February 2004

Weekly Round-up
(to 29th Feb).
At the World Best 10km in Puerto Rico (29th Feb), Paula Radcliffe (30:45), was surprisingly defeated by Lorna Kiplogat (Netherlands) (30:41), the pair finishing 18th and 19th overall..In the very windy conditions, Kenya's J Korir was overall winner in 27:47. Feared the worst as the main body of newspapers, did not include this story.
The small contingent of North East athletes, performed with credit at the National Junior Indoor Championships, at Birmingham (28th/29th Feb). Yusuf Aliu won the Under 15 Boys' 60m in 7.29secs, with Richard Kilty 5th (7.48 after 7.43 ht). Graham Jackson was 3rd in the Under 20 Triple Jump (14.41m). Dean Daniel was 4th in the U20 200m (21.26) and Emma Morris finished 4th in the Under 20 Girls' 60mH (9.13 after 9.12ht) and 5th in High Jump (1.70m). Heat performances not qualifying for finals, included Craig Crawford Glanville (49.91 in U20 400m) and Kieran Flannery (1:56.01 in U20 800m). For Cumbria, Keith Higham won the U20 Pole Vault (5.05m). (since confirmed Flannery was 4th in final in 1:56:51).
At the Scottish Junior Indoor Championships, at Kelvin Hall (29th Feb), Craig Sturrock won the U20 Shot (14.64m) and Kelly Rodmell took the U20 Womens' 400m title (59.94). Leanne Tucker was second in the U20 Womens' Shot (10.44m) and Kirsty Hutton took the U15 Girls' Shot title (10.47m).
At the British Universities' Indoor Championships at Cardiff (28th/29th Feb), Nisha Desai (Nottingham) was 3rd in the 800m (2:15.77) (behind N Lewis of Cardiff 2:07.84), and 4th in 400m (58.82). Chris Parr (Loughborough) was 6th in 1500m (4:02.56) and Andrea Woodvine (Notts) was 4th in 3000m (10:06.16).
David Wardle was 4th in the Amargh International 5km in a time of 14mins 25secs, only 5secs behind winner, M Bartoszak of Poland. Philippa McCrea was first lady in the Annan River race in a time of 25mins 57secs, 27secs clear of her nearest rival.
David Anderson won the Belgrave Supernova 10km on 28th Feb, in a time of 30mins 29secs, from Andy Caine (31:02). Colette Fagan won the Womens' section of the Copar 5M on 28th Feb, in 28mins 12secs, ahead of leading veteran Fiona Lothian (30:45).
In the treacherous underfoot conditions, Leeds University Old Boys (41:15) won the Durham Cathedral Relay on 28th Feb, from Durham Old Boys (41:40). J Thompson of Leeds was fastest ((9:59). The Durham team of Olivia Walwyn (11:36) (fastest), Aiveen Fox (12:31) and N Fifield (12:21) won the Womens' race (36:29).
Alan Shepherd was 5th in the Inter Services Cross Country event at RAF Hilton (27th Feb) in 32mins 4secs.
Andy Toward won the London Colleges League fixture at Victoria Park (25th Feb), by 28secs in a time of 31mins 25secs.
All info from AW, in which there was an excellent letter from Colin Bolton re.combined U17/20 Womens' National XC.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 22nd Feb).
Stephen Hepples, whose racing programme should be admired, won the Snake Lane 10M at Pocklington (22nd Feb) in 54mins 5secs, with Martin Grainger the leading veteran in 3rd (55:58). Ian Scott (12th in 57:46) was the first M50. Tracey Morris won Womens' race (56:39) with Alison Raw in 4th (62:48) (1st W40). Clayton Bannon won the Bushy Park Trail Race, in a time of 24mins 1sec. Sharon Gayter was 2nd in the Sleaford Half Marathon, with a time of 94mins 55secs.
At the British Veterans' Indoor Championships at Cardiff (21st/22nd Feb), Eric Smart won the M45 200m (24.36) after finishing 2nd at 60m (7.58). Reg Checkley finished 3rd in M65 800m (2:51.22) and also 3rd in 1500m (time not known) (4 competed in 800m and 3 in 1500m). Jim Caddy won the M75 1500m (7:23.46) and 3000m (15:30.74). Helen Patton finished 3rd in the W40 800m (2:23.37). Joss Harwood won the W45 60m Hurdles (9.62) and Gill Dobson was 3rd in the High Jump (1.25m).
At the Combined North of England/Midland Counties Indoor Combined Events meeting, at Sheffield (21st/22nd Feb), Gateshead's Daniel Hubbard was the region's only medallist. He was 2nd in the U15 Boys' Pentathlon with 2130pts behind A Fleetwood (Charnwood) (2237pts). He was thus Northern champion. The only known individual mark is 11.58m in the Shot. Craig Crawford-Glanville won an open Under 20 60m in 7.5secs.
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Saucony English National Cross Country Championships.
Temple Newsam, Leeds.  Sat. 21st Feb.
Fortunes did not come the way of the region's athletes, at Saturday's Saucony National Cross Country Championships, at a chilly Temple Newsam, Leeds. On the hilly course, which proved very tough for most athletes, Durham-based Dominic Bannister competing in the Shaftesbury Barnet colours, took third place in the showcase Senior Mens' event, behind Coventry's Glen Tromans and Bill Farquharson of Mansfield. Bannister, who was lying second for most of the race, had previously won the title, when it was held at nearby Roundhay Park, 6 years ago. Belgrave took the team title for the first time, adding to their victories in all the National Relay Championships. A weakened Morpeth team, led by Ian Hudspith (20th) finished 7th. Former Wallsend Harrier, Sonia Thomas, now wearing the Sale colours, finished strongly to take 4th place in the Senior Womens' race. The event was won by Belgrave's Berhan Dagne, from long-time leader Loise Damen of Southampton. Morag McDonnell of Chester Le Street finished 9th, though her club, hit by late-withdrawals, were unable to retain the title, finishing in 6th place. Chris Lamb of Chester Le Street finished a creditable 8th in the Junior Mens' race, behind Northern champion, Phil McGlory of Liverpool. Warren Roberts of Shildon had an excellent run, to finish just outside the medals in 6th place in the Under 15 Boys' race, with North Eastern champion, Jonathon Pearson of Elswick, close behind in 10th. Delyth James of Morpeth was another to run well finishing 8th in the Under 17 Womens' race. Best team performance came from Morpeth, who were 4th in the Junior Womens' event. The Northumberland club did well to finish completed teams, in nine of the ten races. Cumbrian-based Trafford athlete, Adrian Holliday, finished 4th in the Under 17 Mens' race.
Results.
Senior Men: 11.8km.
1 G Tromans (Cov G) 41:24; 2 W Farquharson (Mans) 41:45; 3 D Bannister (Shafts B) 41:47; 4 R Birchall (Notts) 42:14; 5 S Barden (Belg) 42:26; 6 Allen Graffin (Belg) 42:29; 7 K Cullen (High) 42:29; 8 D Mitchinson (N&EB) 42:41  Other Placings: 20 I Hudspith (Morp) 43:16; 24 A Caine (Tyne) 43:30; 38 D Wardle (Lond I) 44:12; 54 A Toward (Morp) 44:39; 68 S Bell (CleS) 44:53; 70 S Platts (Morp) 44:53; 72 C Sampson (Morp) 44:58; 137 D Swinburne (Morp) 46:39; 144 T Wall (Morp) 46:44  Teams: 1 Belgrave 160; 2 Leeds City 254; 3 Sale, Manchester 258; 4 Bedford & County 283; 5 Bingley 423; 7 Morpeth 483; 68 Saltwell 4057; 78 Darlington 4250; 81 Elswick 4404; 91 Blaydon 4785; 100 Middlesbrough & Cleveland 5505; 102 Sunderland Strollers 5662; 115 Aurora 7242
Junior Men: 9km.
1 P McGlory (Liv H) 31:17; 2 T Humphries (Cann) 31:25; 3 T Sharland (Ips) 31:42; 4 S Jacobs (Ips) 31:45; 5 K Gerrard (Manx) 31:51; 6 F Tickner (Birm U) 32:04  Other Placings: 8 C Lamb (CleS) 32:09; 35 K Wilson (Morp) 33:38; 65 M Elliott (Gate) 35:23; 76 J Douglas (Bord) 35:52; 85 G Driscoll (Morp) 36:10; 93 A Lawrence (Morp) 36:29; 96 A Swinburne (Morp) 36:44  Teams: 1 Aldershot F&D 74; 2 Holmfirth 99; 3 Ipswich 135; 6 Morpeth 301
Under 17 Men: 6km.
1 A Hickey (Southend) 21:28; 2 R Pickering (Brid) 21:33; 3 K Hardy (Ips) 21:57; 4 A Holliday (Traff) 22:05; 5 M Bailey (Southend) 22:09; 6 M Burgess (Wood G) 22:14  Other Placings: 32 J Martin (Sun) 23:13; 34 R Floyd (Morp) 23:14; 43 J Taylor (M'bro) 23:27; 48 M Scott (CleS) 23:37; 68 J Creegan (Gate) 23:59; 79 L Moses (N Ayc) 24:08; 82 Z Scott (Birt) 24:11; 88 N Zissler (R&Z) 24:17; 98 A Coffer (CleS) 24:28  Teams: 1 Southend-on-Sea 56; 2 Aldershot, Farnham & District 116; 3 Peterborough 129; 10 Morpeth 351
Under 15 Boys: 4.1km.
1 A Derricott (CoStoke) 13:59; 2 J Tyler (Medway) 14:14; 3 L Carey (Nuneaton) 14:14; 4 S Dalgleish (Westbury) 14:22; 5 R Clarke (Havering) 14:23; 6 W Roberts (Shil) 14:23  Other Placings: 10 J Pearson (Els) 14:28; 33 K Thompson (Shil) 15:06; 41 D Ellis (CleS) 15:13; 52 W Pike (Gate) 15:24; 65 J Gibson (Gate) 15:30; 84 R Balmbra (Morp) 15:42; 92 B Knighton (Gate) 15:46  Teams: 1 City of Stoke 127; 2 Westbury 140; 3 City of Norwich 143; 15 Gateshead 333; 22 Morpeth 550
Under 13 Boys: 3km.
1 M Jackson (Warr) 10:39; 2 D Cliffe (Warr) 10:41; 3 D Platt (Salf) 10:44; 4 J Dalgleish (Westbury) 10:48; 5 T Goddard (Aldershot F&D) 10:49; 6 B Coldray (Glouc) 10:50  Other Placings: 20 R Murray (Gate) 11:11; 24 S Ruddick (Blay) 11:13; 29 D Roberts (R&Z) 11:20; 61 D Burnage (Shil) 11:37; 65 T Ord (Morp) 11:39; 75 G Scrafton (Sun) 11:45; 79 T Farrell (Bord) 11:47  Teams: 1 Aldershot, Farnham & District 116; 2 Tonbridge 142; 3 Warrington 185; 18 Sunderland 580; 22 Blaydon 607; 30 Houghton & Peterlee  889
Senior Women: 8.1km.
1 B Dagne (Belg) 32:28; 2 L Damon (Southampton) 32:51; 3 Juliet Potter (Charn) 33:10; 4 S Thomas (Sale) 33:16; 5 G Keddie (Leeds) 33:19; 6 J Clague (Liv H) 33:21; 7 A Stiles (Bris) 33:31; 8 H Lawrence (Wirr) 33:33; 9 M McDonnell (CleS) 33:37  Other Placings: 19 K Waugh (CleS) 34:27; 20 G Phillips (Kend) 34:28; 27 O Walwyn (CoNorwich) 34:50; 43 A Woodvine (R&Z) 35:40; 60 S Rutherford (Darl) 36:34; 63 M Czarnecka (CleS) 36:40; 94 A Dargie (Els) 37:41; 115 J Nutt (Els) 38:18; 117 S Ellison (Morp) 38:22; 126 R Harwood (Morp) 38:41; 133 H Robinson (CleS) 38:53; 151 L Ranger (Morp) 39:24; 157 L Brown (Blay) 39:37  Teams: 1 Bristol 100; 2 Sale, Manchester 112; 3 Tipton 155; 6 Chester Le Street 224; 18 Morpeth 583
Junior Women: 4.8km.
1 F Fullerton (Havering) 18:47; 2 B Frost (IoWight) 19:02; 3 K Hawitt (Warr) 19:10; 4 E Baker (S Lond) 19:26; 5 C Holme (Ips) 19:28; 6 V Webster (Shafts B) 19:31  Other Placings: 11 R Smith (Dur) 19:58; 12 J Jackson (M&C) 20:02; 22 A Gibson (Els) 20:41; 24 S Tunstall (Bord) 20:42; 32 A Fox (Morp) 21:01; 39 M Holt (Sun) 21:24; 47 D Watts (Morp) 21:47; 57 J Page (Dur) 22:15; 79 N Owens (Shil) 23:11; 82 Rebecca Adams (Morp) 23:23; 86 L Huston (Gate) 23:33; 91 S Graham (Morp) 23:41  Teams: 1 Aldershot, Farnham & District 129; 2 Bristol 182; 3 Nestle Rowntrees 226; 4 Morpeth 252
Under 17 Women: 4.8km.
1 J Sparke (Wood Green) 19:55; 2 A Westley (Hallam) 19:59; 3 M Foley (Havering) 20:02; 4 C Browning (Aldershot F&D) 20:07; 5 D Christmas (Craw) 20:12; 6 I Lee (Aldershot F&D) 20:21  Other Placings: 8 D James (Morp) 20:34; 12 M Ferrier (Gate) 20:48; 17 J Orr (Quak) 21:00; 28 S Crowe (Els) 21:37; 66 N Dawson (Morp) 22:52; 87 A Snook (Shil) 23:34; 90 H Dix (Blay) 23:29; 93 K Hudson (Gate) 23:36; 94 N Sage (Morp) 23:38; 100 J Wilkinson (H&P) 23:52  Teams: 1 Aldershot, Farnham & District 66; 2 Kingston-upon-Hull 129; 3 Royal Sutton Coldfield 138; 7 Morpeth 297
Under 15 Girls: 4.1km.
1 S Twell (Aldershot F&D) 15:49; 2 D Walker (Royal Sutton Cold) 15:51; 3 K Hamilton (N Devon) 15:58; 4 E Lambourne (Swin) 16:05; 5 L Bach (Tipt) 16:15; 6 D Walker (Burnley) 16:22  Other Placings: 34 V Angus (H&P) 17:11; 49 Rachel Adams (Morp) 17:27; 54 A Porteous (Morp) 17:32; 72 C Reay (Blay) 17:45; 78 R Shield (Dur) 17:51; 98 S Gray (R&Z) 19:03 Teams: 1 Royal Sutton Coldfield 53; 2 Aldershot, Farnham & District 123; 3 Tipton 179; 23 Morpeth 644; 30 Birtley 937
Under 13 Girls: 3km.
1 B Haywood (Linc W) 11:31; 2 H Warburton (Leigh) 11:42; 3 A McGivern (Holm) 11:44; 4 R Ellis (Southport) 11:49; 5 A Guest (Royal Sutton Cold) 11:51; 6 H Goodwin (Bedford) 11:52  Other Placings: 7 A Wheatman (Scar) 11:55; 32 L Weightman (Morp) 12:33; 33 S Goodfellow (Morp) 12:33; 95 E Spoor (Sun) 13:07  Teams: 1 Aldershot, Farnham & District 62; 2 Stockport 81; 3 Bedford and County 87; 19 Morpeth 435; 36 Sunderland 751
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 23rd February 2004).

Additional Comments: Most of latter part of report used, but led with seperate article on Tromans (34 and lost shoe twice) and Bannister (not actually sure where he lives at present, but still NE qualified). Probably PA information (which also "hijacked" Sunday Sun report). Cold and chilly but remained dry. Course on side of hill. Firm around start and finish areas, but heavy going in outer sections. A good venue but a long distance (approx 1km) from start and finish, which were at bottom and top of hill. Uphill start for about 800m. Everything ran ok (apart from Birmingham University being disqualified from taking U20 Mens' title), but the exodus of traffic at the end of meeting was a major problem. I was one of last to leave (5.25pm) (normally quiet by then), and there was still a long queue. Took 45mins to get to nearby Wetherby. Still think that U17 and U20 Women should be seperated. Winning U17 title seems devalued. They seperate them in "Northern" and "Inter Counties", so why not here ?  1395 finishers in Senior Mens' event, which is the most for some time. George Routledge was 1393rd (88:36), the times of the two behind (one walked in parts and other limped home) were 89:13 and 91:37. David Tait, last after 1 lap, actually defeated George passing him on lap 2. He was 1390th in 87:06. 454 finishers in Senior Womens' event. Meryl Dodd must have dropped as she was in 20's after lap 1. Other placings included Senior Men: 181 C Stead 47:45; 185 P McCartney 47:50; 1348 R Laverick 72:57. Junior Men: 102 S Kirtley 37:14; 103 S Pogue 37:17. Under 17 Men: 101 S Brewis 24:32; 102 N Shrubb 24:33 (limped home injured); 107 J Wood 24:35; 108 A Colwell 24:40; 111 A Carmichael 24:40. Under 13 Boys: 105 C Bell (led after 1st hill) 12:10. Under 17 Women: 119 C Gilmore 24:31. Under 15 Girls: 106 S Duffy 18:11. Was unaware Saucony was part of Sainsbury's group.
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Gateshead Indoor Standards Meeting.
Thurs. 19th Feb.
Results.
Senior Men: 50: M Wright (Gate) 6.4
Junior Men: 50: A Sturrock (Gate) 6.3  SP: A Sturrock 11.10
Under 17 Men: 50: S Colling (Morp) 6.6  LJ: P Allen (H&P) 5.71  SP: J Tulip (SSh) 9.09
Under 15 Boys: 50: 1 M Mullins (NSP) 6.7; 2 L Milburn (Morp) 6.8  LJ: D Hubbard (Gate) 5.65  SP: 1 P Brown (Black B) 11.25; 2 D Hubbard 11.14
Under 13 Boys: T Parkin (Gate) 8.1  LJ: T Parkin 4.01  SP: T Parkin 5.94
Senior Women: 50: L Harley (Newc U) 7.2
Junior Women: 50: K Rodmell (Bord) 7.1  HJ: 1 Z Tristram (Newc U) 1.40; 2 K Rodmell 1.40
Under 17 Women: 50: 1 J Graham (NSP) 6.9; 2 Steph Lamb (SSh) 7.1  B: 1 K Thomas (Gate) 6.9; 2 L Cowell (Sun) 7.0  C: R Willi (Gate) 7.0  50H: 1 Sarah Lamb (SSh) 8.3; 2 Steph Lamb 8.4  B: L Hunter (SSh) 8.4  HJ: 1= M Bratton (SSh) & Steph Lamb 1.50
Under 15 Girls: 50: A Gibson (Gate) 7.4  B: N Pearson (H&P) 7.3  C: L Forrest (Gate) 7.4
50H: L Watt (SSh) 9.9  B: 1 A Ramsey (SSh) 9.2; 2 S Hopkinson (Birt) 9.6  HJ: L Watt 1.40
Under 13 Girls: 50: 1 C Gill (Gate) 7.5; 2 H Robertson (NSP) 7.9  B: S Briggs (Morp) 7.6  50H: M Smith (unatt) 10.3  HJ: C Gill 1.30
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 23rd February 2004).

Additional Comments: Only results sent. Poor turn-out in Senior events. Good quality in Girls' sprints. Early finish overall (about 8.10).
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Gateshead Lunchtime Road Race Handicap.
Wed. 18th Feb.
Result.  Distance 5km.
1 D Whitmore (SSh) 26:50; 2 G Pemberton (NE Vets) 27:04; 3 A Evans (Newc U, L) 27:34; 4 L Tinsley (Newc U, L) 27:54; 5 G Yates (unatt) 28:05; 6 D Bostock (Low F) 28:09; 7 F Lothian (Fife, L) 28:11; 8 P Higham (Newc U) 28:21; 9 M Chappell (unatt) 28:22; 10 A Laffey (unatt) 28:23
Fastest: D Purvis (Birt) 15:51; M McNally (Els, M55) 17:26
Women: F Lothian 17:51; C Brennan (CleS) 19:16
(These results subject to scrutiny).
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 23rd February 2004).

Additional Comments: Weather bright but breezy. Results only sent but not used. Major problem with results as recorders missed three numbers (including Kim Davison), so no further fast times or positions outside first twenty available yet.
Late News: Results courtesy of Low Fell Runners website, but took until Monday night (usually Saturday) to appear. Revised list shows only 79 finishers (instead of the actual 83). Fastest times are now: Purvis 15:56 (39th) (off 12:20), G Dickinson 17:03; N Morris 17:09; P Goode 17:24; McNally 17:27; V Hemy 17:28; S White 17:35. Other times included Phil Lancaster 18:41; Joe Prudham 22:10; Dave Whitmore (off 3:30) 23:20. Women: 2 Cath Brennan 19:16 (good to see her back: Barry Forster was pleased); Kim Davison 20:14; Christine Lee 21:30; Joy Bell 24:05.
(Since found that Lothian is actually a W40). Heaton performances were: 17 Trevor Hopkins 21:58; 29 Reg Checkley 22:25; 47 Allen Mulliss  21:04; 60 Eric Appleby 21:42; 62 Helen Mitford 23:28; 73 Harry Craven 28:44; 74 Pam Gold 23:47
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Weekly Round-up
(to 15th Feb)
At the Scottish Indoor Championships at Kelvin Hall (15th Feb), a few North East athletes gained medals. Craig Telford was 3rd in the 60m (6.91), with Chris Weitz third in the Long Jump (6.52m). John Stacey was 2nd in the Triple Jump (11.27m). Keith Higham was 3rd in the Pole Vault (4.80m).
The Keswick Buttermere Round 22M (15th Feb), was won by Steve Littler (2:05:51), with Gordon Dixon the leading veteran in 4th place (2:16:38). The 26.2 RRC Valentices 10km was won by Alan Shepherd in 31mins 42secs.  At the Hyde Park Relays, St Mary's College gained victory, assisted by Andrew Toward (15:46) and Chris Lamb (16:17) on the 5th and 6th legs respectively. Karen Hind helped Leeds to 3rd place in the Womens' event, finishing 2nd on leg 1 (11:18), behind J Bleasdale of Cambridge (10:59). The pair were the fastest on the day.
At the Lotto Cross Country meeting in Belgium (15th Feb), David Anderson (28:33) was 10th behind the host country's T Van Hooste (27:50). Sonia Thomas, returning to competition after injury, was 13th in the Womens' race (21:51), behind Belgium's V Dejaeghare (20:56).
Stephen Hepples won the Indoor 3000m at Birmingham (14th Feb) in a time of 8mins:09.40secs.
Mark Draper won the London Colleges League fixture at Reading (11th Feb), in 25mins 49secs, ahead of Andrew Toward (25:50) and Chris Lamb (26:07).
The North Shields Poly Series event (10th Feb), was won by Ian Twaddle (19:15) from T Mellor (20:05) and D Hall (20:45). Gillian Adams (22:41) was leading lady ahead of K Davis (24:26) and C Bruce (24:50).
The Castleton Beacon Fell Race at Guisborough (10th Feb), was won by D Gitan (Kendal) in 63mins 54secs, from Paul  Lowe (63:59). Ron Sherwood was 1st M60 (81:23). Alison Raw won Womens' race (73:21), with Denise Tunstall 3rd (76:26).
All info courtesy of AW.
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North Yorkshire and South Durham Harrier League.
Teesdale School, Barnard Castle.  Sun. 15th Feb.
Loftus Harrier, Stephen Hepples easily won the Senior Mens' event, at the penultimate North Yorkshire and South Durham Cross Country League fixture, at Barnard Castle. Hepples was content to run alongside clubmate John Hunter for three of the four laps, before kicking away to a 40sec victory on the final circuit. Bernadette Taylor of Darlington comfortably won the Senior Womens' event. Taylor was lying behind Catherine Hare of Loftus and Johanna Jackson of Middlesbrough for much of the race, before breaking clear in the final kilometre.
North of England champion, Alex Wheatman of Scarborough as expected won the Under 13 Girls' race.
Results.
Senior Men: 9.6km.  1 S Hepples (Loft) 30:29; 2 J Hunter (Loft, M40) 31:09; 3 J Wardley (Scar) 31:48; 4 I Cook (Hart, M40) 31:56; 5 M Armstrong (Hart) 32:30; 6 G Grounds (Hart) 32:33; 7 D Middlemas (Loft) 32:50; 8 J Bateman (Scar) 32:59; 9 M Grainger (Darl, M40) 33:00; 10 N Orr (Darl, M40) 33:06
Under 17 Men: 5.4km.  1 A Piggford (Hart) 20:09; 2 R Morrrell (M'bro) 20:20; 3 A Gibson (N Ayc) 20:22
Under 15 Boys: 3km.  1 R Stevenson (N Marske) 9:32; 2 W Roberts (Shil) 9:36; 3 K Thompson (Shil) 10:17
Under 13 Boys: 2.4km.  1 D Burnage (Shil) 8:19; 2 L Johnson (Scar) 8:33; 3 D Roberts (R&Z) 8:39
Senior Women: 4.8km.  1 B Taylor (Darl) 17:04; 2 J Jackson (M&C, U20) 17:10; 3 C Hare (Loft) 17:17; 4 S Tunstall (Bord, U20 -gst) 17:52; 5 L Gibbs (N Rown, U20) 17:59; 6 D Gibbs (N Rownt, W40) 18:36   U17: K James (Quak) 18:51
Under 15 Girls: 3km.  1 J Roberts (R&Z) 11:38; 2 C Maxted (N Rownt) 11:42; 3 S Gray (R&Z) 11:53; 4 L Dodsworth (Gate-gst) 12:04
Under 13 Girls: 2.4km.  1 A Wheatman (Scar) 8:45; 2 S Hunter (N Rownt) 8:51; 3 K Avery (Shil) 8:54
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 16th February 2004).

Additional Comments: Weather quite bright and mild. Fairly firm underfoot. Was wet all way from Tyneside to Spennymoor turn-off. Thanks to John Kettle for entry list and additional results. Other senior Mens' performances included Mike Brooks 36:46; Ian Barnes 41:00. Only 6 runners in Under 17 Mens' event.  Good to see Jessica Roberts returning from injury. Where is Suzanne Boyes these days ?  Extra info:. Paul Best finished 12th (33:45). Hartlepool Burn Road Harriers won Senior Mens' team event, with Loftus the leading Womens' team.
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DP Furniture Express North Eastern Harrier League.
Berry Edge, Consett.  Sat. 14th Feb.
Patrick Martin and Mark Hood led Sunderland to victory in the Senior Mens' event at Saturday's 4th DP Furniture Express North Eastern Harrier League fixture at Berry Edge, Consett. The Wearsiders, champions 11 times in the last 12 years, now lead the Division 1 table by 7pts.
In the cold but ideal conditions, Martin led throughout on the demanding course, extending his advantage on each of the three laps, to a massive 3mins 32secs. Hood who was giving 5mins to the winner, moved through the 230 strong field to take second place. Morpeth's Chris Aynsley second for most of the race, held off the strong finish of his clubmate Terry Wall to finish third. The Northumberland club also extended their lead, at the head of the Division 2 table. It was a good day for the faster runners with only five slow pack athletes, finishing in the first fifteen. Chester Le Street's Dianne Henaghan clocked the fastest time in the Senior Womens' race. Giving 3mins to most of her rivals, Henaghan moved through the field to finish 4th. At the front, Cumbrian, Vicky Brocklebank running for Newcastle University, held off the persistent challenge of the ever-improving Liane Brown of Blaydon. Elvet Striders extended their lead in the table, with another team victory. It was a good day for Morpeth winning three of the remaining team events, and providing the first three finishers in the Under 15 Boys' event, won by James Holdsworth. For good measure, Robert Balmbra in 4th place, clocked the fastest time. Terry Ord also won the Under 13 race and Stevi Goodfellow was fastest in the Under 13 Girls' event. Tony Carter of Wallsend was a runaway winner of the Under 17 race, with Blaydon headed by the fastest athlete, David Heslop, taking the team title. Claremont's Kate Chapman maintained her excellent form to clock the fastest time in the Junior Womens' event, which was won impressively by Tynedale's Naomi Powell.
Results.
Senior Men: 9.5km.  1 P Martin (Sun, U20) 32:04; 2 M Hood (Sun) 35:36; 3 C Aynsley (Morp, U20) 35:38; 4 T Wall (Morp) 35:40; 5 S White (Els, M55) 36:19; 6 S Bell (CleS) 36:23; 7 S Horn (Els) 36:38; 8 P Shuttleworth (Crook) 36:46; 9 C Jackson (Sun S) 36:47; 10 P Utterson (Blay) 36:50; 11 A Dent (Blay, M45) 36:57; 12 H Bingham (Tyne) 36:59; 13 T Doughty (Sun, M40) 37:01; 14 S Laws (Derw) 37:03; 15 R Kay (Morp) 37:05; 16 S Hilton (Blay, M40) 37:12; 17 J Archer (Low F) 37:14; 18 P Walker (Blay) 37:16; 19 K Allen (Crook) 37:25; 20 G Slesser (J&H) 37:43 Fastest: M Hood 30:36; T Wall 30:40; S Bell 31:23; S Horn 31:38; T Doughty 32:01; P Martin 32:04
Teams: 1 Sunderland 55; 2 Blaydon 104: 3 South Shields 164; 4 Crook and District 226; 5 Wallsend 237  Division 2: 1 Morpeth 84; 2 Sunderland Strollers 102; 3 Low Fell 177  Division 3: 1 Jarrow and Hebburn 74; 2 Aurora 117; 3 Birtley 137
Under 17 Men: 4.8km.  1 T Carter (Walls) 17:38; 2 I Godwin (Morp) 19:33; 3 D Heslop (Blay) 19:50; 4 A Muir (Blay) 20:07; 5 S Haswell (H&P) 20:11; 6 M Crawley (Dur) 20:18; 7 D McMeiken (Blay) 20:26; 8 S Brewis (H&P) 20:44  Fastest: D Heslop 17:10; A Muir 17:27; S Haswell 17:31  Teams: 1 Blaydon 14; 2 Houghton and Peterlee 23
Under 15 Boys: 3.8km.  1 J Holdsworth (Morp) 15:00; 2 L Cuthbertson (Morp) 15:11; 3 T Holdsworth (Morp) 15:12; 4 R Balmbra (Morp) 15:31; 5 J Gibson (Gate) 15:34; 6 B McPherson (Gosf) 15:52; 7 S Potter (NSP) 16:04; 8 C Young (Morp) 16:17  Fastest: R Balmbra 13:51; J Gibson 13:54; S Potter 14:24   Teams: 1 Morpeth 6; 2 Tynedale 38; 3 Birtley 57 Under 13 Boys: 3.1km.  1 T Ord (Morp) 11:57; 2 M Grimes (Dur) 12:32; 3 S Ruddick (Blay) 12:59; 4 J Brook (Dur) 13:00; 5 S Cooper (Morp) 13:06; 6 C Smith (Black B) 13:27; 7 G Urwin (Tyne) 13:37; 8 M Dale (NSP) 13:42 Fastest: S Ruddick 11:29; T Ord 11:57; C Smith 11:57  Teams: 1 Morpeth 16; 2 Durham City 27; 3 Blaydon 38
Senior Women: 4.8km.  1 V Brocklebank (Newc U) 19:47; 2 L Brown (Blay) 19:48; 3 L Trainor (Dur) 20:24; 4 D Henaghan (CleS, W35) 20:48; 5 L Marr (Tyne, W40) 21:01; 6 C Alaster (Blay, W35) 21:06; 7 S Youden (Gate) 21:13; 8 L Walker (Walls) 21:15; 9 D Hales (Dur, W35) 21:20; 10 V Booth (Sun) 21:37; 11 C Smallwood (J&H) 21:41; 12 S White (Tyne, W40) 21:47; 13 H Morris (Blyth, W40) 22:00; 14 R Layton (Elvet, W40) 22:09; 15 D James (Elvet, W35) 22:12  Fastest: D Henaghan 17:48; C Smallwood 18:41; D James 19:12; V Brocklebank 19:47; L Brown 19:48; H Robinson (CleS, W40) 20:05  Teams: 1 Elvet Striders 45; 2 Wallsend 55; 3 Sunderland 64
Junior Women: 4.8km.  1 N Powell (Tyne, U17) 20:45; 2 C Gilmore (Gate, U17) 21:38; K Chapman (Clare) 22:52; 4 S Leigh (Sun, U17) 23:04; 5 L Huston (Gate) 23:11; 6 L Long (Els, U17) 23:13; 7 E Lachs (Morp, U17) 23:21; 8 J Wilkinson (H&P, U17) 23:23   Fastest: K Chapman 20:07; L Huston 20:26; J Wilkinson 20:38
Under 15 Girls: 3.8km.  1 H Davies (NSP) 16:49; 2 K Walker (Dur) 17:06; 3 A Reed (Gate) 17:19; 4 A Foreman (Birt) 17:26; 5 S Miller (Blay) 17:27; 6 L Ing (Sun) 17:34; 7 R Pottinger (Birt) 17:46; 8 N Miller (Sun) 17:52  Fastest: S Duffy (Gate) 15:53; S Coleby (Dur) 15:57; R Adams (Morp) 15:59  Teams: 1 Birtley 28; 2 Sunderland 32; 3 Gateshead 35
Under 13 Girls: 3.1km.  1 S McArdle (Gosf) 13:21; 2 L Patterson (Gosf) 13:22; 3 S Crocket (Morp) 14:02; 4 S Goodfellow (Morp) 14:19; 5 L Shields (Morp) 14:28; 6 D Pickavance-Clarke (Black B) 14:30; 7 L Cairns (Morp) 14:35; 8 Shonagh Smith (Tyne) 14:49  Fastest: S Goodfellow 12:44; D Pickavance-Clarke 12:55; Shonagh Smith 13:14  Teams: 1 Morpeth 12; 2 Jarrow and Hebburn 42; 3 Sunderland 44
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 16th February 2004).

Additional Comments: Report edited and in small print. (nb. AW omitted report and edited results). Weather bright but quite cool. 229 finishers in Senior Mens' event. David Tait was 229th in 61:47. Ray Laverick was 220th (48:33). 35 finishers in Senior Womens' race.
Heaton had a wonderful turn-out of 4 runners. The statistics were: 65 Par Bhogal 38:59; 196 Allen Mulliss 44:43; 212 Eric Appleby 46:54; 228 George Routledge 59:55
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Weekly Round-up
(to 8th Feb).
At the A.A.A Indoor Championships (7th/8th Feb) at Sheffield, Adam Rogers clocked 48.14 to finish 3rd in his 400m heat and 48.84 to finish 6th in his semi (probably due to the lane draw). In the 3000m, David Anderson finished 4th (8:09.06), and Stephen Hepples 6th (8:12.31). Keith Higham was equal 4th in the Pole vault (4.95m) and Graham Jackson 7th in Triple Jump (14.37m). Chris Tomlinson won Long Jump (7.80m), but this result was not listed in AW. In the Womens' 3000m, Emily Pidgeon was 5th (9:34.66) and Sarah Maude 7th (9:43.49). Jo Pavey was the winner (8:43.23).
The North Eastern Counties Indoor Pentathlon Championships took place at Jarrow (7th Feb). Guesting Andrew Staniland won the U20 event with 3734pts (I understand his 7.1 secs 60m and 8.9secs 60m Hurdles were pb's). John Stacey was second (and NE champion), with 3325pts. His performances were: 9.1, 6.33m, 11.64m, 1.93m and 7.4. Andrew Sturrock finished 3rd (3169 pts) (9.0, 5.98m, 12.02m, 1.75m, 7.3). Adam Dalby was 4th in U15 event (2528pts) and leading NE performer. His best effort was a 7.6secs 60m. Daniel Hubbard won U15 competition (2458pts) with a 5.70m LJ and 7.8secs 60m. Laura McMichael (2808pts) finished third in the U17 Womens' event, behind Lydia Chamberlain (Lincoln W) (3053pts) and Bethany Staniland (3009pts). Mcmichael had an excellent start with 8.0secs (60m) and 9.3secs (60mH). Amy Pearsons was 4th (2516pts), with 1.54m in her specialist High Jump and 9.8secs (60mH).
A Ramsey (South Shields) (2180pts) won U15 event and Chloe Gill was U13 champion (1715pts) with 9.0secs (60m) and 4.09m (LJ).  (Late News: Amended result/points (NE only): 4 L McMichael  2889. U15G: 1 A Ramsey 2235; 2 S Hopkinson 2303.  U13G: C Gill 1775).
Stephen Hepples won the Dewsbury Mill Mile 10km on 1st Feb, in a fast time of 29mins 48secs, inching out Mark Warnby (NEB) (29:48). Jon Archer was 10th (32:38), Martin Grainger 12th (2nd M40 in 33:10), and Glen Hilton 15th (33:51).
At the Scottish Indoor Combined Events Championships (at Kelvin Hall), John Stacey won Under 20 Heptathlon with 2375pts. His performances were: 7.46 (60), 11.52m (SP), 1.90m (HJ), 6.23m (LJ), 9.21 (60H), 2.80m (PV) and 2:55.25 (1000). James Sinclair (listed as Duchess HS) won Under 17 Pentathlon (no 60m and PV) with 3088pts. His performances were: 8.55, 11.62m, 1.74m, 5.76m and 3:12.75. Sinclair, I understand, has signed apprentice professional forms for Bolton Wanderers. Vicky Haswell was 3rd in Senior Womens' Pentathlon (2716pts) and Gill Dobson was 2nd veteran (1st W45) with 2584pts.
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Durham Association of Youth Clubs Cross Country Championships.
Aykley Heads, Durham.  Sun. 8th Feb.
Competitors braved the cold and windy conditions at yesterday's Durham Youth Club Championships, at Aykley Heads. The lap had to be shortened after the Under 13 Girls had taken 3mins longer than the standard time. This did not bother Blackhill's Dylan Pickavance Clarke, who impressively won the race by over a minute. David Heslop of Blaydon and Rebecca Forster of Boldon, took the two Under 17 titles.
Results:
Under 17 Men: 4.8km.  1 D Heslop (Blay) 17:46; 2 J McCrerie (Sun) 18:13; 3 C Howey (Birt) 18:37
Under 15 Boys: 3.3km.  1 L Donnelly (Consett) 12:35; 2 L Finley (Consett) 12:56; 3 P Graham (Black B) 13:01; 4 M Foggin (Sun) 13:13; 5 D Robson (Hart) 13:26
Under 13 Boys: 3.3km.  1 G Scrafton (Sun) 13:39; 2 K Chirnside (Black B) 13:40; 3 D Regan (Blay) 14:05; 4 G Rowe (Black B) 14:30; 5 B Idden (Hart) 14:51
Under 11 Boys: 2km.  1 J Archer (Sun) 7:26; 2 R Coyle (Birt) 7:58; 3 L Whittell (CleS) 8:07  Team: Birtley 20
Under 17 Women: 3.3km.  1 R Forster (Boldon) 13:51; 2 H Dix (Blay) 14:35; 3 R Barnes (Boldon) 15:02; 4 H Blevins (CleS) 16:18; 5 K Tiplady (Blay) 16:46
Under 15 Girls: 3.3km.  1 C Reay (Blay) 14:08; 2 L Ing (Sun) 14:26; 3 A Foreman (Birt) 15:03; 4 A Bell (Boldon) 15:09; 5 N Miller (Sun) 15:24  Team: Sunderland 24
Under 13 Girls: 3.7km.  1 D Pickavance-Clarke (Black B) 16:31; 2 Z Dixon (Birt) 17:46; 3 B Duffy (Sun) 17:57; 4 E Campbell (Sun) 18:09; 5 M Howell (Birt) 18:26  Team: Sunderland 21
Under 11 Girls: 2km.  1 E Gibson (Sun) 8:36; 2 A Watt (CleS) 8:40; 3 G Wilkinson (CleS) 8:44  Team: Chester Le Street 18
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 9th February 2004).

Additional Comments: Only brief reference to DPC was used. Very cold and windy (location of venue did not help). Apparently snow covered course the previous night, but all clear for races. Course had to be changed, and obviously was thought to be shorter. Hence Under 13 Girls ran too far, so a short hill section (about 200m) was removed. Nevertheless an enjoyable low-key meeting, but will results of National Championship (not sure of date or venue), ever be published ? Never heard of first two in U15 Boys' race. Much better entry from Girls (including 8 in U17 race). Alf Walsh was in attendance and quashed rumours of retirement.
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British Universities Cross Country Championships.
Dundee. Sat 7th Feb.
Gateshead Harrier, Karen Hind, competing for Leeds University won the Womens' Short Course race, at Saturday's BUSA Cross Country Championships at Dundee. Durham City's Rosie Smith, running for Edinburgh, finished third.
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 9th February 2004).

Additional Comments: Only reference to Hind (congratulations are in order) was used. Info courtesy of ukathletics website. Hind's time was 11mins 58secs, with E Sherrard Smith (Cardiff) 2nd in 12:06, and Smith's time was 12:21. Claire Robson (Bath) finished 7th (12:52). Chris Thompson (38:16) won main Mens' event, with Mark Hood 18th (40:11) and Andrew Toward 19th (40:18). Ryan McLeod finished 64th (42:39). B Raeside (Notts Trent) won B race (29:54) from Chris Lamb (29:54) (a close finish). Chris Parr finished 18th (32:02). Lisa Dobriskey (Loughborough) won Womens' race (23:48) from Louise Damen (Loughborough) (23:57). Courtney Birch (Oxford) finished 15th (25:29), Andrea Woodvine (Leeds)16th (25:32), Olivia Walwyn 19th (25:47), Rebecca Robinson (Newcastle) 23rd (26:02),  Johanna Jackson (Teesside) 37th (26:41) and Aiveen Fox 44th (26:52). Durham performed well to finish 8th team.
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Inter Counties Schools Cross Country.
Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough.  Sat. 7th Feb.
Northumberland won the overall trophy at Saturday's Inter Counties Schools Cross Country meeting, ending Durham's dominance over the last three years. A strong squad won the Senior Boys' event, headed by Lewis Timmins, the North of England Under 17 champion, who again edged out Adrian Holliday of Cumbria, who was second at St Helens. North of England silver and bronze medallists, Julia Orr of Durham and Sam Crowe of Northumberland fought out the finish of the Senior Girls' event. Andrew Coffer and Jack Martin, who both were forced to drop out of the Durham championship, gained ample compensation by leading home the Intermediate Boys' field. Delyth James comfortably won the Intermediate Girls' race for Northumberland, while Sophie Hall was a surprise winner for Northumberland in the Junior event. Khalid Thompson, the Durham champion, narrowly defeated team mate Richard Cunningham in the Junior Boys' event.
Results.
Senior Boys: 7km.  1 L Timmins (N) 23:13; 2 A Holliday (Cu) 23:15; 3 K Wilson (N) 23:38; 4 R Stephenson (N) 23:45; 5 L Moses (D) 23:50; 6 N Shrubb (N) 23:59; 7 P Waite (Cu) 24:09; 8 P Stockton (Cl) 24:15; 9 J Minter (Cl) 24:48; 10 G Driscoll (N) 24:53  Teams: 1 Northumberland 88; 2 Durham 125; 3 Cumbria 169
Intermediate Boys: 6km.  1 A Coffer (D) 20:38; 2 J Martin (D-gst) 20:43; 3 R Floyd (N) 20:54; 4 J Pearson (N) 21:05; 5 J Young (N) 21:06; 6 S Hall (D) 21:15; 7 W Roberts (D) 21:24; 8 J Cook (N) 21:30; 9 A Colwell (N) 21:34; 10 B Henderson (N) 21:37  Teams: 1 Durham 78; 2 Northumberland 78; 3 Cleveland 170
Junior Boys: 5km.  1 K Thompson (D) 17:01; 2 R Cunningham (D) 17:03; 3 J Gibson (N) 17:26; 4 S Potter (N) 17:35; 5 J Hewitt (N) 17:37; 6 W Nicholson (Cu) 17:38; 7 J Robinson (Cu) 17:39; 8 C Bell (D) 17:43; 9 C Watson (N) 17:44; 10 M Travis (N) 17:48  Teams: 1 Northumberland 70; 2 Durham 114; 3 Cumbria 150
Minor Boys: 2.5km.  1 C Smith (D); 2 D Purvis (D); 3 J Bowness (Cu); 4 A Douglas (N); 5 T Venus (Cu); 6 D Hart (Cl)  Team: Cumbria 109
Senior Girls: 5km.  1 J Orr (D) 18:22; 2 S Crowe (N) 18:26; 3 A Gibson (N) 18:33; 4 S Tunstall (Cu) 18:53; 5 R Brown (Cu) 19:17; 6 S Evans (D) 19:37; 7 S Hart (Cl) 19:45; 8 J Page (D) 19:47; 9 K Savage (Cu) 19:47; 10 R Forster (N) 19:58  Teams: 1 Northumberland 106; 2 Durham 113: 3 Cumbria 136
Intermediate Girls: 4km.  1 D James (N) 15:05; 2 M Ferrier (N) 15:17; 3 A Porteous (N) 15:29; 4 V Angus (D) 16:01; 5 A Snook (D) 16:10; 6 H Dix (D) 16:14; 7 S Duffy (N) 16:26; 8 S James (D) 16:27; 9 C Reay (D) 16:28; 10 L Dodsworth (D) 16:28  Teams: Durham 65; 2 Northumberland 89; 3 Cumbria 220
Junior Girls: 3.5km.  1 S Hall (N) 13:39; 2 G Rutherford (N) 13:51; 3 S Coleby (D) 13:53; 4 L Dixon (N) 14:03; 5 L Weightman (N) 14:07; 6 R Adams (N) 14:12; 7 L Marshall (Cu) 14:14; 8 C Arler (Cu) 14:15; 9 C Baudouin (N) 14:17; 10 N Wheatlie (Cl) 14:22  Teams: 1 Northumberland 65; 2 Durham 145; 3 Cleveland 171
Minor Girls: 2.5km.  1 K Avery (D); 2 D Pickavance-Clarke (D) ; 3 C Fletcher (D); 4 H Nagel (D); 5 S Goodfellow (N); 6 A Griffiths (Cu)  Team: 1 Durham 51
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 9th February 2004).

Additional Comments: Appeared in small print slightly edited. Unfortunately Andy Ward could only fax results (they were not available at time on disc). Had to ring Bill McGuirk for these, but did not dare ask for more than ten. Understand it was a good course. Slightly surprised to learn that Timmins has not been entered for National XC at Leeds. Other information available from Morpeth H website is that Natalie Dawson was 13th in Senior Girls' race. Did not look as though Danielle Watts competed (actually 12th), and others were way down field. Hope Stan Long is rewarded with a Jack Martin call-up for Maidstone ? Andy Ward was official timekeeper.
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North Eastern Counties A.A Royal Signals Road Relay Championship.
Team Valley, Gateshead.  Sat. 7th Feb.
Morpeth Harriers won their seventh successive Senior Mens' title, at Saturday's North Eastern Counties Road Relay Championship, at a windy Team Valley. Chester Le Street and Sunderland also successfully defended the Womens' and Veterans' titles, respectively.
In the Mens' event, Steve Horn of Elswick narrowly outsprinted Stewart Bell of Chester Le Street on leg 1, with Shaun Kirtley lying 8th for Morpeth. A good run by Terry West on leg 2, saw North Shields Poly take the lead, with Glen Hilton moving Morpeth up to 5th position. Ivan Hollingsworth lifted Morpeth to 2nd on leg 3, before David Swinburne took the lead on leg 4. Michael Morris extended the advantage on leg 5, with the day's fastest time. Chris Sampson anchored Morpeth to a near-3 minute victory, with Chester Le Street and North Shields Poly taking the minor medals. Sunderland easily won the Veterans' 6 Stage title, and in fact crossed the finish line in overall 2nd place. The Wearsiders actually led the field at the halfway stage, after fine second and third legs by Brian Rushworth (with the fastest time) and Tom Doughty. Morpeth and Durham City took the minor awards, while special mention must go to the Elswick team, consisting mainly of athletes over 55, finishing in 5th position. Chester Le Street were never headed in the Womens' 4 Stage event, with Dianne Henaghan clocking the fastest time on leg 1. Alyson Dixon, Kathryn Waugh and Morag McDonnell extended the advantage to 2mins 46secs over Jarrow and Hebburn, with Elswick passing Gateshead on leg 4, to take third place. For good measure, McDonnell and Dixon were 2nd and 3rd fastest overall.
Results.
Senior Men: 6 x 1.7M
1 Morpeth 50:43 (S Kirtley 8:50, G Hilton 8:57, I Hollingsworth 8:07, D Swinburne 8:21, M Morris 8:06, C Sampson 8:22): 2 Chester Le Street 53:42 (S Bell 8:16, G Thraves 9:37, R Thraves 9:39, S O'Donnell 8:31, M Tomlinson 8:40, S Wells 8:59); 3 North Shields Poly 55:13 (I Twaddle 8:34, T West 8:12, T Brannon 9:01, V Hemy 9:32, B Hemy 10:12, S Gilroy 9:42); 4 Gateshead 56:19 (M Thompson 8:40, R Robinson 9:05, F Devlin 9:09, C Breckon 9:09, S Parr 9:32, P Branson 10:44);  5 Elswick 56:35 (S Horn 8:15, P Dodd 9:20, I Waterhouse 9:00, D Armstrong 8:55, D Brown 9:53, I Fenwick 11:12); 6 Sunderland 56:41; 7 Tynedale 58:)3; 8 Blaydon 58:25; 9 Wallsend 59:00; 10 Houghton and Peterlee 60:14; 11 Sunderland Strollers 60:24; 12 Derwentside 60:49; 13 Newton Aycliffe 61:04; 14 Blyth 63:15; 15 Low Fell 65:22  Fastest: M Morris 8:06; I Hollingsworth 8:07; T West 8:12; S Horn 8:15; S Bell 8:16; L Browell (Sun) 8:17; D Swinburne 8:21; C Sampson 8:22
Veterans: 6 x 1.7M.
1 Sunderland 52:41 (D Robertson 8:39, B Rushworth 8:12, T Doughty 8:36, R Rush 9:06, S Coxon 8:49, G Harden 9:19); 2 Morpeth 56:02 (G Bayne 9:15, G Dixon 9:31, L Atkinson 8:47, G McDougal 9:44, A Jenkins 9:30, P Johnson 9:15); 3 Durham City 56:47 (S Everett 8:50, R Hand 8:31, S Marshall 9:45, I Crampton 8:36, A Rowell 10:16, G Armstrong 10:49); 4 North Shields Poly 57:51 (D Hall 9:31, M Fenwick 9:38, P Hughes 9:54, A Watt 9:44, S Clark 9:59, T Mellor 9:05); 5 Elswick 57:54 (S White 9:40, M McNally 9:39, H Matthews 9:34, C Bolton 10:21, D Nicholson 9:34, Jim Bell 9:06); 6 Sunderland B 58:09; 7 Saltwell 58:29; 8 Sunderland C 62:21   Fastest: B Rushworth 8:12; R Hand 8:31; T Doughty & I Crampton (Dur) 8:36; D Robertson 8:39; L Atkinson (M45) 8:47
Senior Women: 4 x 1.7M.
1 Chester Le Street 37:14 (D Henaghan 9:03, A Dixon 9:23, K Waugh 9:41, M McDonnell 9:07); 2 Jarrow and Hebburn 40:01 (C Smallwood 9:40, D Todd 10:02, A Onsia 10:13, A Hunter 10:06); 3 Elswick 41:41 (V Russell 10:38, S Morton 10:29, A Dargie 10:25, J Nutt 10:09); 4 Gateshead 41:58 (K Johns 9:51, H Patton 10:55, C Harrod 10:38, S Heatley 10:34); 5 Blaydon 44:22 (L Brown 10:30, B Hall 12:00, C Acaster 11:27, J Elliott 10:25); 6 Sunderland 45:15; 7 Morpeth 45:48; 8 Heaton 46:35; 9 Wallsend 47:43; 10 Elswick B 48:23; 11 Derwentside 48:53; 12 Heaton B 50:01  Fastest: D Henaghan (W35) 9:03; M McDonnell 9:07; A Dixon 9:23; C Smallwood 9:40; K Waugh 9:41; M Holt (Sun) 9:46; K Johns 9:51; D Todd (W35) 10:02
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 9th February 2004)

Additional Comments: Appeared in small print slightly edited. Weather was bright but threats of a few wintry showers. Wind gusted at times. Considering shortened legs, there were few problems with lapping, and results were out quicker than normal. Small turn-out though with 19 Senior Men, 12 Veterans and 14 Womens' teams finishing. There was almost a crisis situation as Ted Joynson was due to run leg 4, but Gateshead's 2nd leg runner pulled up injured, causing the team to drop out. Splits from older veterans included Dave Whitmore 13:21 (leg 2) George Smith 11:16 (leg 1) and Christine Lee (slower than EA) 12:13 (leg 1). Heaton excelled to field two Womens' teams. They had enough runners for three but could not enter extra team on day. Their splits were Jo Smith 10:50 (10), Kelly McEntee 11:53 (9), Jane Grundy 11:42 (9) and Ruth Sills (12:10). B team: Pauline Leslie 12:11 (15), Rachel Kane 12:32 (14), Elaine Winkley 11:39 (12) and Jenny Hutchinson 13:39. Sadly only 4 Seniors and surprisingly no GR, AM (Stewart Bell, had ample time to get to match) and JM. Splits were Simon Huntley  10:54 (24), Ted Baty 11:22 (23), Denis Young (training for London Marathon) 12:36 (23) and Eric Appleby 11:46 (24).
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Alsager 5M Road Race.
Cheshire.  Sun. 1st Feb.
Ian Hudspith in 4th place led Morpeth to team victory in yesterday's Afford Rent-a-Car Alsager 5M Road Race. Hudspith was backed by Tom Ranger (10th) and Neil Wilkinson (16th). Britain's leading Cross Country runner, Chris Davies of Telford was first across the line, coming home 9secs ahead of Bristol's Ben Noad, with former Elswick Harrier, David Anderson of Belgrave in third place.
Result.
1 C Davies (Telf) 23:29; 2 B Noad (Bris) 23:38; 3 D Anderson (Belg) 23:59; 4 I Hudspith (Morp) 24:03; 5 B Farquharson (Mans) 24:05; 6 T Humphries (Cann, U20) 24:11; 8 D Bannister (Shafts B) 24:17; 10 T Ranger (Morp) 24:23; 16 N Wilkinson (Morp) 24:42  Team: Morpeth 30
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 2nd February 2004).

Additional Comments: Info from race-results website (about 4.30pm). Good quality field, although (dare I say it), leading prizes did not match "Morpeth to Newcastle" event.
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