December 2003

Ripon Jolly Hog Jog 10km
Sun. 28th Dec.
Darlington veteran, Martin Grainger was a comfortable winner, of yesterday's Jolly Hog Jog Multi Terrain event, at Ripon. Swaledale's Erika Johnson won the Womens' race.
Result.
1 M Grainger (Darl, M40) 35:03; 2 S Mordue (RRC) 35:26; 3 S O'Neill (Skyrac) 35:55
Women: 1 E Johnson (Swale) 40:55
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 29th December 2003).
Additional Comments: All info used. Surprisingly got results on Ripon Runners website,
at about 4.00pm, the same afternoon (well done for this). 269 finishers. I think if event was better advertised in North of region (have not seen entry form for 2 years), the quality at front of field, could be improved. Obviously, by times, conditions were probably not so good (icy perhaps ?).
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Run for Bob.
Whitley Bay. Sun. 28th Dec.
A record turn-out of 120 athletes took part in yesterday's 3rd 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 Hollywell Dene, back to the Churchill Playing Fields, and was one of Bob's favourite training runs. In the sunny but very cold conditions, the leading runners, took 47mins to cover the 8M course. Proceeds for the event went to cancer research.
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 29th December 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used. Almost the same write-up as 2002. Bright but cold wind and heavy frost on ground (track was white). A good low-key event, but could be made into race, especially as the weekend 27th/28th badly needed a competitive event. First across the line were Ian Twaddle and Rob Walker in a time of exactly 47mins. The third to finish (well clear of rest), took a wrong turning, when dropped by leaders, and went via Metro station. I did not recognise first lady, who clocked 60:19, when coming in with Phil Rees (since found out to be S Hunter of Concordia). Bernie Cordes went off course also. Other times included Allen Mulliss 61:44, Eric Appleby 64:01 and Dave Whitmore 64:14.
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Woodlawn Christmas Pudding Run.
Whitley Bay.  Fri. 26th Dec.
Morpeth Harrier, Ivan Hollingsworth was an easy winner of yesterday's popular Christmas Pudding Run, in aid of the Woodlawn Special School, Whitley Bay. Hollingsworth came home 41secs ahead of Mark McDonald of Low Fell, with former Sunderland Harrier, Martin Armstrong, third. Gateshead's Karen Hind, a former winner of the Blaydon race, was the leading lady, coming home in a magnificent 13th place, in the 400-strong field. In so doing, she took a massive 28secs off Sonia Thomas's five-year-old course record. Chester Le Street's Angie Watson took second place ahead of clubmate, Caroline Bowman, who had been successful here for the last 3 years.
Result.  Distance 3.2M.
1 I Hollingsworth (Morp) 16:24; 2 M McDonald (Low F) 17:05; 3 M Armstrong (unatt) 17:07; 4 R Stephenson (NSP, U20) 17:17; 5 AN Other 17:27; 6 S Redshaw (Gate) 17:30; 7 J Young (Morp, U17) 17:31; 8 B Jameson (Tyne, M50) 17:45; 9 C Morley (unatt) 17:47; 10 S Sutherland (NSP, U20) 17:58; 11 R Floyd (Morp, U17) 18:03; 12 S Kirtley (Morp, U20) 18:08
Women: 1 K Hind (Gate) 18:30 (Course Rec); 2 A Watson (CleS) 20:07; 3 C Bowman (CleS, W40) 20:44; 4 L Marr (Tyne, W40) 21:23
(Newcastle Journal: Sat. 27th December 2003).

Additional Comments: Surprisingly all info used. Probably the largest turn-out, though no previous figures known. I would say between 350 - 450. A long queue of on-the-day entries meant race started a few minutes late. Ideal conditions. Quite mild, dry, but getting windier. As usual an unknown runner, this time in 5th place. He was wearing a vest, similar to Alnwick. Placings after 13th (unofficial) are: 14 Archie Jenkins 18:37; 15 Andrew Lawrence 18:38 (these positions may be transposed); 16 Nicholas Gold 18:42; 17 Alan Catley 18:44. (apologies to Ben Henderson, who I appear to have missed out, but first 12 correct). I could not find 1999 result, but Sonia Thomas set new figures of 18:58 in 1998. Ian Hudspith set course record of 15:54 in 2000.
Anita Nott was 6th lady (22:19), but I did not recognise 5th (around 22mins) (since found to be Hilary Ross/unatt). Outside the first 20 were Dave Whitmore (25:51) and Sid Robson (30:58). Also the Heaton contingent of Par Bhogal 20:42; Ted Baty 21:34; Chris Auld 21:43; Howard Gold 21:47; Scott McEntee (6hrs before leaving for Australia) 22:17; Allen Mulliss 22:45; Eric Appleby 23:35; John Josephs 24:12: Pam Gold 26:48; George Routledge 31:55. NG, HG, JJ and PG, I think missed start.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 21st Dec)
At the Brussels Cross Country Meeting (21st Dec), several of the region's athletes were competing. Chris Parr was 21st in Under 20 event (20:54), Alyson Dixon (40th in 24:37) and Kathryn Waugh (41st in 24:48) were in Senior Womens' race, and Rosie Smith (14th in 15:44) and Claire Robson (16th in 16:09), took part in Under 20 Womens' event.
Kelly Rodmell won the Under 20 800m at the Sale Indoor Meeting (21st Dec), in a time of 2:22.90.
At the Serpentine 5km in Hyde Park (19th Dec), Rob Hand was 3rd (and first veteran) in 15:54, behind Lee Merrien (Guernsey) (15:10). In the Poole 5km (19th Dec), Andrea Woodvine was second lady (17:37), behind Charlotte Moore (16:55). The North Shields Poly Christmas Grand Prix (16th Dec), was won by the guesting Ivan Hollingsworth (17:33), ahead of Terry West (18:27) and Rob Walker  (18:36). Another guest Leanne Pringle of Blyth won the Womens' race (23:51).
In the 2003 Senior rankings the following North East athletes were ranked in top ten. Please note, I have ignored athletes who do not belong to North East clubs, and have not competed regularly in the region. Merit ranking in brackets.
400m: 9 Jared Deacon 46.39 (7). 10000m: 3 Andy Caine 28:57.17 (3); 4 Mark Hudspith 28:59.57 (4). 400mH: 3 Anthony Borsumato 49.12 (3); 7 Liam Collins 50.95 (7). HJ: 7 Ian Holliday 2.17m (4). PV: 7 Mark Christie 5.11m (9). LJ: 2 Chris Tomlinson 8.16m (1). TJ: 1 Jonathon Edwards 17.61m (for 13th successive year) (1). DT: 7 Peter Gordon (54.03m) (6); 8 Paul Reed 52.86m (9). Women: 3000m: 5 Dianne Henaghan 9:14.24 (8). 5000: 11 Morag McDonnell 16:22.0 (10). LJ: 5 Ruth Irving 6.27m. TJ: 7 Ruth Irving 12.56m. DT: 10 Claire Moore-Griss 48.85m. HT: 2 Shirley Webb 63.35m (2).
Special mention to Emma Morris, who was placed 11th in High Jump (1.78m) and 19th in Heptathlon (4516pts). Thanks to AW for all info.
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Loftus Poultry Run.
Sun. 21st Dec.
Junior International, Steve Hepples of the home club, won the popular Loftus Christmas Poultry Run. Hepples was given a hard race throughout by one of Britain's top-ranked Marathon runners, Darron Bilton of Leeds. Catherine Hare, also of Loftus, improved from last year's third placing, to win the Womens'race.
Result.  Distance 8M.
1 S Hepples (Loft) 42:27; 2 D Bilton (Leeds C) 42:43; 3 P Lowe (M'bro) 46:12; 4 G Hetherington (unatt, M40) 46:26; 5 M Middleton (M'bro) 46:52; 6 J Skidmore (M'bro) 47:09
Veterans: M45 - T Livingston (N Marske) 47:53  M50 - T Moss (M'bro) 52:34  M55 - R Howard (Loft) 52:21  M60 - R Sherwood (N Marske) 58:27  M70 - W McNeil (Dur) 65:23
Teams: 1 Middlesbrough Mandale 27; 2 Loftus 59
Women: 1 C Hare (Loft) 51:00; 2 J Jackson (M&C, U20) 52:15; 3 A Raw (Darl, W40) 52:35; 4 R White (B'ham U) 55:00; 5 A Hall (T&S, W40) 55:43; 6 M Ford (SSh, W35) 56:05  W45 - S Milburn (N Ayc) 61:37
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 29th December 2003).

Additional Comments: All info used. Results eventually obtained on Mandale website. I understand they were compiled by Dave Parry, who is recovering from a heart attack. 373 finishers. Event poorly advertised in North of region, and this is first year for some time, I did not see an entry form. Bilton listed 10th in Marathon rankings with 2:20:50.
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Saltwell Harriers Road Races.
Gateshead.  Sun 21st Dec.
Stewart Bell led a Chester Le Street clean sweep, at yesterday's popular Saltwell Harriers pre-Christmas 10km Road Race. In the cold and gradually windier conditions, Morpeth's Alan Shepherd was the early leader, before North Eastern Junior Cross Country champion, Chris Lamb of Chester Le Street, headed the 225-strong field (the largest for some years), out of Saltwell Park. Bell and Simon O'Donnell soon joined their clubmate, with the trio still together approaching Chowdene Bank (4.5M). Bell was dropped by his rivals going up the hill, with Lamb taking the prime prize, for reaching the top of the bank in first place. Bell caught his rivals on the flat stretch with 1M remaining, pulling away to a 80m victory at the finish in Saltwell Park. O'Donnell took second place ahead of Lamb ensuring Chester Le Street won with the minimum amount of points. In 4th place was 2002 winner and leading veteran, Rob Hand of Durham. Another veteran, Dave Robertson of Sunderland was 5th ahead of Elswick junior, Ryan McLeod, happily recovered from his experiences at last weekend's European Cross Country Championships, when illness forced him to drop out. South Shields won the veterans' team prize. Elswick's Judith Nutt maintained her excellent form to easily win the Womens' race finishing in 39th position overall. Nutt's time was a personal best, with Angela Hunter of Jarrow over 2mins behind in second place, just holding off the strong finish of another Elswick athlete, Alison Dargie. Close behind in 4th place was the leading veteran, Susanne Morton, ensuring Elswick won both the open and veterans' team competitions.
It was a good day for Elswick with brother and sister, Mark and Samantha Crowe winning the Under 13 Boys' and Under 17 Womens' races repectively. For Sam who repeated her 2002 victory, it was the fourth successive win at this venue. North Eastern Cross Country champion, Jonathon Pearson easily won the Under 15 Boys' race, for the second successive year. Sean Hall led a Gateshead clean sweep in the Under 17 Mens' event, with other victories going to Steph Crowell (Under 13 Girls) and Lyndsey Dodsworth (Under 15 Girls).
Results.
Senior 10km.
1 S Bell (CleS) 32:06; 2 S O'Donnell (CleS) 32:17; 3 C Lamb (CleS, U20) 32:38; 4 R Hand (Dur, M40) 32:56; 5 D Robertson (Sun, M40) 33:02; 6 R McLeod (Els, U20) 33:16; 7 A Shepherd (Morp) 33:36; 8 J Archer (Low F) 33:51; 9 R Stephenson (NSP, U20) 34:17; 10 D Purvis (Birt) 34:19; 11 M Grainger (Darl, M40) 34:21; 12 P McCartney (Els) 34:25; 13 R Stabler (Morp) 34:50; 14 I Cook (Hart, M40) 35:03; 15 M Slesser (J&H) 35:10; 16 P Walker (Blay) 35:12; 17 P Besford (Gate) 35:19; 18 Jim Bell (Els, M55) 35:21; 19 G Dixon (Morp, M40) 35:29; 20 M Jones (SSh, M40) 35:36  Further Veterans: M45 - 1 D Nicholson (Els) 38:54; 2 P Walton (R Navy) 38:55  M50 - A Jenkins (Morp) 37:29  M55 - 2 M McNally (Els) 36:44; 3 M Frostick (Hart) 38:52  M60 - P Wright (Aur) 44:23  M65 - I Barnes(Darl) 43:37: M70 - E Appleby (Heat) 47:09  M80 - E Joynson (Gate) 87:37  Teams: 1 Chester Le Street 6; 2 Elswick 28; 3 Morpeth 35  Veterans: 1 South Shields 24; 2 Elswick 28; 3 Hartlepool Burn Road 30
Women: 1 J Nutt (Els) 37:37; 2 A Hunter (J&H) 39:56; 3 A Dargie (Els) 39:58; 4 S Morton (Els, W35) 39:59; 5 H Robinson (CleS, W40) 41:09; 6 N Gray (Aur) 42:21; 7 S Laws (Derw, W45) 42:28; 8 J Elliott (Blay) 42:29; 9 L Marr (Tyne, W40) 43:01; 10 K Bentley (Birt, W35) 43:09; 11 Y Swinhoe (Els, W45)  44:13; 12 C Acaster (Blay, W35) 46:16  Further Veterans: W50 - B Jackson (unatt) 56:42  W55 - P Gold (Heat) 49:54  W65 - E Armstrong (Tyne) 51:29
Team: Elswick 14  Veterans: Elswick 20
Under 17 Men: 4.8km.  1 S Hall (Gate) 16:02; 2 S Watson (Gate) 16:27; 3 A Carmichael (Gate) 16:40; 4 D Old (Birt) 16:49; 5 S Haswell (H&P) 16:54; 6 B Henderson (Morp) 17:05
Team: Gateshead 6
Under 15 Boys: 3.1km.  1 J Pearson (Els) 10:24; 2 R Cunningham (Birt) 10:31; 3 R Balmbra (Morp) 11:07; 4 M Douglas (Gate) 11:27; 5 T Perrins (Gate) 11:33; 6 P Graham (Black B) 11:38  Team: Birtley 19
Under 13 Boys: 2.9km.  1 M Crowe (Els) 10:57; 2 B Pearson (Els) 11:05; 3 J Beaton (Gate) 11:14; 4 S Cochrane (Morp) 11:20; 5 A Southern (Els) 11:45; 6 N Mingola (Gate) 12:06  Team: Elswick 8
Under 17 Women: 4.8km.  1 S Crowe (Els) 17:58; 2 M Ferrier (Gate) 18:35; 3 R Foster (J&H) 20:01; 4 J Wilkinson (H&P) 21:13; 5 R Barnes (J&H) 21:21; 6 L Tweddle (H&P) 23:25
Under 15 Girls: 3.1km.  1 L Dodsworth (Gate) 12:10; 2 C Wood (Els) 12:40; 3 A Bell (J&H) 12:44; 4 K White (Els) 12:55; 5 S Nurowski (Birt) 13:28; 6 C Potts (H&P) 13:34  Team: Elswick 14
Under 13 Girls: 2.9km.  1 S-K Crowell (J&H) 11:34; 2 D Pickavance-Clark (Black B) 11:42; 3 C Fletcher (Gate) 11:47; 4 E Murray (J&H) 12:08; 5 M Howell (Birt) 12:17; 6 C Mitchie (H&P) 12:31
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 22nd December 2003).

Additional Comments: Report slightly edited. Weather cold, bright but got more blustery as day developed. Threat of snow did not materialise (did come early hours of following morning). Race winners received £100 and "Prime" winner gained £25. 225 finishers. Ted Joynson was slowest. He started out over 30mins ahead of field, and came in just behind Pam Gold. Veterans were only listed to M/W55 so all older who are in results, are unofficial. Times slow. I suggest that this course is about 45secs slower (or more depending on ability), than most other 10km events. Other placings included: 21 Marc Elliott 35:48 (4th Junior); 25 Phil Addyman 36:17; 26 Paul Dodd 36:31 (5th Junior); 27 Sean Kirtley 36:37 (6th Junior); 185 Ray Laverick 51:47; 187 Dave Whitmore 52:00. I understand that the 12th placed athlete for Elswick, Phil McCartney is the old Wallsend runner, though I did not notice when he finished. Conflicting reports about how race went. This is Frank Johnson version. Angela was feeling unwell, and could not go with Judith's fast early pace. I have no results from 2000, but I am almost sure Sam Crowe won Under 15 race on two occasions (she may have been successful at Under 13 level).
Heaton fielded 9 runners. 93 Howard Gold 42:37; 100 Ted Baty 43:04; 121 Allen Mulliss 44:55; 124 Simon Huntley 45:13; 130 John Josephs 45:52; 143 Eric Appleby; 171 Pam Gold (15L); 190 Rachel Kane 52:20 (19L); 223 George Routledge 63:57. They were 8th veterans' team, though as previously stated, there are not enough runners to have separate Senior/Veteran team prizes. Footnote: Sincere apologies to Howard Gold, who was actually first M60 (sorry forgot !).
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Gateshead Indoor Standards Meeting.
International Stadium. Thurs. 18th Dec.
Results.
Senior Men:  50: A Hellewick (Sun U) 6.5  B: C Boundy (Gate) 6.4
Junior Men:  50: 1 C Crawford-Glanville (Gate) 6.5; 2 A Sturrock (Gate) 6.5   50H: C Crawford-Glanville 7.7
Under 17 Men:  50: A Dalby (Gate) 6.8  50H: A Dalby 8.0
Under 15 Boys: 50: 1 D Hubbard (Gate) 6.9; 2 L Milburn (Morp) 7.0   50H: D Hubbard 9.0
Under 13 Boys: 50: J Dawson (Gate) 7.7  50H: T Parker (unatt) 10.5
Senior Women:  50: J Harwood (NE Vets, W45) 7.6  50H: J Harwood 8.3
Junior Women:  50: K Rodmell (Bord) 7.0   LJ: K Readman (H&P) 4.97  SP: 1 Li Tucker (Blay) 10.39; 2 K Rodmell 9.25
Under 17 Women:  50: 1 K Thomas (Gate) 7.0; 2 L McMichael (CleS)  7.2  B: 1 R Willi (Gate) 7.1; 2 Steph Lamb (SSh) 7.1   LJ: 1 Steph Lamb 5.09; 2 Sarah Lamb (SSh) 4.96; 3 L McMichael 4.93  SP: 1 K Wilson (Birt) 10.31; 2 H Conroy (M'boro) 10.16; 3 K Hutton (Blay) 9.53
Under 15 Girls:  50: 1 L Dewdney (Gate) 7.2; 2 L Welsh (Gate) 7.3  B: N Pearson (H&P) 7.3  C: A Ramsey (SSh) 7.4 LJ: 1 A Ramsey 4.60; 2 S Hopkinson (Birt) 4.53  SP: 1 S Hopkinson 10.21; 2 A Robinson (Gate) 9.19
Under 13 Girls: 50: J Hudson (Gate) 7.8  LJ: 1 J Hudson 4.01; 2 E Pringle (Morp) 3.95
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 22nd December 2003).

Additional Comments: Only results sent. Not a great turn-out. Could not get High Jump results on night, so apologies for omissions. However Mick Laidler was much more helpful with results, than usual people from Gateshead MBC. Joss Harwood (now 46) is making temporary comeback for indoor season. Good quality competition in Under 17 Womens' age-group. Crawford-Glanville narrowly defeated Sturrock, but had a hard weight training session, less than 24 hours earlier (info from Richard Hunter). Went to early part of Gateshead H Christmas Social evening afterwards.
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Gateshead Lunchtime Road Race Handicap.
International Stadium.  Wed. 17th Dec.
Birtley athlete, Darren Purvis was an easy winner of yesterday's third race in the Gateshead Lunchtime Handicap Series. Purvis off a generous handicap of 11mins, also clocked the fastest overall time. Though the margin of victory was 33secs, there was only 2mins between the next fifty finishers. Fastest lady was former Blaydon race winner and Scottish International, Fiona Lothian of Fife.
Result.  Distance 5km.
1 D Purvis (Birt) 27:25; 2 C George (unatt) 27:58; 3 A Stirk (Dur U) 28:06; 4 S Watson (unatt) 28:09; 5 D Nicholson (Els) 28:10; 6 D Bostock (Low F) 28:33; 7 I Maddison (Ryton Tri) 28:48; 8 R Stobbs (Gate) 28:49; 9 A Smith (unatt) 28:52; 10 J Parkinson (unatt, W) 28:52
Fastest Times: Purvis 16:25; R Robinson (Gate) 17:03; S Sutherland (NSP, U20) 17:16; M McNally (Els, M55) 17:18  Women: F Lothian (Fife) 19:49; C Lee (Gosf, W60) 21:45; P Gold (Heat, W55) 23:25
(Newcastle Journal: Thurs. 18th December 2003).

Additional Comments: Report only used on Fri (19th). Will resubmit results for Monday (22nd). Weather fine and quite mild for time of year. Hold up with the full results as No 17 was missed out of original list, and investigation had to take place, as to where he actually finished. 70 finishers. Ted Joynson clocked 40mins 13secs in 70th place, after starting at least five minutes before the official time. He has been given a warning about his "conduct" on the main highway (ie all over the place in traffic). Fiona Lothian off an ungenerous 11mins 20secs finished 66th. Other times included Peter Morgan 17:26, Nicholson 17:40, Steve White 18:33, Joe Prudham 22:27, Joy Bell 24:23, Dave Whitmore 25:45 and Sid Robson 29:26.
Heaton were represented by 5 runners (Trevor Hopkins was full of cold).
Pam Gold finished 24th, Allen Mulliss 31st (21:22), Reg Checkley 48th (22:47), Harry Craven 52nd (27:58) and Helen Mitford (69th) (23:27) (she arrived late and went off 7mins 50secs).
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Weekly Round-up
(to 14th Dec).
Congratulations to Paula for winning her second European Cross Country Championship at Edinburgh (14th Dec). I thought she was going to get left on the last lap by the "Turk", when watching the race on TV (Bill McGuirk was there). Her time was 22mins 4secs. Also congratulations to the winning team of Paula, Hayley Yelling (5th in 22:44), Liz Yelling (8th in 22:49) and Hayley Tullett (11th in 22:59). Also the winning Junior team of Charlotte Dale (3rd in 16:04), Faye Fullerton (5th in 16:07), Dani Barnes (9th in 16:23) and Aine Hoban (15th in 16:36). Sergiy Lebid (Ukraine) won Senior Mens' event for 4th time (30:47), with Peter Riley the leading British athlete (16th in 31:43). David Anderson was 6th counter (48th in 32:36) and Britain were 7th. In the Junior Mens' event, Britain finished a creditable 4th. Tom Humphries was first counter (20th in 21:37), behind a Russian clean sweep. Ryan McLeod dropped out, after being ill for most of previous week.
Stephen Hepples won the Xmas Cracker 10km at Scarborough on 14th Dec, in a time of 30mins 31secs, over a minute clear of his nearest rival. John Hunter was leading veteran in 4th place (32:51).
Shirley Webb won the Hammer with a best throw of 62.07m at a meeting at Stretford (14th Dec).
North East athletes performed well for England in the Schools Indoor International Pentathon at Kelvin Hall (13th Dec). In the Under 18 event, Craig Crawford Glanville (3541 pts) was second behind teammate Oliver McNeillis (3547). His performances were 8.57 (60H), 11.85m (SP), 23.06 (200), 5.54m (LJ) and 2:00.09 (800). His 800m was by far the fastest. Lewis Robson was 4th with 3452pts (8.53, 12.51m, 23.47, 6.17m and 2:11.44). Needless to say England won the team competition. At Under 16 level, Albert Kamara was 3rd (2886pts) behind Ireland's Daniel Loughnane (3003). His performances were 9.09, 6.14m (LJ), 24.44, 10.93m (SP), and 2:27.91. Nick Ridgeon was 4th (2877pts) with 9.17, 5.77m, 26.11, 12.05m and 2:16.19. The team were 2nd behind Wales.
Gary Jackson won the Junior Triple Jump (14.36m), and Sally Youden the 400m (60.38) at the Sheffield Open Indoor Meeting (13th Dec).
All info courtesy of AW.
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North Eastern Counties A.A Indoor Championships.
Part 1 (Field).  Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.  Sun. 14th Dec.
Results.
Senior Men:  HJ: A Ali (Midd) 2.06  PV: C Boundy (Gate) 4.60 (CBP)  LJ: D Robertson (J&H) 6.30  TJ: J Evans (H&P, M40) 11.96  SP: A Smith (Midd) 11.94
Junior Men:  HJ: 1 J Stacey (Gate) 1.85; 2 A Sturrock (Gate) 1.85; 3 D Pope (Gate) 1.80  LJ: 1 A Sturrock 6.33; 2 J Stacey 6.20  TJ: A Barberund (Midd) 13.02  SP: 1 A Sturrock 11.68; 2 J Stacey 11.44
Under 17 Men: HJ: A Dalby (Gate) 1.65  PV: R Dixon (Morp) 3.20 LJ: P Allen (H&P) 5.88  TJ: D Blackett (Gate) 11.86  Under 15 Boys:  HJ: J Corrigan (Midd) 1.60  HJ: D Hubbard (Gate) 5.56  SP: 1 D Hubbard 10.90; 2 P Brown (Black B) 10.60; 3 A Simpson (Birt) 10.33
Under 13 Boys:  LJ: J Smales (Blay) 3.69  SP: C France (Gate) 8.04
Under 20 Women:  HJ: E Morris (SSh) 1.70 (CBP)  PV: S Harrison (Gate) 2.30  LJ: E Morris 5.00 (CBP)  TJ: S Evans (Gate) 10.22  SP: Lianne Tucker (Blay) 10.29 (CBP)
Under 17 Women:  HJ: 1 Sar Lamb (SSh) 1.50; 2 Steph Lamb (SSh) 1.50  LJ: 1 K Kelsall (Gate) 5.10; 2 S De la Hunt (Gate) 4.93; 3 Steph Lamb 4.89  TJ: 1 L McMichael (CleS) 10.36; 2 S Thompson (Shil) 10.25; 3 J Wilkinson (H&P) 9.64  SP: 1 K Wilson (Birt) 10.36 (CBP); 2 H Conroy (Midd) 10.06
Under 15 Girls:  HJ: L Watt (unatt) 1.45  LJ: 1 A Penn (Gate) 4.54; 2 N Pearson (H&P) 4.50  PV: S Scott (Gate) 2.00  SP: S Hopkinson (Birt) 9.73
Under 13 Girls:  LJ: C Gill (Gate) 4.30 (CBP)  SP: T Breen (Black B) 7.74 (CBP)
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 15th December 2003).

Additional Comments: Results courtesy of Brenda Johnston. Rush to put results in, but it was too late to forward report. Apologies therefore if any mistakes. Under 20 records are all recent, with Emma Morris bettering her own figures. Notice Sally Scott now competes for Gateshead.
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North Eastern Counties A.A. Cross Country Champioships.
Branksome School, Darlington.  Sat. 13th Dec.
New Morpeth recruit Neil Wilkinson won his first regional title, leading his club to a seventh successive Senior Mens' title, at Saturday's 98th North Eastern Counties' Cross Country Championships, at a bright and dry, but windy Branksome School, Darlington.
Martin Scaife of Chester Le Street soon led the 180-strong field, but was joined after the first of the four laps, by Wilkinson and 10-times former champion, Brian Rushworth of Sunderland, now a veteran. Wilkinson tested his rivals opening up several gaps, but Scaife covered the breaks, with Rushworth trying valiantly to hang on. It was in the final 300m that Wilkinson made his bid for victory coming home 20m clear of Scaife, with Rushworth another 80m behind in third place. Wilkinson, a former Salford Harrier, has now qualified to compete for the county, after living in the region for over 12 months. Backing the winner up, the other Morpeth counters were Andy Toward (7th), David Swinburne (12th), Terry Wall (14th), Neil Armsworth (23rd) and Glen Hilton (31st). Morpeth also won the Under 17 Men, Under 15 Girls and retained the Junior Womens' title, ensuring they retained the Middlesbrough and Cleveland Centenary Trophy, for the strongest overall team. Meryl Dodd of Bingley, who previously won in 1998, regained the Senior Womens' title, with Kathryn Waugh of Chester Le Street finishing strongly in second place, ahead of Susie Rutherford, who led host club Darlington, to the team trophy. Dodd was content to allow her younger rivals to set the early pace, before breaking away from the opposition, at the halfway point. Chris Lamb of Chester Le Street, repeated his 2002 victory in the Junior Mens' race, sprinting away from his great rival, Chris Parr of Gateshead with 300m remaining. Gateshead took the team title. Rosie Smith of Durham, was successful in the Junior Womens' race, coming home ahead of the in-form Middlesbrough runner, Johanna.Jackson. In third place and defending her Under 17 title was Julia Orr of Darlington. Runners from North of the region dominated the Under 17 Mens' event, with race favourite Lewis Timmins of Gosforth coming home well clear, of the Morpeth pair of Jonathon Young and Ross Floyd. The best finish of the day came in the Under 15 Girls' race, as Anghared Porteous of Morpeth (third in last season's  Northern Championship), just eadged out  2002 Under 13 champion, Stacey Smith of Tynedale, on the line. The Under 15 Boys' event went to form with Jonathon Pearson of Elswick holding off the strong challenge of Warren Roberts of Shildon. Gateshead took the team honours. Morpeth provided the surprise winner of the Under 13 Girls' race, with newcomer Laura Weightman leading from gun to tape. Jarrow and Hebburn won the team competition. Callum Watson of St Cuthberts School, 6th in 2002, easily won the Under 13 Boys' race, leading his school to a successful defence of the team title.
Results.
Senior Men: 12km.  1 N Wilkinson (Morp) 39:55; 2 M Scaife (CleS) 39:58; 3 B Rushworth (Sun, M40) 40:12; 4 D Wardle (Lond I) 40:22; 5 S Bell (CleS) 41:08; 6 M Hood (Sun) 41:37; 7 R Hand (Dur, M40) 41:43; 8 A Toward (Morp) 41:47; 9 M Nicholson (Gosf) 41:48; 10 R Cole (Midd) 42:01; 11 J Archer (Low F) 42:12; 12 D Swinburne (Morp) 42:22; 13 M Thompson (Gate) 42:43; 14 T Wall (Morp) 42:59; 15 S O'Donnell (CleS) 43:04; 16 S Potts (Sun) 43:07; 17 A Tatham (Quak) 43:25; 18 C Stead (Gate) 43:32; 19 M McDonald (Low F) 43:37; 20 P Merrison (Walls, M40) 43:43; 21 I Crampton (Dur, M40) 43:56; 22 I Cook (Hart, M40) 44:13; 23 N Armsworth (Morp) 44:17; 24 M Armstrong (Hart) 44:29; 25 M Grainger (Darl, M40) 44:44; 26 M Tomlinson (CleS) 44:49; 27 P Newton (Clare) 44:51; 28 T Brannon (NSP) 45:17; 29 M Middleton (Midd) 45:20; 30 I Waterhouse (Els) 45:24  Teams: 1 Morpeth 89; 2 Chester Le Street 132; 3 Sunderland 188; 4 Durham City 308; 5 Wallsend 336; 6 Blaydon 353
Junior Men:  8km.  1 C Lamb (CleS) 26:39; 2 C Parr (Gate) 26:44; 3 R Stephenson (NSP) 27:55; 4 M Elliott (Gate) 28:10; 5 P Hutton (Gosf) 28:17; 6 P Stockton (Midd) 28:35; 7 G Driscoll (Morp) 29:09; 8 T Settle (CleS) 29:10; 9 A Haynes NSP) 29:37; 10 A Teate (Midd) 29:57; 11 S Kirtley (Morp) 30:10; 12 S Pogue (Midd) 30:30; 13 C Aynsley (Morp) 30:31; 14 M Bell (N Ayc) 31:37; 15 A Burnie (Gate) 32:06  Teams: 1 Gateshead 21; 2 Chester Le Street 26; 3 Middlesbrough, Mandale 28
Under 17 Men:  6km.  1 L Timmins (Gosf) 20:43; 2 J Young (Morp) 21:14; 3 R Floyd (Morp) 21:22; 4 N Shrubb (Morp) 21:26; 5 L Moses (N Ayc) 21:38; 6 A Colwell (Morp) 21:42; 7 S Hall (Gate) 21:42; 8 J Martin (Sun) 21:45; 9 M Atkin (CleS) 21:52; 10 A Muir (Blay) 22:10; 11 A Piggford (Hart) 22:13; 12 S Stewart (Tyne) 22:13; 13 M Lomax (Shil) 22:23; 14 B Henderson (Morp) 22:37; 15 S Haswell (H&P) 22:43  Teams: 1 Morpeth 15; 2 Gateshead 74; 3 Blaydon 102
Under 15 Boys:  4km.  1 J Pearson (Els) 13:59; 2 W Roberts (Shil) 14:03; 3 D Ellis (CleS) 14:20; 4 K Thompson (Shil) 14:25; 5 J Cook (Gate) 14:27; 6 J Gibson (Gate) 14:57; 7 R Balmbra (Morp) 14:59; 8 A Mitchell (Midd) 15:09; 9 M Forster (Midd) 15:06; 10 R Cunningham (Birt) 15:15; 11 C Young (Morp) 15:16; 12 S Potter (NSP) 15:17; 13 M Douglas (Gate) 15:19; 14 W Pike (Gate) 15:28; 15 L Stockton (Midd) 15:37  Teams: 1 Gateshead 38; 2 Middlesbrough, Mandale 48; 3 Shildon 55
Under 13 Boys:  3km.  1 C Watson (St Cuth) 11:24; 2 S Ruddick (Blay) 11:43; 3 R Murray (Gate) 11:53; 4 J Hewitt (Gosf) 12:01; 5 G Scrafton (Sun) 12:12; 6 K Fairclough (Sun) 12:16; 7 T Venus (Tyne) 12:17; 8 T Murphy (M&C) 12:27; 9 L Foley (St Cuth) 12:33; 10 M Crowe (Els) 12:38; 11 G Ritchie (J&H) 12:41; 12 D Burnage (Shil) 12:45; 13 D Regan (Blay) 12:46; 14 G Patterson (St Cuth) 12:47; 15 J Stokle (St Cuth) 12:49  Teams: 1 St Cuthberts HS 39; 2 Sunderland 66; 3 Tynedale 88
Senior Women:  8km.  1 M Dodd (Bing) 30:53; 2 K Waugh (CleS) 30:59; 3 S Rutherford (Darl) 31:14; 4 B Taylor (Darl) 31:45; 5 A Dixon (CleS) 32:26; 6 A Hunter (J&H) 32:34; 7 M Holt (Sun) 32:35; 8 J Nutt (Els) 32:39; 9 A Raw (Darl, W40) 32:54; 10 A Watson (CleS) 33:09; 11 M Czarnecka (CleS) 33:46; 12 H Robinson (CleS, W40) 34:23; 13 S Morton (Els, W35) 34:32; 14 J Battersby (Elv, W40) 34:41; 15 K Sargison (Gate) 34:47; 16 A Dargie (Els) 35:10; 17 H Patton (Gate, W40) 35:21; 18 R Carter (Tyne) 35:35; 19 F Shenton (Elv, W40) 35:45; 20 V Booth (Sun) 35:52  Teams: 1 Darlington 16; 2 Chester Le Street 17; 3 Elswick 37; 4 Sunderland 58; 5 Tynedale 67; 6 Blaydon 81
Junior Women:  5km.  1 R Smith (Dur) 19:20; 2 J Jackson (M&C) 19:28; 3 C Robson (Tees) 19:37; 4 A Gibson (Els) 19:55; 5 A Fox (Morp) 20:00; 6 D Watts (Morp) 20:11; 7 S Evans (J&H) 20:44; 8 N Desai (Morp) 20:55; 9 J Page (Dur) 21:26; 10 F Burnie (Gate) 21:40; 11 Rebecca Adams (Morp) 21:47; 12 N Owens (Shil) 21:55; 13 V Raw (CleS) 22:21; 14 S Armstrong (Gosf) 22:44; 15 S Graham (Morp) 22:29
Under 17 Women:  5km.  1 J Orr (Quak) 19:32; 2 M Ferrier (Gate) 19:45; 3 S Crowe (Els) 19:48; 4 S Hart (N Marske) 20:27; 5 C Harrison (Gate) 21:11; 6 A Snook (Shil) 21:21; 7 D Hastings-Long (M&C) 21:39; 8 H Dix (Blay) 21:48; 9 N Dawson (Morp) 21:52; 10 F Parkinson (Gate) 22:26; 11 R Barnes (J&H) 22:29; 12 N Sage (Morp) 22:41; 13 N Powell (Tyne) 22:50; 14 G Dines (Gosf) 22:52; 15 C Cockburn (Morp) 24:03   Teams (with U20): 1 Morpeth 29; 2 Gateshead 35; 3 Sunderland 105
Under 15 Girls:  4km.  1 A Porteous (Morp) 16:09; 2 Stacey Smith (Tyne) 16:09; 3 V Angus (H&P) 16:23; 4 Rachel Adams (Morp) 16:31; 5 C Reay (Blay) 16:46; 6 S Duffy (Gate) 16:54; 7 S Coleby (Dur) 16:57; 8 L Dixon (Morp) 17:18; 9 L Dodsworth (Gate) 17:24; 10 C Baudouin (Gate) 17:35; 11 R Shield (Dur) 17:37; 12 C Wood (Els) 17:38; 13 K White (Els) 17:46; 14 N Bellamy (Gosf) 17:55; 15 K Walker (Dur) 17:59   Teams: 1 Morpeth 13; 2 Gateshead 25; 3 Durham City 33
Under 13 Girls: 3km.  1 L Weightman (Morp) 12:43; 2 Shona Smith (Tyne) 12:49; 3 S-K Crowell (J&H) 12:57; 4 C Fletcher (Gate) 13:13; 5 F Buckton (M&C) 13:16; 6 C Mitchie (H&P) 13:36; 7 S Favier (Gate) 13:42; 8 E Spoor (Sun) 13:47; 9 E Murray (J&H) 13:52; 10 R Rossington (Gosf) 13:57; 11 R Noble (Darl) 14:03; 12 H Burdon (Midd) 14:07; 13 S McArdle (Gosf) 14:08; 14 E Campbell (Sun) 14:09; 15 G Bellamy (Gosf) 14:12   Teams: 1 Jarrow and Hebburn 29; 2 Gosforth 38; 3 Morpeth 42
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 15th December 2003).

Additional Comments: Report cut off midstream and some results edited (even AW cut Under 17 Womens' result). Weather quite nice but windy. Course mainly firm. Programme timetable soon fell behind, due to problems with a crossing point on the course. The last event for Under 17 Men started 20mins late, and this was not long after the Senior Women had begun. Consequently both races were finishing at more or less the same time. This is not right in a championship ! 179 runners in Senior event, with George Routledge a distant 179th (80:16). Other performances from older runners were Jim Bell (40th in 46:17), Bernie Cordes (146th in 56:53), Ray Laverick (175th in 66:15). Malcolm Stephenson was listed as 161st in 58:22, though I did not see him. Kirk Wilson dropped out, on second lap of Junior event. 31 finishers in Womens' race, though no one was isolated at the back. Jenny Tinkler was 30th in 39:39. Sian Ellison dropped out when lying with Judith Nutt and Angela, who both had good runs. Michelle Holt also performed well only losing to Angela, on sprint finish. Slight contoversy about who actually got verdict in Under 15 Girls' event ( I agree with referee). There was also an argument over whether Porteous went off course, but she actually doubled back and ran further. Not sure what the team was in Schools' Cup qualifier, but St Cuthberts did not qualify for final, yet take the North Eastern Under 13 title !
Scott McEntee (167th in 61:10) was Heaton's only other representative.
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Newcastle Schools Cross Country Championships.
St Cuthberts High School.  Tues. 9th Dec.
Results.
Intermediate Boys: 4.5km.  1 W Pike (Heaton Manor) 16:21; 2 R Price (All Saints) 16:56; 3 S Beaton (Heaton Manor) 17:19; 4 P Leonard (Heaton Manor) 17:28; 5 S Mowbray (Kenton) 17:37  Team: Heaton Manor 19
Junior Boys:  3.2km.  1 J Gibson (RGS) 11:43; 2 C Watson (St Cuthberts) 11:56; 3 T Perrins (RGS) 12:09; 4 N Atkinson (St Cuthberts) 12:12; 5 J Hewitt (Dame Allans) 12:26  Team: Royal Grammar 20
Minor Boys: 2.5km.  1 G Patterson (St Cuthberts) 9:32; 2 J Day (St Cuthberts) 9:33; 3 J Stokle (St Cuthberts) 9:35   Team: St Cuthberts 23
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 15th December 2003).

Additional Comments: Full results courtesy of Ian Beck (have added times of 4th and 5th runners). Weather dull but dry. Very clarty. First three Minor Boys are footballers. In charge of All Saints (combination of several West End Schools), was Graham Lancaster. Apparently it was the RGS championships the day before. Some runners were not full out including Jonathon Cook (7th in Inter race). 7th in Junior event was Niall Flannery. Not sure, but I think Brendan Magean was in charge of Heaton Manor team.
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Hexhamshire Hobble Fell Race.
Allendale, Northumberland.  Sun. 7th Dec.
Result.  10.5M.
1 E Nash (Kendal) 66:00; 2 P Addyman (Clare) 67:12; 3 S Coxon (Tyne, M40) 67:13  Team: Tynedale   Women: 1 K Robertson (Tyne) 75:38; 2 A Raw (Darl, W40) 78:59
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 15th December 2003).

Additional Comments: Info courtesy of Phil Addyman. Womens' result courtesy of AW.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 7th Dec).
Dominic Bannister won the Helena Tipping 10km on 7th Dec, in a time of 31:04. Not sure where this is ? (also read that Andrea Duke now lives in Leeds).
An interesting competitor in the Oxford v Cambridge XC match at Wimbledon (6th Dec), was fourth placed lady, Courtney Birch of Oxford (24:20). Not seen her name in results for a while. Philippa McCrea won the Senior Womens' race, at the Carlisle Aspatria Open XC meeting on 5th Dec. Her time was 17:34 ahead of Sarah Tunstall (18:14) and Lisa Huston (18:29). In the London Colleges XC League match, at Hackney Marshes (3rd Nov), Fiona Burnie was 9th (17:21). She was also 4th in incorporated University of London championship.
In the annual Road rankings for 2003, Mike Openshaw lies 5th in 5km (14:28), and 5th in 5M (23:31). Andy Caine is 9th in 5km (14:30), with Steve Hepples 10th (14:32). Mark Hudspith is 6th in 5M (23:32) and Neil Wilkinson 8th in 10km (29:26). David Anderson lies 2nd in 10M (48:37), and Ian Hudspith 2nd in Half Marathon (63:32). Sorry to say no North East athletes were in first 10 in any event, in the Boys' Under 13 Track and Field rankings. Callum Watson was 20th in 1500m (4:49.5).
All info from AW.
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Blyth Sands Handicap Race.
Sun. 7th Dec.
Morpeth Harrier Archie Jenkins finished strongly to overhaul long-time leader, Yvonne Swinhoe of Elswick, to win yesterday's 44th Blyth Sands Handicap Race, from Blyth Harbour to Seaton Sluice and back. Trying to make up a 7mins deficit, Jenkins, second in 2002,  passed his rival, with less than 100m remaining. It was a similar story for third place, when former winner, Steve White of Elswick, overhauled Cath Young of Blyth, in the final strides. Young had the consolation of leading her club to the team title. Fastest on the day was Ian Twaddle of North Shields Poly, who finished in 14th place, giving up to 12mins to most of the field. Fastest lady was former Gosforth Harrier, Gillian Adams, who came home in 20th position. The fine weather and firm underfoot conditions for most of the route, meant times were the quickest for some years.
Result.  Distance 5M.
1 A Jenkins (Morp, M50) 26:16; 2 Y Swinhoe (Els, W45) 26:21; 3 S White (Els, M55) 26:56; 4 C Young (Blyth, W45) 26:59; 5 R Hall (Blyth, M50) 27:13; 6 R Wilson (Sun, M60) 27:29; 7 H Morris (Blyth, W40) 28:16; 8 L Miller (NSP, W45) 28:34; 9 G Pemberton (NE Vets, M50) 28:39; 10 S Kirtley (Morp, U18) 28:55; 11 A Potts (Blyth, W45) 29:01; 12 T Mellor (NSP, M40) 29:02; 13 G Dixon (Morp, M40) 29:04; 14 I Twaddle (NSP) 29:17; 15 M Gaughan (Blyth, M45) 29:41; 16 H Gold (Heat, M60) 29:50; 17 R Stabler (Morp) 29:56; 18 G Barry (H&P, WU18) 30:00; 19 B Hume (Low F, M55) 30:02; 20 G Adams (unatt, SW) 30:12
Fastest: I Twaddle 29:17; R Stabler 29:56; A Jenkins 30:16   Women: G Adams 35:12; H Morris 37:16; Y Swinhoe 37:21
Teams: 1 Blyth 27; 2 Morpeth 41; 3 North Shields Poly 55
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 8th December 2003).

Additional Comments: Most of report used. Weather cold and frosty early on, but got quite sunny and warm as race progressed. 107 finishers. George Routledge was 107th in an actual time of 59:31. He was just behind James Johnston (61:16). Moving start time to 10.00am, caught a few potential runners out, including Allen Mulliss, who missed start of backmarkers by 15secs. He should have been given a 3mins handicap. His adjusted time in 82nd position was 38:35. The earlier start (which may be permanent in future), was due to the knocking down of the nearby Cambois Towers. Though it was mentioned in 2002, there could be extra handicaps for "older" veterans next year. Howard Gold's actual time was 36:50. Other Heaton performances were (actual times): 46 John Josephs 38:07; 47 Eric Appleby (a last minute decision to run) 40:09. Reg Checkley, who was expected to run, was laid up with heavy cold. Thanks to the host club for full results.
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Elswick Harriers North Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op Norman Woodcock Memorial Road Race.
High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne.  Sat. 6th Dec.
Morpeth Harrier, Terry Wall was a convincing winner of Saturday's Elswick Harriers' North Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op sponsored, Norman Woodcock Memorial Road Race, at a cold and windy High Gosforth Park. Wall soon headed the field pulling away to a 53secs victory over clubmate, Kirk Wilson who outsprinted veteran Dave Robertson of Sunderland, for second place.  Morpeth comfortably won the team title.
Michelle Holt of Sunderland won her first open Road Race, finishing in 25th position overall. The 20-year-old Durham University student came home 18secs clear of leading veteran, Susanne Morton of the host club, with another veteran, Heather Robinson of Chester Le Street finishing third. Sunderland also took the team honours.
Result.  Distance 6M.
1 T Wall (Morp) 30:27; 2 K Wilson (Morp, U20) 31:20; 3 D Robertson (Sun, M40) 31:25; 4 R Walker (NSP) 31:34; 5 P Besford (Gate) 33:14; 6 E Makin (Dur) 33:15; 7 M Jones (SSh, M40) 33:16; 8 S Kelly (Walls) 33:19; 9 C Nichol (Tev) 33:36; 10 G Harden (Sun, M40) 33:52; 11 D Anderson (Walls, M45) 33:56; 12 P Dodd (Els) 34:03; 13 H Matthews (Els, M55) 34:09; 14 G Bayne (Morp, M45) 34:11; 15 M McNally (Els, M55) 34:38
Further Veterans: M45 - 2 M Ingram (Crook) 34:46  M50 - 1 S Winter (CleS) 36:15; 2 P Richardson (Sun) 36:18  M60 - P Wright (Aur) 41:07  M65 - 1 R Phillipson (Blay) 40:49; 2 K Sutton (Gosf) 41:17  M70 - E Appleby (Heat) 43:27
Teams: 1 Morpeth 16; 2 Sunderland 34; 3 Elswick 37
Women: 1 M Holt (Sun) 36:25; 2 S Morton (Els, W35) 36:43; 3 H Robinson (CleS, W40) 38:24; 4 C Bowman (CleS, W40) 38:30; 5 S Laws (Derw, W45) 39:46; 6 V Booth (Sun) 40:17; 7 L Marr (Tyne, W40) 40:35; 8 Y Swinhoe (Els, W45) 40:58; 9 A Nott (Heat, W40) 41:55; 10 B Ingman (NSP, W50) 42:38  Further Veterans: W55 - P Gold (Heat) 46:16  W60 - C Lee (Gosf) 42:43  Teams: 1 Sunderland 19; 2 Elswick 35; 3 Heaton 50
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 8th December 2003).

Additional Comments: Most of report used. Unfortunately could not attend one of my favourite events, due to clash with Schools' fixture. Results courtesy of George Ogle. Race info from Kevin Carr and George Routledge. 137 finishers with David Tait occupying final position in 60:36. Clash with televised Newcastle (1) Liverpool (1) fixture, would not have helped turn-out. I understand expected runner, Ryan McLeod went to match. Slight variations with veterans' age-groups (eg H Matthews listed as M50, and Harry Craven listed as 1st M70), but have amended when known. Not sure why this was ? I understand Archie Jenkins dropped out. Dave Whitmore was 108th in 46:16. Anita Nott still wore Heaton colours as resignation had not been confirmed. Heaton had 12 athletes competing. Performances were: 35 Paramjet Bhogal 37:29; 62 Ted Baty 40:38; 68 Scott McEntee 41:34; 71 Anita Nott; 74 Chris Auld 42:20; 89 Simon Huntley 43:23 (outsprinted EA); 90 Eric Appleby; 107 Pam Gold (20L); 111 Dawn Parker 46:41 (21L); 113 Rachel Kane 47:54 (22L); 130 George Routledge 55:34; 132 Harry Craven 55:46  Mens' team 8th.
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English Schools Cross Country Cup Final.
Acklam Grange School, Middlesbrough.  Sat. 6th Dec.
The region's Schools found the competition tough at Saturday's English Schools Cross Country Cup final at Acklam Grange, Middlesbrough.
Russell Best of Laurence Jackson Sports College, Cleveland was the highest placed  individual performer, finishing 4th in the Junior Boys' event.
Best team performance came from Gosforth Central Middle School, who finished 4th in the Junior Girls' event. The individual winner was rising starlet Sarah Hopkinson of Cheltenham College. Andrew Lagan of Northallerton College, finished 7th in the Intermediate Boys' event, and John Gibson (Royal Grammar) finished 11th.
Results.
Intermediate Boys.  3.7km.  1 I May (Isleworth) 11:49; 2 L Walker (Helsby) 11:59; 3 A Morgan-Bonner (Manchester GS); 7 A Lagan (Northallerton) 12:14; 11 J Gibson (Newcastle RGS) 12:18; 19 P Curtis (Kendal) 12:33  Teams: 1 Helsby High 91; 2 Sandown High 95; 3 Sharnbrook Upper 118; 14 Newcastle Royal Grammar 242; 16 Kirkbie Kendal 247; 20 Northallerton College 275
Junior Boys.  2.7km.  1 D Cliffe (Bridgewater) 8:57; 2 S Barber (Westhill) 9:07; 3 O Cartwright (Bourne) 9:08; 4 R Best (L Jackson, Cleve) 9:08; 22 A Minter (L Jackson) 9:34; 30 G Scrafton (St Aidans) 9:42
Teams: 1 Millfield, Somerset 74; 2 Southend HS 100; 3 Westhill, Greater Manchester 128; 13 Laurence Jackson, Cleveland 217; 19 St Aidans HS, Sunderland 252
Intermediate Girls. 2.7km.  1 H Knight (Ivybridge) 9:29; 2 J Harvey (Ivybridge) 9:31; 3 T Aster (Downe) 9:36; 11 L Marshall Chetwynde) 10:04; 27 G Rutherford (Whitley Bay) 10:27; 28 H Davies (Whitley Bay) 10:28  Teams: 1 Ivybridge College 43; 2 Penair 63; 3 Downe House 87;  6 Chetwynde, Cumbria 183; 9 Whitley Bay High 205; 13 Central High, Newcastle 231
Junior Girls. 2.1km.  1 S Hopkinson (Cheltenham) 7:21; 2 A McGurk (Robert Bruce) 7:25; 3 H Goodwin (Robert Bruce) 7:32; 18 J Salotti (Central HS) 9:00; 20 S Favier (Central HS) 9:01; 27 S McCardle (Gosforth MS) 8:07; 29 R Rossington (Gosforth MS) 8:10  Teams: 1 Robert Bruce Middle, Beds 56; 2 Coopers Company, Essex 67; 3 Penair, Cornwall 83; 4 Gosforth Central Middle 157; 9 Central High, Newcastle 170
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 8th December 2003).

Additional Comments: Most of report used. Quite a good event, though nothing to write home about as far as the region's teams go. Weather was bright at start, but gradually got cold and windy. Part of original course could not be used, which meant all races were on the short side. With fields of up to 144 in each race, this meant recording was very difficult. Hopkinson is in the same training group as Emily Pidgeon and topped Under 13 rankings at all middle distance events.
Interestingly Whitley Bay High School were wearing NSP colours.
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