; 2 T Neill (Hull) 44:21; 3 M Cara (Midd, M40) 44:48; 4 K Harker (R&Z) 45:37; 5 T Livingston (N Marske, M45) 45:55; 6 C Stringer (Hunmanby) 46:14; 7 P Lewis (Midd) 46:20; 8 M Turner (Hull) 46:47; 9 C McBurney (Morp) 46:57; 10 A Jackson (Ackworth) 47:01  M50 - J Dennis (Crook) 51:14  M55 - M Walker (Gosf) 49:49  M60 - 1 R Sherwood (N Marske) 56:38; 2 I BBarnes (Darl) 57:01
Women: 1 L Brown (Scar) 49:58; 2 S Allen (H&P, W45) 50:38; 3 C Hare (Loft) 51:25; 4 J Jackson (M&C, U20) 54:31; 5 A Stewart (H&P) 54:38; 6 D Elliott (CleS, W40) 55:31
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 23rd Dec 2002).

Additional Comments: Only results used. Apparently weather was dry, mild and sunny. Info courtesy of Dave Parry. Disappointing run from Craig McBurney, who I presume was not fully fit. Again poor quality up front in Mens' event. Brown had just returned home, after teaching abroard. Surprise defeat for Ian Barnes.
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Saltwell Harriers Road Races.
Gateshead.  Sun. 22nd Dec.
Durham's Rob Hand was a comfortable winner, of yesterday's popular Saltwell Harriers pre-Christmas Road Race. In the damp but windless conditions, the British Veterans' champion at both Cross Country and 10km (Road), dropped his rivals coming out of  Saltwell Park after the first km. Hand, third in last weekend's North Eastern Cross Country Championship, gradually increased his lead as the race progressed down into the Team Valley and up through Chowdene Park, back to the finish in the park. The margin of victory was 37secs over Elswick's Steven Horn, with Sunderland's Dave Robertson, the first veteran in the London Marathon, taking third place. Fourth placer, Michael Thompson, led Gateshead to the team title, with Jarrow's Mark Slesser, second last season, finishing fifth this time. Jarrow's Claire Smallwood, bronze medallist in the county Cross Country, won the Womens' race for the third successive year, finishing in 15th position overall. Veteran, Heather Robinson of Chester Le Street took second place, ahead of another Jarrow athlete, Angela Hunter. The region's Cross Country champion, Mary Ferrier of Gateshead won a good quality Under 15 event. Other winners were Ryan Stephenson of North Shields Poly (Under 17 Men), Sam Crowe of Elswick (Under 17 Women), Jonathon Pearson of Elswick (Under 15 Boys), Douglas Roberts of Richmond (Under 13 Boys) and Eleanor Murray of Jarrow (Under 13 Girls).
Results.
Senior 10km.  1 R Hand (Dur, M40) 32:24; 2 S Horn (Els) 33:01; 3 D Robertson (Sun, M40) 33:03; 4 M Thompson (Gate) 33:10; 5 M Slesser (J&H) 33:28; 6 I Crampton (Dur, M40) 33:31; 7 P Besford (Gate) 33:42; 8 S Moralee (Dur, U20) 33:50; 9 C Nichol (Tev) 34:43; 10 P Coulson (Highgate) 34:45; 11 M Elliott (Gate, U20) 34:56; 12 S Kelly (Heat) 35:08; 13 D Purvis (Birt) 35:21; 14 A Jenkins (Morp, M50) 35:31; 15 P Morgan (SSh, M40) 36:14; 16 J McDermott (H&P, M40) 36:15; 17 T McPhail (Walls, M45) 36:15; 18 M McNally (Els, M55) 36:20; 19 S Marshall (Dur, M45) 36:29; 20 R Foster (SSh, M40) 36:44  Further Veterans: M45 - 2 D Nicholson (Els) 37:31  M50 - 2 I Richardson (NSP) 38:27  M55 - 2 H Matthews (Els) 37:21  M60 - 1 R Wilson (Sun) 40:35; 2 P Winter (Morp) 42:59  M65 - K Sutton (Gosf) 44:38  Team: Gateshead 22  Veterans: Durham City 27
Women: 1 C Smallwood (J&H) 35:41; 2 H Robinson (CleS, W40) 38:28; 3 A Hunter (J&H) 40:07; 4 A Banner (Els) 40:20; 5 S Morton (Els, W35) 41:04; 6 H Patton (Gate, W40) 42:05; 7 Y Swinhoe (Els, W45) 42:21; 8 K Bentley (H&P, W35) 43:03; 9 L Marr (Tyne, W40) 43:33; 10 V Bennett (Gate) 43:38  Further Veterans: W45 - 2 C Smith (unatt) 45:52  W60 - E Armstrong (Tyne) 49:54  Team: Elswick 16
Under 17 Men: 3.1M.  1 R Stephenson (NSP) 16:33; 2 J Creegan (Black B) 16:59; 3 K Heron (Morp) 17:27; 4 D Old (Birt) 17:32; 5 A Lawrence (Morp) 17:47; 6 C Howey (Birt) 17:56  Team: Birtley 18
Under 15 Boys: 1.7M.  1 J Pearson (Els) 9:28; 2 P Fitzpatrick (R&Z) 9:55; 3 S Brewis (H&P) 10:02; 4 S Haswell (H&P) 10:34; 5 J Stacey (Low F) 10:39; 6 A Wear (Birt) 10:46  Team: Houghton and Peterlee 14
Under 13 Boys: 1.7M.  1 D Roberts (R&Z) 10:09; 2 M Cochrane (Morp) 10:33; 3 T Perrins (Gate) 10:49; 4 M Crowe (Els) 11:02; 5 R Hopkins (Birt) 11:43; 6 M Ross (H&P) 11:47  Team: Houghton and Peterlee 27
Under 17 Women: 3.1M.  1 S Crowe (Els) 19:51; 2 R Forster (J&H) 21:16; 3 L Tweedle (H&P) 23:49
Under 15 Girls: 1.7M.  1 M Ferrier (Gate) 10:04; 2 L Wright (Gate) 10:15; 3 J Roberts (R&Z) 10:21; 4 N Douglas (Gate) 11:04; 5 C Gilmore (Gate) 11:18; 6 J Wilkinson (H&P) 11:19  Team: Gateshead 7
Under 13 Girls: 1.7M.  1 E Murray (J&H) 12:07; 2 C Fletcher (Gate) 12:18; 3 M Howell (Birt) 12:20; 4 H Boath (Birt) 13:30; 5 C Mitchie (H&P) 13:31; 6 A Forster (J&H) 14:05  Team: Houghton and Peterlee 20
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 23rd Dec 2002).

Additional Comments: All info used but in small print. 178 finishers in main event. Ted Joynson (with 2mins start - he turned up late), was 178th in 89:20. Mist developed during morning, and you could hardly see finish from top path or leaders coming into park, from finish line. With all due respects to race leaders, it is disappointing that quality up front, in this (and other local events), has detereorated a lot in very recent years. No further comment, but I know where the problem lies. Mark Hood, took ill the night before, and did not defend title. Claire's was fastest winning time since 1999, but I do not possess results before then. I think Lynn Harding holds course record. Good run by Angela. Again why split Senior and Veterans' teams, when field is relatively small ?  Still one of my favourite events, although the atmosphere is not quite what it used to be. Due to road-coning etc, the host club, without sponsorship, are likely to make a substantial loss. Heaton provided 17 competitors. Excellent run by Sean. Other Placings: 51 Gary Campbell 40:52; 69 Ted Baty 42:35; 74 Steve Lancaster 42:52; 93 Allen Mulliss 44:11; 103 John Josephs 45:35; 110 Scott McEntee 46:11; 111 Colin McEntee 46:11; 119 Amy Waters 47:01 (12L); 127 Jim Wilson 48:01; 129 Jo Parkinson 48:18 (13L); 131 Kelly McEntee 48:31 (14L); 135 Ann Grenfell 48:51 (15L); 146 S(?) Auld 50:27 (18L); 173 Helen Mitford 58:31 (25L); 174 George Routledge 59:16; 177 Harry Craven 62:48.
Womens' team were unofficially second to Elswick. No team prize, however. Only winning Mens' teams known. John Moore was a spectator, having not resumed training due to illness (he went down on morning of North Eastern Champs). Eric Appleby did not risk running due to nature of course.
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Weekly Round-Up.
(to 15th Dec).
Lewis Robson won Schools' International Indoor Pentathlon Under 16 event, on December 14th at Glasgow, with 3304 pts. His performances were 8.95 (60H), 5.95 (LJ), 23.72 (200m), 12.95 (SP), and 2:09.92 (800m).
Heile Gebrselassie set World best time for 10km on roads, when winning Quatar event on December 11th, in 27:02.
Newcastle Schools Boys Cross Country Championships, took place at St Cuthberts on 10th Dec. Only knew of this at dinnertime, the same day (it usually is held on a Thursday). Lewis Timmins (Heaton Manor) won Intermediate race (16:11) from Kieran Flannery (RGS) (17:01). William Pike (Heaton) won Junior event (11:55) and C Watson (St Cuthberts) was Minor winner (11:21). Heaton Manor (who looks after their team ?) won Intermediate and Junior team events, and were second in Minor race. Initial info from Kevin Flannery. Further info from AW (Ian Beck would have sent in).
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North Eastern Counties' Indoor Championships.
Part 1 (Field).  Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.  Sun. 15th Dec.
Results.
Senior Men: HJ: J Geoffrey (Morp) 2.00  PV: 1 C Boundy (Gate) 4.00; 2 R Hunter (Gate) 3.60  LJ: C Weitz (Gate) 6.80 (= CBP) TJ: J Evans (SSh, M40) 12.35  SP: 1 P Reed (Morp) 15.03; 2 P Corrigan (NSP) 13.51
Under 20 Men: HJ: D Jordan (Midd) 1.55  PV: I Dodsworth (H&P) 3.60  LJ: A Sturrock (Gate) 6.24  TJ: A Sturrock 13.60  SP: C Sturrock (Gate) 13.47 (CBP)
Under 17 Men: HJ: 1 D Pope (Gate) 1.80; 2 A Henderson (SSh) 1.60   PV: G Heppell (H&P) 2.30  LJ: S Egdell (Duchess HS) 5.75  SP: D Judge (Shil) 12.63
Under 15 Boys: HJ: 1 D Blackett (Gate) 1.65; 2 A Dalby (Blay) 1.60  LJ: 1 D Blackett 5.60; 2 A Dalby 5.22; 3 A Renwick (Gate) 5.22  SP: N Ridgeon (SSh) 9.45
Under 13 Boys: LJ: 1 C Bell (Gate) 3.90; 2 S Ivers (Gate) 3.71 SP: S Ivers 6.53
Senior Women: HJ: V Haswell (J&H) 1.50  LJ: R Irving (Edin WM) 5.90  TJ: 1 R Irving 12.64 (CBP); 2 J Straker (Morp) 11.32  SP: V Haswell 8.85
Under 20 Women: HJ: E Morris (SSh) 1.64 (CBP)   LJ: E Morris 4.64 (CBP)  TJ: S Evans (Gate) 9.89 SP: 1 E McLelland (Hart) 10.13 (CBP); 2 E Foster (Gate) 9.54
Under 17 Women: HJ: C Sellars 1.50  LJ: R Abbs (Dur) 5.16  TJ: S Brown (Black B) 9.18  SP: 1 Li Tucker (Blay) 9.48; 2 V Young (Gate) 9.08
Under 15 Girls: HJ: Steph Lamb (SSh) 1.50  LJ: 1 Steph Lamb 4.90; 2 L McMichael (CleS) 4.78; 3 K Kelsall (Tees) 4.70  SP: 1 K Wilson (Birt) 10.85 (CBP); 2 Steph Lamb 9.83; 3 K Breen (Black B) 9.67
Under 13 Girls: LJ: 1 C Gill (Black B) 4.05 (CBP); 2 N Pearson (H&P) 4.04 SP: 1 T Breen (Black B) 6.69; 2 P Maddison 6.25
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 16th Dec 2002).

Additional Comments: Results used but too late for any report. Info courtesy of Brenda Johnston via e mail. Quite a good turn-out looking at full results. Winner of Senior High Jump is French Junior International (now a first year Senior), who is now working in Alnwick, and is known to Archie Jenkins. This info from George Patterson. Ruth Irving's Triple Jump was also Scottish Indoor record. Emma Morris did not need to shine, to better old figures in her two events.
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North Eastern Counties A.A Cross Country Championships.
Riverside, Chester Le Street.  Sat. 14th Dec.
Morpeth Harriers took the overall Trophy and Michael Openshaw of Birchfield, took his first North Eastern Counties' Senior Cross County title, at Saturday's 97th annual Championships at Chester Le Street. In the dull and damp conditions, Openshaw, the World Championship 5000m representative, and 2001 National champion, soon headed the 200-strong field. Morpeth Harriers, Terry Wall and Michael Morris along with Mark Hood of Sunderland and Rob Hand of Durham, led the chasing group some 60m adrift, after the first of the four laps. As Openshaw pulled away to a 200m victory, a strong last lap by Morris saw him take second place ahead of Hand. Morris led Morpeth to their sixth successive victory in the team competition, whilst Hand became one of the first veterans, to gain an individual medal in this event. Sunderland and Gateshead occupied the minor team places. Sale Harrier, Sonia Thomas, a previous winner at Junior level, took her first Senior Womens' title by a large margin of 300m. Thomas dropped early leader, Claire Smallwood of Jarrow and Hebburn, on the second of the three laps, with Ruth Brown from Chester Le Street moving through to second place. Even without Brown, who is still not able to count on their team after moving from Darlington, the host club still retained the team title. First year junior, and defending Under 17 champion, Charlotte Wickham of Gateshead won the Under 20 Womens' race from her great rival Rosie Smith of Durham, adding to her previous titles in all the younger age-groups. In third position overall, Julia Orr of Quakers took the Under 17 title. Chris Lamb of the host club finished strongly to take his first championship, in the Under 20 Mens' event, with Sunderland repeating their 2001 victory in the team event. Kirk Wilson of Morpeth comfortably won the Under 17 Mens' event and John Taylor of Middlesbrough (Mandale) narrowly won the Under 15 event, leading his club to the team title. Richard Cunningham of Birtley, maintained his season's unbeaten record to win the Under 13 race, while St Cuthbert's School took the team honours. Mary Ferrier of Gateshead was an expected winner of the Under 15 Girls' event, leading a strong Gateshead squad to the team title. Stacey Smith of Tynedale maintained her season's dominance with a clear victory in the Under 13 race. Morpeth, who also gained team victories in the Under 17 Men, Junior and Under 15 Girls' events, were easily the day's most successful club, winning the Middlesbrough and Cleveland Centenary Trophy, from Gateshead and Sunderland.
Results.
Senior Men: 11.4km.  1 M Openshaw (Birch) 36:47; 2 M Morris (Morp) 37:25; 3 R Hand (Dur, M40) 37:31; 4 M Hood (Sun) 37:38; 5 T Wall (Morp) 37:49; 6 C Sampson (Morp) 37:58; 7 D Wardle (London Irish) 38:15; 8 T Field (Sun) 38:25; 9 D Swinburne (Morp) 38:35; 10 P Welham (N Marske) 39:15; 11 R Kay (Morp) 39:18; 12 M Tomlinson (CleS) 39:21; 13 C O'Connell (Sale) 39:25; 14 M MacDonald (Low F) 39:27; 15 L Browell (Sun) 39:30; 16 P Johnson (Morp, M40) 39:36; 17 P Merrison (Walls, M40) 39:41; 18 A Lilliendale (Sun) 39:45; 19 V Wilson (Morp n/s) 39:51; 20 P Embleton (CleS, M45) 40:02; 21 M Cara (Midd) 41:10; 22 I Twaddle (NSP) 40:14; 23 M Donkin (Sun) 40:15; 24 S Potts (Sun) 40:24; 25 P Utterson (Blay) 40:32; 26 A Swailes (CleS) 40:37; 27 N Younger (Sun) 40:41; 28 M Thompson (Gate) 40:42; 29 S Martin (M&C) 40:54; 30 M Armstrong (Hart) 41:03  Teams: 1 Morpeth 49; 2 Sunderland 90; 3 Gateshead 239; 4 Chester Le Street 265; 5 Blaydon 276; 6 Elswick 395
Under 20 Men: 8.1km.  1 C Lamb (CleS) 26:49; 2 J Graham (Gosf) 26:57; 3 R Kemp (Sun) 27:04; 4 M Elliott (Gate) 27:18; 5 G Massingham (Sun) 27:21; 6 N Younger (Sun) 27:23; 7 P Hutton (Gosf) 27:53; 8 P Best (Shil) 27:59; 9 R Clements (NSP) 28:16; 10 D Graham (Gosf) 28:38; 11 S McCarthy (NSP) 29:11; 12 P Groark (Sun) 29:21  Teams: 1 Sunderland 26; 2 Gosforth 37; 3 Gateshead 56
Under 17 Men: 6.1km.  1 K Wilson (Morp) 20:46; 2 L Timmins (Gosf) 20:52; 3 N Shrubb (Morp) 21:09; 4 M Lomax (Shil) 21:15; 5 J Creegan (Black B) 21:20; 6 L Moses (N Ayc) 21:38; 7 R Stephenson (NSP) 21:48; 8 B Hannant (Black B) 22:09; 9 M Wilson (J&H) 22:20; 10 G Driscoll (Morp) 22:23; 11 S Kirtley (Morp) 22:25; 12 C Aynsley (Morp) 22:25   Teams: 1 Morpeth 25; 2 Newton Aycliffe 92; 3 Gosforth 94
Under 15 Boys: 4km.  1 J Taylor (Midd) 13:58; 2 A Coffer (CleS) 13:58; 3 R Floyd (Morp) 14:03; 4 J Young (Morp) 14:07; 5 S Hall (Gate) 14:23; 6 A Welford (Gosf) 14:25; 7 M Forster (Midd) 14:33; 8 J Pearson (Els) 14:40; 9 W Pike (Gate) 14:55; 10 C Rimmington (Birt) 14:56; 11 M Crawley (Dur) 15:03; 12 A Miller (Gate) 15:04  Team: 1 Middlesbrough (Mandale) 37; 2 Morpeth 40; 3 Gateshead 48
Under 13 Boys: 3.3km.  1 R Cunningham (Birt) 11:47; 2 R Murray (Walls) 11:59; 3 J Gibson (Gate) 12:01; 4 M Travis (Morp) 12:02; 5 K Thompson (Shil) 12:11; 6 C Watson (St Cuth) 12:15; 7 M Cairns (Morp) 12:25; 8 M Foggin (Sun) 12:31; 9 S Ruddick (Blay) 12:34; 10 N Atkinson (St Cuth) 12:35; 11 A Spence (St Cuth) 12:37; 12 M Cochrane (Morp) 12:51    Team: 1 St Cuthberts High School 40; 2 Morpeth 47; 3 Gateshead 65
Senior Women: 8.1km.  1 S Thomas (Sale) 30:02; 2 R Brown (CleS n/s) 30:51; 3 C Smallwood (J&H) 31:02; 4 K Waugh (CleS) 31:29; 5 M Stansmore (Midd) 31:37; 6 S Allen (H&P, W45) 31:51; 7 H Robinson (CleS, W40) 31:59; 8 A Dickie (Wakefield) 32:14; 9 K Robertson (Tyne) 32:26; 10 A Hunter (J&H) 32:42; 11 C Wilson (Morp) 32:56; 12 T Waller (Hart) 34:00; 13 J Nutt (Els) 34:05; 14 L Trainor (Dur) 34:28; 15 D Hales (Dur) 34:33; 16 A Banner (Els) 34:42; 17 C Summersgill (M&C) 35:03; 18 J Elliott (Blay n/s) 35:14; 19 C Ratcliff (Dur, W35) 35:26; 20 S White (Tyne, W40) 35:35  Teams: 1 Chester Le Street 31; 2 Durham City 44; 3 Morpeth 49
Under 20 Women: 5.3km.  1 C Wickham (Gate) 20:12; 2 R Smith (Dur) 20:32; 3 A Fox (Morp) 21:24; 4 J Jackson (M&C) 21:25; 5 G Rutherford (Darl) 21:26; 6 R Adams (Morp) 23:01; 7 J Ritson (Dur) 23:14; 8 S Armstrong (Gate) 23:14; 9 K Bage (M&C) 23:37; 10 A Geragusian (Dur) 24:28
Under 17 Women: 5.3km.  1 J Orr (Quak) 21:05; 2 D Watts (Morp) 21:42; 3 S Crowe (Els) 22:01; 4 J Page (Dur) 22:01; 5 F Beedle (Hart) 22:13; 6 L McKernan (Gate) 22:35; 7 N Owens (Shil) 22:37; 8 S Graham (Morp) 22:43; 9 A Gibson (Els) 22:52; 10 D Hastings-Long (M&C) 23:25; 11 S Bates (M&C) 23:39; 12 R Forster (J&H) 23:53  Team (Combined with Under 20) 1 Morpeth 24; 2 Durham City 27; 3 Gateshead 29
Under 15 Girls: 4km.  1 M Ferrier (Gate) 15:57; 2 D James (Morp) 16:09; 3 L Wright (Gate) 16:17; 4 A Porteous (Morp) 16:30; 5 C Harrison (Sun) 16:38; 6 C Gilmore (Gate) 17:01; 7 H Oakley (Tyne) 17:09; 8 E Nesbitt (Morp) 17:10; 9 S Duffy (Gate) 17:15; 10 F Parkinson (Sun) 17:19; 11 C Wood (Els) 17:24; 12 A Wilson (Shil) 17:29  Teams: 1 Gateshead 10; 2 Morpeth 14; 3 Sunderland 43
Under 13 Girls: 3.3km.  1 S Smith (Tyne) 13:13; 2 G Rutherford (NSP) 13:22; 3 S Favier (Gate) 13:23; 4 A Suffield (Shil) 13:43; 5 L Ing (Sun) 13:50; 6 L Dixon (Morp) 13:52; 7 G McMeiken (Blay) 13:59; 8 F Keenan (Midd) 14:01; 9 L Smith (Gosf) 14:07; 10 N Turnbull (Sun) 14:15; 11 S-K Crowell (J&H) 14:17; 12 E Clifford (Darl) 14:25  Teams: 1 Morpeth 35; 2 Sunderland 49; 3 Gosforth 50
Middlesbrough and Cleveland Centenary Trophy (Overall): 1 Morpeth 43; 2 Gateshead 26; 3 Sunderland 23
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 16th Dec 2002).

Additional Comments: Most info used, but in small print. Weather was overcast and damp, but rain never that heavy. Course was muddy in parts, but not that bad. 188 finishers in Senior Mens' event. Good performances in Senior race, for older veterans, Harry Matthews (60th in 43:43) and Bernie Cordes (135th in 49:46). Val Hancock was 30th (out of 34) in Senior Womens' race (37:55). Better run by Angela Hunter, and Carley Wilson ran quite well. She and Danielle Watts (another good run), are now coached by Jimmy Hedley. Never heard of runner-up in Under 15 Boys' race, who just lost out in sprint finish. Do not even know his first name ? Good performance by Ian Beck's St Cuthberts' squad. Not sure which athletes are in clubs ?
Heaton only had two runners, Allen Mulliss (168th in 54:06) and George Routledge (188th in 70:18). David Tait was 187th (67:09).
Footnote: Omitted from original result in Under 15 Boys' event was  W Roberts (Shildon) (11th in 14:57). Info courtesy of George Ogle via AW !
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Gateshead Indoor Standards Meeting.
International Stadium.  Thurs. 12th Dec.
Results.
Senior Men:  50: 1 M Wright (Gate) 6.5; 2 D Light (Newc U) 6.5  B: 1 Phil Vickers (Newc U) 6.5; 2 J Gregory (N Rownt) 6.5  HJ: J Gregory 1.65 LJ: A Tindall (Gate) 5.98
Under 20 Men:  50: 1 J Stacey (Gate) 6.5; 2 D Robertson (J&H) 6.5  HJ: J Stacey 1.75  LJ: 1 J Stacey 6.25; 2 D Robertson 6.02
Under 17 Men:  50: D Cudlip (Gate) 6.5; 2 C Robson (Gate) 6.6  HJ: D Pope (Gate) 1.80  LJ: 1 L Robson (Gate) 6.16; 2 S Egdell (Duchess HS) 6.01
Under 15 Boys: 50: M Donnelly (Els) 7.2  B: 1 A Dalby (Blay) 6.8; 2 D Robinson (Emmanuel Coll) 7.0  C: 1 R Kilty (Midd) 6.8; 2 A Renwick (Gate) 6.9  HJ: 1 D Blackett (Gate) 1.65; 2 N Ridgeon (SSh) 1.55  LJ: 1 A Dalby 5.61; 2 A Kennard (Gate) 5.55
Under 13 Boys:  50: 1 S Ivers (Gate) 7.6; 2 N Flannery (Gate) 7.7  B: J Corrigan (Midd) 7.3  LJ: 1 N Flannery 4.63; 2 C Bell (Gate) 4.31
Senior Women:  SP: A M Larkin (Gate) 4.35
Under 20 Women:  50: E Morris (SSh) 7.7  50H: E Morris 8.1  SP: E Foster (Gate) 9.37
Under 17 Women:  50: 1 L Hunter (S Sh) 7.6; 2 S Scorer (Gate) 7.7  50H: 1 L Hunter 8.4; 2 S Scorer 8.6  SP: Li Tucker (Blay) 9.99; 2 V Young (Gate) 8.99
Under 15 Girls:  50: 1 Steph Lamb (SSh) 7.5; 2 Sarah Lamb (SSh) 7.5; 3 J Keenleyside (Els) 7.7  B: L McMichael (CleS) 7.3  50H: Steph Lamb 9.9  B: Sarah Lamb 8.8  SP: Steph Lamb 9.33
Under 13 Girls:  50: L Welsh (Gate) 7.8  B: N Pearson (H&P) 7.7  50H: 1 L Welsh 10.4; 2 L Forrest (Gate) 10.6  SP: T Breen (Black B) 7.44

Additional Comments: Will submit results for Monday's Journal (16th Dec) (Footnote: :not used). No problems with results as they were photocopied during meeting. Good turn out in younger age-groups, but poor at Under 17 and above. Not many Seniors. Poor standard in sprints. Emma Morris (only Under 20 sprinter), was probably best performer.
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Weekly Round-Up
(to Dec 8th).
Steve Hepples won the Scarborough Xmas Cracker 10km on December 8th, in 31:58. Shaun O'Grady was 4th (33:09) and John Hunter was leading M40 in 9th (34:55).
Julia Straker (Edinburgh) won Scottish Universities' Indoor Triple Jump, at Glasgow on December 8th, with leap of 11.09m.
Sonia Thomas clocked the fastest time of 11:30 on Leg 1 in the Womens' race, at the Leeds University Cross Country Relays (7th Dec). Her team Loughborough were third. Sara Maude ran second leg in 12:45.
At the Schools Cup Final at Northwich (7th Dec), John Gibson (Royal Grammar) was  4th in the Junior event (10:07). In the Junior Girls' race, Gina Rutherford (Valley Gardens) was 4th (9:33) and Saoroah Favier (Central High) was 12th ((9:40).
Andrew Toward (St Mary's) won the London Colleges League race at Hackney on December 4th, clocking 27:06, some 17 secs ahead of his rivals. All info courtesy of AW.
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Elswick Harriers Norman Woodcock Memorial Road Race.
High Gosforth Park.  Sat. 7th Dec.
Belgrave's David Anderson returned to his native North East, and was an impressive winner of the popular pre-Christmas Norman Woodcock Memorial Road Race, at High Gosforth Park. In the ideal conditions (damp but little wind), Anderson, a former member of host club Elswick, before moving to London due to work commitments, was content to track Tynedale's Andy Caine in the early stages, the pair soon breaking away from the 200-strong field. The lead at 2M was over 200m, with Elswick's Ryan McLeod and Sale's Chris O'Connell fighting for the minor awards. Anderson dropped his rival with 1.5M remaining, pulling away to an 11 secs victory. The winning time was 21secs outside Paul Davis-Hale's record set in the inaugural event on this course, in 1990, but is still one of the fastest recorded.  Anderson, 25, who has gained gold medals for his club, in both National Road Relay Championships, had previously finished second in this event 3 years ago. In an isolated third position was teenager, McLeod, who had the consolation of leading Elswick, to victory, in the team competition. Paul Johnson of Morpeth was the first veteran in 9th position. Sheila Allen of Houghton and Peterlee, easily won the Womens' race with fellow veterans, Caroline Bowman and Dawn Elliott of Chester Le Street, taking the minor honours. Alnwick won the Womens' team prize.
Result.  Distance 6M.
1 D Anderson (Belg) 28:33; 2 A Caine (Tyne) 28:44; 3 R McLeod (Els, U20) 30:50; 4 V Wilson (Morp n/s) 31:08; 5 A Lilliendale (Sun) 31:10; 6 C O'Connell (Sale) 31:15; 7 M Tomlinson (CleS) 31:17; 8 S Horn (Els) 31:29; 9 P Johnson (Morp, M40) 31:38; 10 S Murdoch (Bord, M40) 31:48; 11 M Slesser (J&H) 31:57; 12 I Cook (Hart, M40) 32:02; 13 J Moore (Heat) 32:03; 14 P Besford (Gate) 32:06; 15 A Swailes (CLeS) 32:07; 16 P Utterson (Blay) 32:11; 17 P Walker (Blay) 32:13; 18 A Dent (Blay, M45) 32:59; 19 B Jameson (Tyne, M45) 33:21; 20 D Anderson (Walls, M45) 33:47  Further Veterans: M50 - 1 C Dentice (Morp) 33:55; 2 A Catley (NSP) 35:12  M55 - M McNally (Els) 34:32  M60 - R Wilson (Sun) 37:56  M70 - E Appleby (Heat) 41:53   Teams: 1 Elswick 34; 2 Tynedale 46; 3 Blaydon 48
Women: 1 S Allen (H&P, W45) 35:46; 2 C Bowman (CleS, W40) 38:24; 3 D Elliott (CleS, W40) 39:17; 4 N Gray (Aur) 39:42; 5 Y Swinhoe (Els, W45) 39:53; 6 B Pickersgill (Aln, W45) 40:24; 7 V Hancock (Dur, W55) 40:47; 8 Susan Milburn (N Ayc, W40) 40:55; 9 B Ingman (NSP, W50) 41:10; 10 K Bentley (H&P, W35) 41:36; 11 S VanDerLinde (Morp, W40) 41:43; 12 Sophie Milburn (unatt) 42:11  W60 - C Lee (Gosf) 43:07   Teams: 1 Alnwick 30; 2 Heaton 49
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 9th Dec 2002).

Additional Comments: Most of report used, but this time in normal print size. 196 runners. Ted Joynson was slowest (77:16), but was not last as he started off 16mins early, and held off only 3 runners. Actually he should have started off 30mins early, but was late arriving. His time still seems fast (for him). Off-road section of course was slightly boggy in parts, because of recent heavy rainfall. Womens' course record is 33:49 by Shirley Griffiths in 1995. Sheila Allen was only 6secs outside her own Veterans' record (from 1996). Record info courtesy of Frank Watson. Good quality field up front. No mile markers, which meant halfway times were unavailable. I understand Sophie Milburn is joining Chester Le Street. This is the first time (I think), there has been a Womens' team race. Problems with older veterans' categories. No M55 and one M60 prize and only prizes in W35 and W45 age-groups. Have tried to split in 5-year-groups if known. This is one of the best events of the season. Brian Kirkley was there covering race for Chronicle, as Bill McGuirk was on holiday (in Barcelona). Not 100% sure, when Anderson was outsprinted by Steve O'Gara in previous effort. Heaton turned out 14 runners in GP event. John Moore was a bit off form, and was not happy with run. Eric was 120th, but nearly 3mins quicker than 2001. George Routledge, just returned from holiday with a tan, was 186th in 52:29. He had been training every day apparently.  Other Heaton performances: 60 Paramjet Bhogal 37:38; 75 Gary Campbell 38:40; 103 Ted Baty 40:44; 111 Allen Mulliss 41:14; 136 Scott McEntee 44:08; 144 J Wilson (never heard of) 45:11; 152 Jo Parkinson 46:07 (18L); 155 Helen Mitford 46:30 (20L); 163 S Auld 47:31 (23L); 164 Pam Gold 47:32 (24L/2nd W55); 192 Harry Craven 57:48. Mens' team were 10th.
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Blyth Sands Handicap Race.
Sun. 1st Dec.
Elswick's Jimmy Bell made full use of his 5minute handicap, to win yesterday's 43rd Blyth Sands Handicap Race. Bell, winner of the Over 55 event at the recent Veterans' International Cross Counttry at Ballymena, came home with 46secs to spare, over Morpeth's Archie Jenkins, who was giving his rival a minutes start. Paul Johnson of Morpeth, taking off another 2mins behind, finished strongly in third place clocking the day's fastest time. Jarrow's Claire Smallwood, winner of the Davison Shield race a day earlier, was the fastest lady finishing in 13th place overall. With the tide coming in closer than normal, along with the soft sand and a strong headwind on the outward journey to Seaton Sluice, times on this occasion, were the slowest for some years.
Result: Distance 5.5M.
1 J Bell (Els, M55) 30:34; 2 A Jenkins (Morp, M50) 31:20; 3 P Johnson (Morp, M40) 31:37; 4 H Matthews (Els, M55) 31:44; 5 R Wilson (Sun, M60) 31:59; 6 L Graham (unatt, W45) 32:20; 7 R Hall (Blyth, M50) 32:40; 8 Y Swinhoe (Els, W45) 32:46; 9 A Mellor (NSP, M40) 33:21; 10 P Lancaster (NSP, M60) 33:30; 11 C Young (Blyth, W45) 33:32; 12 S Clark (NSP, M40) 33:39; 13 C Smallwood (J&H, W) 34:02; 14 S Kirtley (Morp, U17) 34:07; 15 K Davison (Els, W40) 34:12; 16 I Richardson (NSP, M50) 34:17; 17 A Potts (Blyth, W45) 34:23; 18 I Twaddle (NSP) 34:35; 19 K Norman (Crook, M50) 34:59; 20 G Hume (Low F, M60) 35:08  Fastest Times: 1 P Johnson 33:37; 2 I Twaddle 34:35; 3  A Jenkins 35:20  Women: 1 C Smallwood 39:02; 2 K Davison 43:12; 3 L Graham 43:20
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 2nd Dec 2002).

Additional Comments: Most of report used but in small print. Wet at start but cleared up 5mins later. 111 runners (only 54 advance). Jimmy Bell was well handicapped but race-favourite, Phil Lancaster was disappointing. Have to say that Handicap needs re-thinking. It was drawn up when there were few athletes over 50. Now they make up a good proportion of the field, and are better than many "Seniors" (not a good thing to admit). Claire, who ran in Northern vest, was nearly 8 minutes slower than in 2001. She went for a training run after (John M collected prize). 8 Heaton runners. Eric Appleby led challenge in 26th (43:33). followed by John Moore (never got going again) (32nd in 37:26). According to Eric, this had been the worst conditions for the race, since he has taken part. Other Heaton placings: (actual times) 41 Ted Baty 42:17; 44 Howard Gold 43:26; 46 John Josephs 43:51; 75 Allen Mulliss 45:08; 81 Reg Checkley 50:35; 91 Jo Parkinson 50:12 (6th Team).
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Leeds Abbey Dash 10km Road Race.
Sun. 1st Dec.
North East-based Birchfield Harrier, Michael Openshaw sprinted to victory, at yesterday's Leeds Abbey Dash 10km Road Race. International Steeplechaser Stuart Stokes was 3 secs adrift in second place, with Morpeth Harrier, Mark Hudspith a further second behind in third. Morpeth also took the team honours.
Result.
1 M Openshaw (Bir) 30:00; 2 S Stokes (Sale) 30:03; 3 M Hudspith (Morp) 30:04; 10 I Hollingsworth (Morp) 30:52; 13 S Platts (Morp) 31:08  Team: Morpeth.
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 2nd Dec 2002).

Additional Comments: All used. Info from Morpeth H website. I think Bill McGuirk was there. Weather wet and windy. Other Morpeth placings: 34 Rob Holladay 32:54; 49 Glen Hilton 34:00.
Footnote: Further info from AW. Steve Hepples was 4th (30:10). Kerry Gillibrand (Sale) won Womens' race (34:21), with Angela Dickie (Wakefield) in 6th (35:53) and Heather Robinson in 21st (38:23). There were 3000 runners.

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