March 2004

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harrier League Road Relays.
Redcar. Sun. 28th Mch.
Results.
Senior Men: 4 x 2M.  1 Loftus 39:57 (S Musset 10:34, S Hepples 9:05, S O'Grady 10:08, D Middlemas 10:10); 2 Darlington 40:14; 3 Middlesbrough Mandale 40:33; 4 Hartlepool Burn Road 40:33; 5 Richmond & Zetland 41:14  Fastest: S Hepples 9:05  U20: P Stockton (M'bro) 9:53
Veterans: 1 Loftus 40:31  Fastest: M Grainger (Darl) 9:57
Under 17 Men: 3 x 2M.  1 Newton Aycliffe 31:55; 2 Richmond & Zetland 33:34; 3 New Marske 34:45  Fastest: L Moses (N Ayc) 10:00
Under 15 Boys: 3 x 1M.  1 New Marske 15:10; 2 Middlesbrough Mandale 15:17; 3 Middlesbrough Mandale B 15:21  Fastest: R Stevenson (N Marske) 4:49
Under 13 Boys: 3 x 1M.  1 New Marske B 17:19; 2 New Marske A 17:35; 3 Darlington 18:05  Fastest: L Johnson (Scar) 4:35 (?)
Senior Women: 3 x 2M.  1 Darlington 33:56 (S Rutherford 10:51, J Short 12:05, B Taylor 11:00); 2 Middlesbrough & Cleveland 36:31; 3 Loftus 37:18; 4 Nestle Rowntrees 39:26  Fastest: S Rutherford 10:51  U20: J Jackson (M&C) 11:25  U17: T Wheatman (Scar) 11:52  Veteran: J Short 12:05
Under 15 Girls: 3 x 1M.  1 Nestle Rowntrees 17:00; 2 Richmond and Zetland 17:58; 3 Middlesbrough & Cleveland 18:10  Fastest: C Maxted (N Rownt) 5:36
Under 13 Girls: 3 x 1M.  1 Scarborough 17:47; 2 Loftus 18:15; 3 Nestle Rowntrees 18:22
Fastest: A Wheatman (Scar) 5:28
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 5th April 2004).

Additional Comments: Results courtesy of David Lackman. but too late for correct week. Submitted results only. 10 Senior Mens' teams completed, also 3 (Veteran Men), 4 (Senior W), and 3 (U17 Men). Rob Cole was  2nd fastest (9:36). Martin Grainger ran on Senior team as did Nigel Orr (10:09). Glen Hilton clocked 10:17, running for M&C. Other times included Ian Cook (10:31) and Mark Armstrong (9:55), both also for Senior teams. Ian Barnes clocked 12:07 for Darlington B team (10th). Considering distance, something dodgy about fastest U13 Boys' time.
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Chester Le Street & District A.C Road Races.
Riverside.  Sun. 28th Mch.
Stewart Bell of Chester Le Street, was a comfortable winner of his club's 10km Road Race, at the Riverside, yesterday. In the cool and breezy conditions, Neville Carr of Aurora soon headed the field, and had bulit up a sizeable lead of 100m over Rob Walker of North Shields Poly, halfway round the first of the two laps. However as Carr's early efforts took their toll, Bell had moved steadily through the field, before taking the lead approaching the 4km point. Bell extended his advantage to 29secs at the finish line on the Riverside track, with Sunderland's Steve Potts taking second place ahead of Walker. Mick Jones of South Shields, was the leading veteran in 9th position. Chester Le Street also took the team title. Durham University student, Olivia Walwyn, who runs for the City of Norwich club, was untroubled in winning the Senior Womens' event. Walwyn withheld the early challenge of Sunderland's Michelle Hood, to pull away to a 17secs victory. Maxine Czarnecka in third place, led the host club to another team title.
A good quality Junior Mens' race, was won by Gateshead's Chris Parr from Patrick Martin of Sunderland. Leading the Under 17 runners, in third place was Gateshead's Simon Watson, who represents England in the Schools' Cross Country International at Ayr, on Saturday. North Eastern Cross Country champion, Jonathon Pearson of Elswick, comfortably won the Under 15 Boys' race. Vicky Angus of Houghton and Peterlee, repeated her 2003 victory in the Under 15 Girls' age-group. Chester Le Street provided another winner with Northern Cross Country bronze medallist Carl Bell, in the Under 13 Boys' race. Steph Crowell of Jarrow and Hebburn, comfortably won the Under 13 Girls' event.
Results.
Senior Men:10km.  1 S Bell (CleS) 32:31; 2 S Potts (Sun) 33:00; 3 R Walker (NSP) 33:19; 4 N Carr (Aur) 34:09; 5 S Kelly (Walls) 34:30; 6 M Slesser (J&H) 34:38; 7 C McDonald (SSh) 34:50; 8 G Dean (Bord) 35:00; 9 M Jones (SSh, M40) 35:13; 10 D Cheshire (CleS) 35:45; 11 R Oliver (Derw) 35:49; 12 S Marshall (Dur, M45) 35:53; 13 M Sowerby (unatt) 35:57; 14 D Nicholson (Els, M45) 35:33; 15 P Grey (Aln, M45) 36:45  Further Veterans: M50: D Mein (Dur) 40:11  M55: M Walker (Gosf) 39:30  M60: R Wilson (Sun) 40:03  M65: R Pinkney (SSh) 43:12  M70: E Appleby (Heat) 46:54  Teams: 1 Chester Le Street 28; 2 North Shields Poly 41; 3 South Shields 61
Junior Men: 5km.  1 C Parr (Gate) 15:29; 2 P Martin (Sun) 15:42; 3 S Watson (Gate, U17) 16:22; 4 R Stephenson (NSP) 16:28; 5 J Martin (Sun, U17) 16:39; 6 M Elliott (Gate) 16:56; 7 M Atkin (CleS, U17) 17:06; 8 M Crawley (Dur, U17) 17:24; 9 S Hall (Gate, U17) 17:47; 10 D Old (CleS, U17) 17:54  Team: Gateshead 10
Under 15 Boys: 3.2km.  1 J Pearson (Els) 10:51; 2 W Pike (Gate) 10:58; 3 B Knighton (Gate) 11:00; 4 J Gibson (Gate) 11:08; 5 J Cook (Gate) 11:16; 6 M Douglas (Gate) 11:24; 7 C Patterson (Walls) 11:34; 8 M Docherty (Gate) 11:35  Team: Gateshead 9
Under 13 Boys: 2.6km.  1 C Bell (CleS) 8:34; 2 R Murray (Gate) 8:42; 3 C Fairclough (Sun) 9:06; 4 M Crowe (Els) 9:16; 5 G Ritchie (J&H) 9:25; 6 G Rowe (Black B) 9:36; 7 B Pearson (Els) 9:37; 8 J Beaton (Gate) 9:53  Team: Elswick 20
Under 11 Boys: 2km.  1 J Archer (Sun) 7:03; 2 G Ife (Walls) 7:16; 3 N Rosborough (Walls) 7:17; 4 N Newton (Gate) 7:18; 5 C Bunn (J&H) 7:24  Team: Chester Le Street 26
Senior Women: 5km.  1 O Walwyn (Dur U) 18:25; 2 M Holt (Sun, U20) 18:42; 3 M Czarnecka (CleS) 18:59; 4 N Fifield (Dur U) 19:16; 5 C Brennan (CleS) 19:44; 6 D Watts (Morp, U20) 19:46; 7 Y Thiru (Gosf, W35) 20:19; 8 H Patton (Gate, W40) 20:32; 9 P West (Gosf, W35) 22:12; 10 R Barnes (CleS, U17) 22:48; 11 S Parr (CleS, W50) 23:04; 12 G Tweddle (H&P, U17) 23:20; 13 J Tinkler (CleS, W40) 23:27; 14 J Michelson (Elv) 23:33; 15 S Wilson (NE Vets, W50) 23:49  Teams: 1 Chester Le Street 19; 2 Birtley 59
Under 15 Girls: 3.2km.  1 V Angus (H&P) 12:20; 2 A Bell (CleS) 13:14; 3 L Dodsworth (Gate) 13:15; 4 A Foreman (Birt) 13:52; 5 K Walker (Dur) 14:05; 6 L Macdonald (unatt) 14:10; 7 C Potts (H&P) 14:17; 8 N Ross (H&P) 14:22  Team: Houghton and Peterlee 14
Under 13 Girls: 2.6km.  1 S-K Crowell (J&H) 9:37; 2 H Nagel (Birt) 9:47; 3 D Pickavance-Clarke (Black B) 9:56; 4 E Murray (J&H) 10:02; 5 Z Dixon (Birt) 10:07; 6 S Goodfellow (Morp) 10:20; 7 P Ellis (CleS) 10:20; 8 C Fletcher (Gate) 10:25  Team: Jarrow and Hebburn 17
Under 11 Girls: 2km.  1 E Robson (H&P) 7:38; 2 S Gordon (J&H) 7:45; 3 A Watt (CleS) 7:54; 4 J Bunn (J&H) 7:59; 5 S Robinson (Birt) 8:06  Team: Houghton and Peterlee 18
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 29th March 2004).

Additional Comments: Report slightly edited. Weather bright but cool breeze blowing. 76 finishers in Senior Mens' event, though last runner clocked a respectable 54:05. 27 finishers in Senior Womens' race (last time 31:05). Prefer not to comment on long programme starting at 11.00am, with last race 2.30pm. Two breaks of 45mins and 30mins respectively, as Senior Mens' time was advertised as 2.30. Not sure if hour progress of clocks had anything to do with this?  The breaking news here, was the fact that Rachel Barnes, Amy Bell (and Rebecca Forster) have defected from Jarrow to Chester Le Street. Apologies to Tricia West, whose club is now, of course, NSP. Gavin Massingham ran as guest in Junior event, giving the field a 1min start. However, he did not run as well as expected clocking 16mins 29secs (speaking from memory here). Though times at front where slow, some of the "also rans" clocked reasonably fast (for them) times. Stewart Bell was about 10th coming out of stadium, and joint third on next appearance (1.5M approx). Dave Whitmore was 67th (2nd M65) in 48:29. Eric A (62nd) won £20 voucher for being first M70. John Josephs was 2nd M60 (no prize though). He was 57th (44:50). Other Heaton performances were 36 Jeff Wilson 40:03; 49 Ted Baty 42:59; 55 Allen Mulliss 43:53.  Team were originally 6th, then relegated to 7th as George Routledge (an absentee through injury), was listed as 34th in 39:59 (an error soon rectified). Scott McEntee dropped out due to breathing difficulties.
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Coniston 14M Road Race.
Sat. 27th Mch.
Result.
1 M Scott (unatt) 1:14:54; 2 S Littler (Wesh) 1:14:59; 3 A Tatham (Quak) 1:18:09; 4 T Neill (KuHull) 1:18:33; 5 J Bell (Els, M55) 1:20:11; 6 S Murdoch (Bord, M40) 1:20:27
M50: I Scott (Quak) 1:22:33
Women: 1 A Raw (Darl, W40) 1:27:08; 2 D Richardson (Quak) 1:29:55; 3 K Dance (GM Pol) 1:31:48
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 5th April 2004).

Additional  Comments: Results courtesy of ukresults site, but too late for correct week. Resubmitted results only. According to those in attendence, weather ideal. Scott (has he left Border ?) ran away from Littler in final 600m. Excellent run by Jimmy Bell. A massive 1477 finishers (last time 3:17:21). George Routledge and Chris Brown had entries returned, due to over-subscription.  Heaton fielded four athletes: 176 Ian Legge 1:36:46; 269 Vaughan Lewis 1:44:05; 331 Chris Auld 1:44:10; 1191 Chris Ward 2:15:12. Must think about attending this event, sometime in future.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 21st Mch).
Quite enjoyed watching World Cross Country Championships (at Brussels 20th/21st Mch) on television. Again the Junior Mens' race was completely ignored. Congratulations to Kenenisa Bekele on his third double victory in succession (also belated congratulations on his 5000m Indoor World record of 12:49.60 at Birmingham)  and Benita Johnson on her surprise Womens' victory. Must admit I was unaware Paula Radcliffe was not running, until the Saturday (I was not alone here). This info got surprisingly little publicity, and did not reach the Journal's pages at all (I gather she dropped out on the Thursday). Think she may have won long course race, but not sure about short course event (much less important anyway).
Despite being without Paula, our Senior Womens' team of Kath Butler (11th in 28:13), Liz Yelling (13th in 28:25), Louise Damen (pleased for her) (22nd in 28:48) and Natalie Harvey (28th in 28:58), did well to gain bronze medals. Johnson's time was 27:17. Though I queried his inclusion Jon Brown (19th in 37:38), did well in Mens' event. Bekele's time was 35:52. Rosie Smith was 56th in Junior Womens' race (23:00) (2nd counter behind Kerrie Hawitt - 22:00) and team were 11th behind Ethiopia (who won five out of six titles). The winner was Meselech Melkamu (Ethiopia) in 20:48. Chris Lamb finished 78th in Junior Mens' event (27:39) (4th counter behind Keith Gerrard - 50th in 26:52). The team were 12th behind Kenya, with individual victory going to Meba Tadesse (Ethiopia) (24:01).
At the A.A.A Indoor Combined Events Championships at Cardiff (20th/21st Mch), John Stacey was 4th in the Under 20 Heptathlon. His score of 4533pts consisted of 7.30 (60m), 6.43m (LJ), 11.61m (SP), 3.00m (PV), 9.21 (60mH), 1.89m (HJ) and 2:53.72 (1000m). The winner was K Simpers (Belgrave) with 5060pts.
Peter Riley (Trafford) won the B&Q Eastleigh 10km (21st Mch), in a time of 29mins 40secs, with Stephen Hepples 5th in 30:30. Hepples was 4th counter for North, who won Inter Area title. The Allsports Wilmslow Half Marathon was won by Isaac Macharia (Kenya) in a time of 61mins 52secs. Neil Wilkinson finished 13th (68:14).
The White Horse Wanderer Fell Race at Thirsk (21st Mch) was won by Paul Lowe (now N Yorks Moors) in 43:29 from Charles Stead (43:44). Alison Raw was first lady (55:33).
At the English Junior Fell Championships at Burnley (21st Mch), Sarah Tunstall won the U18 event (34:17) and Alex Wheatman took the U14 title (11:47).
The Thames Valley Harriers Road Relay (5 x 3.5M) at Stockley Park, Middlesex, was won by Belgrave in a course record time (by 2mins) of 87:31. David Anderson ran the second leg (17:05) in the day's fastest time. Windsor Slough etc, were a distant second in 91:32. Clayton Bannon ran their final leg (18:29).
At the Sale Open Indoor Meeting (20th Mch), Andrew Sturrock was 2nd in the 60m Hurdles in 8.9secs.
Rogers Rop of Kenya, ran a phenominal time of 50mins 49secs in the Lisbon Half Marathon (20th Mch) (according to AW results). This, should of course read, 59:49.
Steve Cairns won the Scottish Police Cross Country title at Glasgow (17th Mch) in a time of 34mins 15secs. First veteran was Tom McKean (8th in 39:40). All info courtesy of AW.
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British Masters Cross Country Championships.
Maiden Castle, Durham.  Sat. 20th Mch.
Sunderland Harrier Brian Rushworth, added to his ten North Eastern, one Northern and one Inter Counties titles, by winning his first British Masters' gold medal at Maiden Castle, on Saturday. In the event sponsored by DP Express Furniture and co-hosted by The Veterans A.A - North East (who incorporated their championships), the City of Durham and Durham University, Rushworth won the feature Over 40 event. In the extremely windy conditions, Rushworth took the lead after the end of the first of the four laps, but was given a hard race throughout by Guy Amos from Norwich. Clearly suited to the nature of the course, Rushworth pulled away from his rival on the hilly sections, opening up a lead of 14secs at one stage. However, as Rushworth eased off towards the finish, Amos reduced the advantage to 5secs at the line. Rob Hand of Durham, after a steady start, moved through to third place, but had to use his renowned sprint finish, to hold off the late challenge of Staffordshire's Andy Wilton. Rushworth (41), third in 2003, had to be content with a team silver as Sunderland narrowly lost by 27secs, to Scottish club, Ron Hill Cambuslang (team races were decided on times rather than placings). The other Sunderland counters, were Tom Doughty, Dave Robertson and George Harden. The region's other gold medal came from Gosforth's Christine Lee, who led a North East clean sweep in the Womens' Over 60 category. Lee won this title for the third successive year. Joy Bell of Backhill and Kath Stewart of North Shields Poly, took the minor medals. Elswick's Jimmy Bell took the bronze medal in the Over 55 category, finishing 7th overall in the Over 50 race, behind runaway winner Nigel Gates of Bristol. The Elswick squad consisting of other M55 athletes Mark McNally and Steve White, were third in the M50 team event. Morpeth's Walter Ryder was 2nd in the Over 65 category. Jim Johnston of North East Veterans, retained hiis Over 80 title.
Results.
Men.
M40 (10.4km): 1 B Rushworth (Sun) 36:11; 2 G Amos (CoNorwich) 36:16; 3 R Hand (Dur) 36:36; 4 A Wilton (Staffs M) 36:39; 5 B Reynolds (Thames H&H) 37:01  Other Placings: 11 T Doughty (Sun) 37:45; 18 I Crampton (Dur) 38:39; 19 D Robertson (Sun) 38:39; 29 S Murdoch (Bord) 39:57; 43 M Grainger (Darl) 40:30; 45 G Harden (Sun) 40:56; 46 A Mellor (NSP) 40:59
M45: 1 D Neill (Staffs M) 37:05; 2 M Hager (Tip) 37:48; 3 W Foster (Blackh'th) 37:59; 4 R Atkinson (Barrow) 38:09; 5 P Merrison (Walls) 38:26  Other Placings: 16 A Dent (Blay) 40:41 Team (Combined): 1 Ron Hill Cambuslang 2:33:04; 2 Sunderland 2:33:31; 3 Clayton-le-Moors 2:34:42; 7 Durham City 2:40:43; 11 Wallsend 2:55:56; 12 North Shields Poly 3:08:06
M50 (10.4km): 1 N Gates (Brighton) 37:03; 2 R Hailey (Telf) 40:04; 3 D Wilcock (Barnet) 40:22; 4 T Seakins (Colch) 40:27; 5 R Grant (Oxford) 40:30  Other Placings: 20 W Johnstone (Bord) 42:30; 24 N Cassidy (Tyne) 43:21; 28 K Sanderson (Tees) 43:54; 31 J Dennis (Crook) 44:35; 34 S Beryl (Blay) 44:54
M55: 1 B Lloyd (Telf) 40:11; 2 C Dickinson (Belg) 40:15; 3 Jim Bell (Els) 40:29; 4 D Overton (Kesw) 40:33; 5 B Grant (Harrog'te) 40:57  Other Placings: 10 M McNally (Els) 42:46; 12 S White (Els) 42:57; 16 H Matthews (Els) 43:15; 21 L Christopher (Sun) 44:12; 22 M Frostick (Hart) 45:18   Team (Combined): 1 Telford 2:02:20; 2 Oxford City 2:05:50; 3 Elswick 2:06:12; 10 Teesdale 2:17:00; 11 Sunderland 2:17:28; 12 Durham City 2:18:44; 13 Blaydon 2:20:13; 14 Sunderland Strollers 2:27:07; 15 North Shields Poly 2:27:10
M60 (10.4km): 1 M Ford (Chelt) 42:48; 2 R Young (Clyde) 42:51; 3 J Amies (Macc) 44:17; 4 B Dover (Bing) 44:41; 5 H Gott (N Vets) 45:29  Other Placings: 9 T O'Gara (Walls) 46:34; 14 R Wilson (Sun) 48:03; 21 E Whittaker (Black B) 52:12
M65: 1 S James (Southp't) 44:31; 2 W Ryder (Morp) 46:29; 3 F Gibbs (Bing) 47:09; 4 D Spencer (Barrow) 48:38; 5 K Balmforth (Holm) 49:45  Other Placings: 6 R Pinkney (SSh) 50:03; 8 I Barnes (Darl) 50:37; 9 G Smith (Gate) 51:51; 10 J Prudham (J&H) 52:19; 11 D Whitmore (SSh) 57:24  Teams (Combined): 1 Bingley 2:17:36; 2 Clydesdale 2:18:38; 3 Barrow and Furness 2:29:33; 4 South Shields 2:40:40
M70 (5.2km):  1 G Spink (Bing) 25:00; 2 D Howarth (Leigh) 25:27; 3 R Higgs (Barnet) 25:40; 4 E Appleby (Heat) 26:20; 5 M Ball (N Norf) 26:30  Other Placings: 7 R Laverick (Aur) 26:41; 8 W McNeil (Dur) 27:33; 9 M Hall (Elv) 27:52
M75: 1 D Adie (Dulw) 27:28; 2 J Hayward (Wood G)) 30:54; 3 J Caddy (M&C) 33:04
M80: 1 J Johnston (NE Vets) 40:35; 2 E Joynson (Gate) 49:44
Women:
W35 (5.km):  1 S Ridley (Edin S) 20:24; 2 A Wingler (Highg'te) 20:28; 3 S Wint (Cov G) 20:55; 4 A Macmillan (Redhill) 21:07; 5 N Nealon (Huncote) 21:18  Other Placings: 11 D Hales (Dur) 23:15; 13 Y Thiru (Gosf) 23:37; 14 S Morton (Els) 23:40; 16 C Bruce (NSP) 24:17; 18 K Haldane (Aln) 25:39  Teams: 1 Redhill Road Runners 1:05:05; 2 Bristol 1:05:36; 3 Macclesfield 1:09:29
W40 (5.2km);  1 C Pauzers (HHH) 20:26; 2 A Dennison (Brad Aire) 21:01; 3 C Evans (S Lond) 21:16; 4 S Becconsall (Bing) 21:23; 5 A Fletcher (Dulw) 21:29  Other Placings: 8 H Robinson (CleS) 22:24; 14 L Marr (Tyne) 23:53; 15 D Tunstall (Tees) 24:09; 16 F Shenton (Elv) 24:15; 19 S White (Tyne) 25:04
W45: 1 V McConnell (Brist) 21:52; 2 D Gibb (N Rownt) 22:36; 3 E Tomes (Keigh) 22:39; 4 B Murray (Macc) 23:23; 5 J Jackson (Derby) 23:48  Other Placings: 6 H Lambert (NSP) 24:05; 7 G Butler (Gosf) 24:26  Teams (Combined); 1 Rotherham 1:18:42; 2 Kendal 1:19:03
W50 (5.2km): 1 A Ford (Redhill) 22:01; 2 S Cooper (Southp't) 22:42; 3 A-M Jones (Alt) 22:46; 4 R Tabor (Dul) 23:16; 5 P Artridge (St Edm) 23:25  Other Placings: 11 J Young (Elv) 26:45
W55: 1 L White (Cov G) 24:01; 2 J Witterick (M Vets) 23:08; 3 D Fellows (Cann) 24:06; 4 F Garland (Redhill) 25:05; 5 L Woods (N Marske) 26:27
W60: 1 C Lee (Gosf) 26:42; 2 J Bell (Black B) 27:38; 3 K Stewart (NSP) 28:10
W65: 1 H Goodman (Kend) 27:49; 2 P Jones (Ilf) 28:09; 3 M Holmes (Camb) 30:46
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 22nd March 2004)

Additional Comments: Report hacked (reference to J Bell M50/55 team omitted). Sunday Sun omitted W60 details. Weather was very windy early in meeting, and was raining heavily in early stages of M40 race, when wind eased slightly. "Strong Man's course" according to Charles Dickinson, who was staying with relatives locally. There were 113 finishers in Women/M70+ race, 147 in M50+ event and 115 in M40+ race.
Martin Duff reported for AW. He (M60) was 113th in M50 event (50:04). Dave Parry and "Running Imp" man were the joint announcers. Confusion (from my part) over some of those listed in results as NE qualified. Hence I have not listed separately. Sheila Allen tested her fitness before race. She has been injured and also had a heavy cold. She decided not to risk it. K Haldane is actually Karen Cornwall. Other stars competing included David Tait (147th in Race 2) in 63:12, and Sid Robson (14th M70) in 32:53. Mike Brooks ran, but does not seem to be included in results. Ted J was lapped by about half the field. Jim J was second from back. Ray Laverick was ahead of Eric A early on, before losing a shoe. Eric (suffering from heavy cold, though unlikely to have achieved a higher position in category) placed 68th in Race 1 and Harry Craven was 107th (13th M70) in 32:25. Allen Mulliss was 111th in Race 3 (50th M45) in 51:50. George Routledge surprisingly dropped out after a lap, with two behind him at time.
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Gateshead Indoor Standards Meeting.
International Stadium.  Thurs. 18th Mch.
Results.
Senior Men:  50: 1 M Wright (Gate) 6.4; 2 A Hellevik (Sun U) 6.4  HJ: J Hardy (Gate) 1.80
Under 20 Men:  50: A Sturrock (Gate) 6.3  50H: A Sturrock 7.3
Under 17 Men:  50: R Dixon (Morp) 6.8
Under 15 Boys:  50: 1 D Hubbard (Gate) 6.7; 2 M Mullins (NSP) 6.7  50H: 1 D Hubbard 8.1; 2 N Flannery (Gate) 8.7  HJ: N Flannery 1.40
Under 13 Boys:  50: J Cowie (Gate) 7.1  50H  T Paton (Gate) 9.7  HJ: S Reach (CleS) 1.25
Under 20 Women:  50: K Rodmell (Bord) 7.0  LJ: 1 K Rodmell 5.09; 2 K Readman (H&P) 4.92  SP: K Rodmell 8.71
Under 17 Women:  50: 1 K Thomas (Gate) 6.9; 2 Steph Lamb (SSh) 7.1  B: 1 R Willi (Gate) 7.0; 2 L McMichael (CleS) 7.1  LJ: 1 Steph Lamb 5.23; 2 L McMichael 4.98; 3 R Willi 4.85
SP: 1 K Hutton (Blay) 10.42; 2 Steph Lamb 8.55
Under 15 Girls:  50: 1 N Pearson (H&P) 7.1; 2 A Ramsey (SSh) 7.2  LJ: 1 N Pearson 4.99; 2 A Ramsey 4.59  SP: A Ramsey 8.87
Under 13 Girls:  50: C Gill (Gate) 7.6  B: J Hudson (Gate) 7.7  LJ: 1 C Gill 4.65; 2 J Hudson 4.07  SP: 1 T Breen (Black B) 8.14; 2 L Jobe (Black B) 6.02
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 22nd March 2004).

Additional Comments: Only results to be sent. As usual poor turn-out at Senior level and also Under 17 Men. Good quality in younger Womens' age-groups. Bob Smoult ran his usual 7.6secs (behind Rodmell) and "handicap" against Senior Men. Much better results service now. Thanks must go to Mick Laidler for this.
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Gateshead Lunchtime Road Race Handicap.
International Stadium.  Wed. 17th Mch.
Junior International, Nick McCormick of Morpeth, sidelined with injury since November, returned to competition, to win yesterday's final race in the Gateshead Lunchtime Handicap Series. Starting as backmarker and giving up to 13mins 30secs to his rivals, McCormick moved steadily through the field, to take the lead some 200m from the finish line, in the International stadium.
Fiona Lothian of Fife, winner of the Blaydon race 10 years ago, was the fastest lady.
Result.  Distance 5km.
1 N McCormick (Morp) 28:03; 2 P Graham (Tyne) 28:12; 3 P Gold (Heat, L) 28:22; 4 T Deveaux (unatt) 28:26; 5 S McGarey (unatt) 28:38; 6 S White (Low F) 28:41; 7 B Swanson (unatt) 28:43; 8 B Khazaeli (unatt) 28:48; 9 K Sutton (Gosf) 28:57; 10 R Robinson (Gate) 28:58  Fastest: N McCormick 14:33; D Purvis (Birt) 16:13; G Harden (Sun, M40) 17:01  Women: F Lothian (Fife, W40) 18:10; A Nott (CleS, W40) 20:48; P Gold (W55) 23:12
Overall Series: 1 J Young (Birt) 48; 2= L Farish (unatt, L) & G Long (unatt) 64
(Newcastle Journal: Thurs. 18th March 2004).

Additional Comments: Surprisingly most of info was used. Bright sunny and warm day, but breezy. Probably cost McCormick record (set by M Openshaw: 14:24 in November 2000). 70 finishers (Ted Joynson, who started off about 6mins ahead of 0.00, was 70th in an actual time of 40:52). Purvis started only 10secs ahead of McCormick (2secs made up coming off track). No problems with results this time. There were two sets of recorders, with only one discrepency. The only runner to miss start was Dave Whitmore, who set off at 7:20 rather than 6mins. Apologies to Series winner, as because his first name was not known, he did not get a mention (sorry !). Other fastest times included: Robinson 17:08; N Morris 17:20 and D Nicholson 17:35. Farish clocked 23:26, A Evans (Newcastle Univ) 23:37 and  Joy Bell 24:13. Pam Gold led into Stadium, but was caught by first, Graham about 50m onto track, and then McCormick. Apart from Pam, other Heaton performances were (actual time given) 16 Allen Mulliss 20:57; 32 Reg Checkley 22:27; 35 Trevor Hopkins 22:00; 58 John Josephs 21:57 and 59 Howard Gold 20:55. Eric A had cold and Helen M could not make it. More to follow when full results available. (footnote: still not on LF website on Mch 31st).
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Weekly Round-up
(to 14th Mch).
At the Bath Half Marathon (14th Mch), Martin Scaife finished 6th (65:27), and was first Briton behind Kenya's Joseph Riri (62:20). At the Fleet Pre-London Half Marathon, incorporating the Inter Services Championship, Alan Shepherd (72:52) was 7th (corrected to 8th) behind Hagga Chepkwany (67:57) (corrected to 68:00).  Ivan Hollingsworth was 2nd in the Daily Mail/Ideal Homes Exhibition 5M at Hillingdon in a time of 24min 49secs, behind Steve Sharp (Belgrave) (24:12). Dominic Bannister won the East Hull 20M by 6mins 37secs, in a time of 1hr 45mins 15secs. Unfortunately the course was found to be 0.6M short, as a loop was missed out, late on.  Mark Armstrong of Hartlepool finished 3rd (1:53:05).
The Cumbrian Trail Run at Penrith (14th Mch) was won by N Sharp (Ambleside) (38:30) from Steve Murdoch (40:47). Sarah Tunstall was first lady (47:10).
At an International Indoor Meeting at Cardiff, Chris Parr won Junior 1500m (3:53.85), Keith Higham was 2nd in Pole Vault (4.80m), and Claire Brason was 3rd in 400m (57.45).
Durham University were second in the Ladies' event at the Nottingham University Relays (13th Mch). Olivia Walwyn (14:49), Aiveen Fox (15:38) and Nicola Firfield (15:56) clocked an overall time of 46mins 23secs, which was 51secs behind Loughborough. Andrea Woodvine clocked 15:06 on 1st leg for third-placed Nottingham, while Angela Dickie clocked 15:21 for a combined team in 10th place. Though not listed, it looked like Walwyn was fastest.
Steve Littler repeated his 2003 victory in the Dentdale Brewery Run. He clocked 78:52, ahead of Durham veteran, Ian Crampton (79:40). Unfortunately no further local details, as the results file on website was unreadable.
At the European Winter Throws Challenge (13th/14th Mch), Shirley Webb finished 2nd and broke the Scottish record by 4metres, with a throw of 67.52m. This was 2cm over the Olympic qualifying standard.
At the inaugural World Masters Indoor Championships at Sindelfingen, Germany (11th - 14th Mch), Andrew Wake was third in the M35 Pole Vault (3.80m). In the M50 1500m, Kevin Archer was 6th (4:23.97). Jim Caddy was 2nd in the M75 1500m (7:24.58) and 3rd in 3000m
(15:43.50). Joss Harwood finished 3rd in W45 60m Hurdles (9.68) and was part of winning 4 x 200m Relay team ((1:51.30). In the open Cross Country races (13th Mch), Archie Jenkins was 5th M50 (25:29) and Lynne Marr 5th W40 (29:43).
At the Teddy Hall Relay at Oxford (10th Mch), St Mary's College were second (72:20) behind Ocford University (70:22). Andrew Toward who ran 3rd leg (17:36) was joint third fastest behind F Thompson (Oxford) (17:18).
Ivan Hollingsworth (17:51) was fastest in North Shields Poly Handicap (9th Mch), from Tony Mellor (20:05) and M Fenwick (20:38).
In the Veterans' 10M Road rankings for 2003, Mark McNally is listed as third M55 (57:55 at Blyth), James Johnston (3rd M80 with 2:04:05 at Brampton), Sheila Allen (2nd W45 with 62:10 at Brampton) and Kath Stewart (3rd W60 with 79:48 at Blyth).
All info courtesy of AW. Apologies at later addition of round-up, as post at home (includes delivery of AW) does not come now until 12.30pm (plus).
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Liberata Redcar Half Marathon.
Sun. 14th Mch.
Morpeth Harrier Terry Wall was an emphatic winner of yesterday's 22nd Liberata Half Marathon, taking with it the incorporated North Eastern Counties' A.A Championship. In the windy conditions, Stewart Bell of Chester le Street was the early leader and was shadowed by Wall up to the 3M point (16:15). With the pair almost 300m clear of the chasing group at this stage, Wall made his bid for victory some 400m later, and passing through 5M in 26:52, extended his advantage to a massive 2mins 17secs at the finish line. Over a further 3mins behind in third place was leading veteran, Rob Hand of Durham. Darlington's Bernadette Taylor took her first ever North Eastern title, finishing in 32nd position in the field of over 800 runners. In her first serious race over this distance, Taylor led throughout, coming home over 3mins clear of clubmate and first veteran, Alison Raw. Claire Smallwood of Jarrow and Hebburn, nursing her way back to racing fitness, finished in 3rd place.
Result.
1 T Wall (Morp) 69:12; 2 S Bell (CleS) 71:29; 3 R Hand (Dur, M40) 74:51; 4 M McDonald (Low F) 75:20; 5 M Grainger (Darl, M40) 75:32; 6 J McCready (Darl) 75:55; 7 D Armstrong (Els) 76:06; 8 G Dixon (Morp, M40) 76:32; 9 D Purvis (Birt) 76:33; 10 P Newton (Clare) 76:42; 11 P Utterson (Blay) 76:48; 12 A Dent (Blay, M45) 76:54; 13 M Slesser (J&H) 77:48; 14 M Jones (SSh, M40) 78:06; 15 D Middlemas (Loft) 78:12; 16 I Anderson (Knave) 78:19; 17 T Hazell (Hors) 78:39; 18 S Shipton (Loft) 78:50; 19 C Jefferies (Bill MH) 78:56; 20 J Skidmore (N Yorks M) 79:05  Further Veterans: M45: 2 S Marshall (Dur) 79:47  M50: 1 I Scott (Quak) 79:40; 2 R Hall (Blyth) 83:14  M55: 1 L Christopher (Sun) 83:00; 2 M Brooks (R&Z) 85:18  M60: M Relton (NE Vets) 94:00  M65: J Conaghan (N Marske) 1:42:36  M70: W McNeil (Dur) 1:42:49  Team: Morpeth 30
Women: 1 B Taylor (Darl) 81:03; 2 A Raw (Darl, W40) 84:11; 3 C Smallwood (J&H) 85:06; 4 S Morton (Els, W35) 91:49; 5 S Gayter (N Marske, W40) 93:10; 6 S Laws (Derw, W45) 93:46; 7 J Atkinson (N Ayc, W35) 94:03; 8 J Milsom (Cleve Pol) 94:04; 9 H Lambert (NSP, W45) 94:12; 10 J Eastham (Gosf) 95:15; 11 L Walker (Walls) 95:41; 12 K Neesam (N Marske, W35) 96:13; 13 M Jones (unatt, W35) 96:24; 14 S Rogers (unatt) 96:38; 15 A Clarke (Quak, W40) 97:58  Further Veterans: W50: S Haslam (Scar) 98:55  W60: V Hancock (Dur) 94:22  W65: E Armstrong (Tyne) 1: 50:00
Team: New Marske 48
NECAA Champs: Men: 1 T Wall; 2 S Bell; 3 R Hand   Women: 1 B Taylor; 2 A Raw; 3 C Smallwood
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 15th March 2004).

Additional Comments: Report edited and in small print. Apolgies to Michelle Woodley of Morpeth, who was omitted as 14th lady (96:30). She was listed as Michael in results. Also to Val Hancock, whose time was 1:44:22 (the AW method of listing in full minutes to 100, is slightly offputting). 822 finishers (last time: 2:49:38). Thanks go to results man (not sure who, but full results available on ukresults site, by 6.30). Leading 400 finishers available when I left approx 30mins after GR finished. First two runners clear after 600m. Other splits included (some unavailable due to lead car unable to access): 5:12 (1M); 9:24 (2M) (marker obviously in wrong place); 31:52 (6M); 36:20 (again slightly astray); 42:06 (8M) and 63:18 (12M). Other performances included M65: 2 Joe Prudham 1:43:06 (339th); 4 Stuart Edwards 1:47:01. W60: 2 Kath Stewart 1:54:40. David Whitmore finished 458th in 1:49:22 (5th M65). Gary Campbell (77th in 1:26:20) listed as NSP. David Tait came home 765th in 2:20:46, after a "pit stop". Extra team results were: Men: 2 Darlington 59; 3 Loftus 60. Women: 2 Morpeth 57; 3 Darlington 65 (4 Wallsend 74). Eileen Armstrong (actual time: 1:50:14) (since found to be Kath Stewart) was "impeded" by tail ender in Wheelchair race in funnel, and was hurt physically. Ron Stewart put in protest as this disabled athlete had caused "dangerous" problems with runners, during race. (Kath
recovered ok and with bruises finished third at BMXC). Heaton fielded 3 competitors: Allen Mulliss was 295th in 1:41:12, Rachel Kane 646th in 2:01:29 and George Routledge 773rd in 2:22:53 (his best run for some time !).
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English Schools Cross Country Championships.
Mote Park, Maidstone.  Sat. 13th Mch.
The small band of North East supporters had to wait until the end of the meeting, before Northumberland gained a golden double, to supply the region with their only medals in the Senior Boys' event, at Saturday's  English Schools Cross Country Championships, at Mote Park, Maidstone. Kirk Wilson took the individual title, with the county comfortably winning the team event. The Cramlington High School pupil, was content to ease himself through the field up to third place behind Matt Barnes Smith of Suffolk and Ben Jones of Merseyside, with one of the three testing laps remaining. However, Wilson gradually closed on the pair, and took the lead in the final kilometre. His margin of victory was 9secs over Barnes Smith, comfortably reversing placings from last weekend's World Junior Trial race (the pair were 26th and 8th respectively). This was Wilson's second English Schools' medal, in a year, having taken bronze in the track 1500m in 2003. It was a second victory for the Wilson family also, as sister Carley won the Junior Girls' event in 1996. Wilson was ably backed by Lewis Timmins (12th), Ryan Stephenson (15th), Nathan Shrubb (71st), Gareth Driscoll (79th) and Andrew Lawrence (83rd), for the successful team. Adrian Holliday of Cumbria finished in 8th position. The region also had four runners in the first twenty, of the Intermediate Boys' event . Ross Floyd of Northumberland (6th), Andrew Coffer of Durham (9th) and Simon Watson of Durham (11th) all received call-ups for the England team to compete in the International event, at Ayr, next month. John Taylor of Cleveland (14th) just missed out. Alec Duffield of North Yorkshire also made the squad in 12th position. Cumbria led by Sarah Tunstall (10th) finished in a creditable 7th place in the Senior Girls' team event. Ashley Gibson and Mary Ferrier of Northumberland, both finished 13th in the Senior and Intermediate Girls' races, respectively. The latter race was won in impressive style, by rising British starlet, Emily Pidgeon of Gloucestershire. Northumberland finished 2nd Boys team and 4th (Girls) in the overall Group B trophy.
Results.
Senior Boys: 6.7km.  1 K Wilson (North'd) 24:23; 2 M Barnes Smith (Suffk) 24:32; 3 B Jones (Mersey) 24:30; 4 S Fennel (Kent) 24:51; 5 A Whetstone (Beds) 24:55  Other Placings: 8 A Holliday (Cumb) 25:05; 12 L Timmins (North'd) 25:18; 15 R Stephenson (North'd) 25:30; 29 L Moses (Dur) 25:50; 35 P Waite (Cumb) 26:07; 37 P Stockton (Cleve) 26:10; 62 M Sawrey (Cumb) 26:36; 71 N Shrubb (North'd) 26:40; 79 G Driscoll (North'd) 26:55; 83 A Lawrence (North'd) 27:12; 93 J Minter (Cleve) 27:15; 98 M Atkin (Dur) 27:18
Teams: 1 Northumberland 260; 2 Gloucestershire 281; 3 West Midlands 323; 11 Cumbria 581; 17 Durham 727; 29 Cleveland 871
Intermediate Boys: 5.2km.  1 A Hickey (Essex) 17:42; 2 A Livingstone (Essex) 17:50; 3 M Burgess (Essex) 17:56; 4 A Derricot (Staffs) 18:03; 5 M Bailey (Essex) 18:12  Other Placings: 6 R Floyd (North'd) 18:13; 9 A Coffer (Dur) 18:22; 11 S Watson (Dur) 18:33; 12 A Duffield (N Yorks) 18:34; 14 J Taylor (Cleve) 18:35; 33 W Roberts (Dur) 19:02; 58 J Pearson (North'd) 19:15; 69 R Stevenson (Cleve) 19:20; 78 A Wright (Dur) 19:25; 80 N French (Cumb) 19:27; Teams: 1 Essex 31; 2 Staffordshire 308; 3 Hampshire 401; 9 Durham 512; 16 Northumberland 713; 23 Cleveland 857; 34 Cumbria 1068
Junior Boys: 4.2km.  1 G Duval (W Mids) 17:00; 2 P Howarth (Beds) 17:12; 3 N Bibby (Lancs) 17:18; 4 M Withey (Gloucs) 17:19; 5 M Jackson (Ches) 17:20  Other Placings: 28 C Smith (Dur) 17:57; 31 J Robinson (Cumb) 18:01; 36 J Gibson (North'd) 18:06; 48 S Potter (North'd) 18:15; 58 M Kay (Dur) 18:17; 64 R Cunningham (Dur) 18:21; 70 T Perrins (North'd) 18:28
Teams: 1 Cheshire 263; 2 West Midlands 285; 3 Hampshire 330; 12 Durham 590; 13 Northumberland 595; 25 Cumbria 845; 37 Cleveland 1345
Senior Girls:  4.2km. 1 A Westley (S Yorks) 18:53; 2 D Tatum (Essx) 19:14; 3 V Callaway (Staffs) 19:15; 4 J Harper (Staffs) 19:20; 5 N Sykes (Beds) 19:25  Other Placings: 8 L Gibbs (N Yorks) 19:30; 10 S Tunstall (Cumb) 19:32; 13 A Gibson (North'd) 19:47; 23 S Crowe (North'd) 20:02; 27 C Rodham (Cumb) 20:05; 28 D Watts (North'd) 20:08; 36 R Brown (Cumb) 20:17; 39 J Orr (Dur) 20:27; 59 S Evans (Dur) 20:55; 66 K Savage (Cu) 21:05; 90 S Hart (Cl) 21:27; 100 J Page (Dur) 21:38
Teams: 1 Essex 211; 2 Staffordshire 254; 3 Hampshire 296; 7 Cumbria 433; 9 Northumberland 491; 16 Durham 685; 33 Cleveland 1167
Intermediate Girls: 3.6km.  1 E Pidgeon (Gloucs) 15:31; 2 S Barnes (Avon) 16:08; 3 M Foley (Essx) 16:22; 4 D Christmas (Surrey) 16:27; 5 K Hamilton (Devon) 16:28  Other Placings: 13 M Ferrier (North'd) 16:44; 22 D James (North'd) 16:55; 37 V Angus (Dur) 17:10; 84 A Porteous (North'd) 17:42
Teams: 1 Essex 156; 2 Hampshire 225; 3 West Midlands 277; 14 Northumberland 679; 17 Durham 721; 42 Cumbria 1697; 43 Cleveland 1742
Junior Girls: 3.1km.  1 J Harvey (Devon) 11:20; 2 R Pounds (Gt Man) 11:29; 3 S Hopkinson (Gloucs) 11:31; 4 N Grant (S Yorks) 11:39; 5 T Taylor (Bucks) 11:40 Other Placings: 24 A Wheatman (N Yorks) 12:05; 45 S Smith (North'd) 12:19; 68 S Hall (North'd) 12:30; 100 R Adams (North'd) 12:41
Teams: 1 Hampshire 157; 2 Greater Manchester 198; 3 West Yorkshire 360: 15 Northumberland 664; 38 Durham 1316; 39 Cleveland 1354
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 15th March 2004).

Additional Comments: Most of report used but in small print. Unfortunately Cleveland's only mention (Taylor) was omitted. Weather quite mild, but heavy rain during first race (IG). It cleared up but plenty of water on course for a while after, but dried out for later races. Going probably classed as "testing". Times apart from leaders, listed randomly, but prefer not to comment on what some of these times read. Some later times are approxomite. As only 3 results were available at close of meeting, I was unaware Northumberland had taken title, until looking on website the following morning. Congratulations to the squad. I understand those from 9th - 12th in younger races were selected for International (they usually take first eight), as first four have been picked for World Schools Championships, in a fortnight.(not sure which age-groups if any, apart from Inters). Performances by the region's athletes in Junior events (also Inter Girls), are worrying for future. Other age-groups were excellent. Sam Crowe was 7th at halfway, and again dropped back. Other placings ouside fiirst 100 included (no times): SB: 103 Z Scott (D); 110 N Zissler (D). IB: 113 L Stockton (Cl). JB: 113 K Thompson (D). SG: 108 N Dawson (N). I understand 18 out of  Northumberland's 36 counters were from Morpeth Harriers. Apolgies to Junior Boys winner: His name is G Divall.
Two questions: Is N Bibby (Lancs/Preston H) related to a timekeeper of that name ? Does R Brown (Cumbria) compete for City of Stoke ?
Memo to British Rail journey planners: It is quicker going from Kings Cross to Maidstone via. London Bridge than via. Victoria.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 7th Mch).
Congratulations to our medallists in the World Indoor Championships at Budapest (5th - 7th Mch). Jason Gardener, who won 60m (6.49), and Jo Fenn, who was 3rd in W800m (1:59.50 - a UK record). Felt sorry for Michael East (disqualified after crossing line in 3rd place in 1500m). Chris Tomlinson was 6th in Long Jump, but still broke UK record with a leap of 8.17m. Thought BBC TV coverage was ample, but would like to have seen eventful Mens' 4 x 400m Relay.
Steve Hepples (top of 10km rankings with his 29:48 at Dewsbury), is likely to compete for Newham & Essex Beagles in near future. Alisdair Tatham was third in Hawkeswater Half Marathon on 7th Mch (74:46) behind Ian Fisher (70:17). J Ross (North'd FR) was leading veteran in 6th (78:37) and Ian Scott was first in M50 section (78:40).
J Murray (B&B) won Greenwich Meridian 10km in 32:06. Not sure if this is Newcastle University student and unsure of the club, also ? Martin Scaife won Good Gallop 3 at Pudsey (14:03) winning by 1min 26secs.
At (presumably a UK Athletics initiated) Indoor meeting  at Glasgow (6th Mch), Jared Deacon was 2nd in 60m (7.14) (7.17ht). His wife Susan won Womens' 60m (7.55) and 300m (38.15), which is a Scottish record. Peter Middleton was 2nd in 60m Hurdles (8.26) and Keith Higham won Pole Vault (5.01m). Emma Morris was 2nd in High Jump (1.69m).
At the trials for the European Police Cross Country Championships, at Birmingham (3rd Mch), Steve Cairns was first (35:11), ahead of Matt Tomlinson (35:24), with Neil Armsworth 6th (36:43).
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North Yorkshire and South Durham Harrier League.
Richmond School.  Sun. 7th Mch.
Results.
Senior Men: 9.2km.  1 D Middlemas (Loft) 32:02; 2 J Wardley (Scar) 32:09; 3 J Rafferty (M'bro, U20) 32:15; 4 I Cook (Hart, M40) 32:22; 5 J McCready (Darl) 32:24  Team: Hartlepool Burn Road 79
Under 17 Men: 6km.  1 A Duffield (Loft) 22:12; 2 P Fitzpatrick (R&Z) 24:20; 3 S Robson (R&Z) 24:36  Team: Richmond & Zetland 16
Under 15 Boys: 3.8km.  1 B Proctor (Scar) 13:43; 2 J Connor (M'bro) 13:43; 3 D Shaw (N Marske) 13:49  Team: New Marske 29
Under 13 Boys: 2.7km.  1 L Johnson (Scar) 10:48; 2 D Burnage (Shil) 11:05; 3 T Murphy (M&C) 11:18  Team: Scarborough 24
Senior Women: 5.5km.  1 J Jackson (M&C, U20) 21:26; 2 B Taylor (Darl) 21:44; 3 D Richardson (Quak) 21:46; 4 L Jackson (R&Z) 22:15; 5 T Waller (Hart) 23:01  W35: A Hall (T&S) 23:40
Under 17: 1 S James (Quak) 23:25; 2 K James (Quak) 23:28; 3 A Snook (Shil) 24:16  Team: Quakers 43
Under 15 Girls: 3.8km.  1 J Roberts (R&Z) 15:06; 2 S Hitchin (N Rownt) 15:08; 3 C Maxted (N Rownt) 15:24  Team: Richmond & Zetland 28
Under 13 Girls: 2.7km.  1 A Wheatman (Scar) 10:39; 2 K Avery (Shil) 10:41; 3 H Rodgers (Loft) 11:30  Team: Scarborough 29
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 15th March 2004).

Additional Comments: Results courtesy of John Kettle (for which I am very grateful). Will submit results only. Good run by Johanna Jackson, 24 hours after her Inter County run. Other placings in Senior Mens' race included: 11 Jon Orange 32:52; 15 Nigel Orr 33:18; 58 Mike Brooks 37:20; 92 Ian Barnes 41:42. Alex Duffield seemed too good for U17 field.
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DP Furniture Express North Eastern Harrier League.
Shibdon Pond, Blaydon.  Sun. 7th Mch.
Sunderland Harriers took the Senior Mens' title for the 12th time in 13years after the final fixture of the DP Furniture Express North Eastern Harrier League, at Blaydon, yesterday.
The Wearsiders ensured their success with an individual victory from Gavin Massingham, and also a comfortable win in the team event. Track 800m specialist, Massingham, running from the medium pack, took the lead early on the final circuit, coming home 23secs ahead of another medium pack runner, Michael Thompson of Gateshead. Morpeth's Terry Wall clocked the fastst time overall, finishing in third position from the fast pack, and also took the Individual trophy. Wall's run also helped Morpeth to the Division 2 title, holding off a late challenge from Sunderland Strollers. Second fastest overall was Tom Doughty of Sunderland, having his second race in 2 days, who also took the Veterans' individual title. Blaydon's Carolyn Acaster passed long-leader and clubmate Jacqui Elliot, in the closing stages to win the Senior Womens' race. Claire Smallwood of Jarrow and Hebburn clocked the fastest time, finishing in 5th place from the fast pack. In so doing Smallwood edged out Elvet veteran Donna James, so reversing Inter County placings from Saturday. James had ample consolation however, as apart from gaining a medal at Nottingham, she won the Individual veterans' trophy, and helped her club to their first League title. The much-improved Lianne Brown of Blaydon, took the Senior Individual title. Danielle Watts of Morpeth clocked the fastest time in the Junior Womens' race, ensuring a victory in the Individual championship. North Eastern Counties' champion, Callum Watson of Elswick, joined the elite list of fast pack runners, winning individual races, this time in the Under 13 Boys' event.
Results.
Senior Men: 9.2km.  1 G Massingham (Sun) 32:15; 2 M Thompson (Gate) 32:38; 3 T Wall (Morp) 33:25; 4 D Brown (Blyth) 33:35; 5 K Langridge (Crook) 33:41; 6 N Craigs (Aln) 33:44; 7 P Kelly (Dur) 33:45; 8 M Slesser (J&H) 33:50; 9 P Hutton (Gosf) 33:56; 10 J Thompson (Salt) 33:58; 11 G Conway (Salt) 34:05; 12 B Allsopp (Walls) 34:10; 13 R Barkley (Blyth) 34:19; 14 J Laws (Sun) 34:21; 15 L Green (Dur) 34:25  Fastest Times: T Wall 28:25; T Doughty (Sun, M40) 29:44; G Massingham 29:45; J Powell (Dur) 29:47; M Thompson 30:08
Teams: 1 Sunderland 71; 2 Durham City 137; 3 Wallsend 146  Division 2: Saltwell 98  Division 3: Aurora 81
Under 17 Men: 5km.  1 B Henderson (Morp) 18:07; 2 J Carmichael (Gate) 19:02; 3 D Heslop (Blay) 19:27; 4 J Stacey (Gate) 19:29; 5 T Carter (Walls) 19:47; 6 D McMeiken (Blay) 19:57  Fastest: D Heslop 16:57  Teams: 1 Blaydon 17; 2 Houghton and Peterlee 38
Under 15 Boys: 3.2km.  1 D Dalby (Gate) 12:23; 2 D Watt (NSP) 13:00; 3 J Gibson (Gate) 13:01; 4 R Balmbra (Morp) 13:09; 5 P Sherlin (Tyne) 13:14; 6 C Young (Morp) 13:22  Fastest: J Gibson 11:31  Teams: 1 Gateshead 11; 2 Morpeth 20; 3 Tynedale 31
Under 13 Boys: 2.7km.  1 C Watson (Els) 10:41; 2 S Ruddick (Blay) 10:43; 3 A Southern (Els) 10:48; 4 T Ord (Morp) 11:10; 5 J Scott (Birt) 11:18; 6 M Grimes (Dur) 11:20  Fastest: C Watson 9:31  Teams: 1 Elswick 14; 2 Tynedale 32; 3 Houghton and Peterlee 39
Senior Women: 5km.  1 C Acaster (Blay) 20:15; 2 J Elliott (Blay) 20:20; 3 M Dawson (Elvet) 21:07; 4 L Walker (Walls) 21:11; 5 C Smallwood (J&H) 21:14; 6 D James (Elvet) 21:15; 7 F Shenton (Elvet) 21:28; 8 R Layton (Elvet) 21:50; 9 D Goddard (Elvet) 22:03; 10 H Morris (Blyth) 22:10; 11 J Mitchelson (Elvet) 22:13; 12 L Patterson (Sun S) 22:13  Fastest: C Smallwood 18:14; D James (W35) 18:15; A Dargie (Els) 19:27
Junior Women: 5km.  1 F Parkinson (Sun, U17) 21:01; 2 D Watts (Morp) 21:52; 3 R Barnes (J&H, U17) 21:59; 4 S Crowe (Els, U17) 22:01; 5 N Douglas (Gate, U17) 22:29; 6 N Powell (Tyne, U17) 23:03  Fastest: D Watts 19:07  Team: Gateshead 19
Under 15 Girls: 3.2km.  1 L Ing (Sun) 13:36; 2 L Patton (Gate) 13:52; 3 S Brennan (Gate) 14:02; 4 N Miller (Sun) 14:08; 5 A Toman (Gosf) 14:15; 6 A Bell (J&H) 14:28  Fastest: V Angus (H&P) 12:29  Teams: 1 Gateshead 15; 2 Sunderland 17; 3 Wallsend 47
Under 13 Girls: 2.7km.  1 L Weightman (Morp) 10:20; 2 J Hudson (Gate) 11:11; 3 E Masson (Gosf) 11:27; 4 M Howell (Birt) 11:42; 5 A Thompson (Sun) 11:45; 6 S Baxter (Morp) 11:57
Fastest: L Weightman 10:20  Teams: 1 Morpeth 21; 2 Gosforth 22; 3 Durham City 41
Final League Placings:
Senior Men: Division 1: 1 Sunderland 7; 2 Durham City 18; 3 Blaydon 20; 4 Wallsend 26; 5 South Shields 30; 6 North Shields Poly 31  Division 2: 1 Morpeth 8; 2 Sunderland Strollers 10; 3 Gateshead 25  Division 3: 1 Aurora 12; 2 Chester Le Street 19; 3 Jarrow & Hebburn 21
Individual: 1 T Wall (Morp) 37; 2 S Bell (CleS) 35; 3 R Kay (Morp) 24  Veterans: 1 T Doughty (Sun) 38; 2 P Merrison (Walls) 31
Under 17 Men: 1 Houghton & Peterlee 12; 2 Blaydon 16; 3 Gateshead 30  Individual: 1 D Heslop (Blay) 27; 2 S Haswell (H&P) 19; 3 L Timmins (Gosf)
Under 15 Boys: 1 Morpeth 9; 2 Tynedale 17; 3 Birtley 19  Individual: 1 J Gibson (Gate) 35; 2 C Young (Morp) 22; 3 C Patterson (Walls) 21
Under 13 Boys: 1 Gateshead 20; 2 Blaydon 25; 3 Houghton and Peterlee 27  Individual: 1 S Ruddick (Blay) 37; 2 G Ritchie (J&H) 13; 3 M Crowe (Els) 12
Senior Women: 1 Elvet Striders 7; 2 Sunderland 26; 3 Sunderland Strollers 28  Individual: 1 L Brown (Blay) 26; 2 L Walker (Walls) 15  Veterans: 1 D James (Elvet) 40; 2 L Marr (Tyne) 23
Junior Women: 1 Gateshead 23; 2 Morpeth 23; 3 North Shields Poly 25  Individual: 1 D Watts (Morp) 37; 2 K Chapman (Clare) 24
Under 15 Girls: 1 Gateshead 8; 2 Birtley 20; 3 Morpeth 29  Individual: 1 Stacey Smith (Tyne) 39; 2 S Duffy (Gate) 25; 3 C Reay (Blay) 27
Under 13 Girls: 1 Sunderland 12; 2 Morpeth 15; 3 Houghton and Peterlee 20  Individual: 1 Shona Smith (Tyne) 36; 2 C Fletcher (Gate) 33; 3 E Spoor (Sun) 31
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 8th March 2004).

Additional Comments: Report edited, not surprisingly due to other events. No reference to Wall winning title. Weather drying after rain, but chilly wind blowing. Quite firm though. All final placings are subject to scrutiny. Please note Hutton (who realised this when finishing) and J Carmichael were later disqualfied, for running in wrong packs. 221 finishers in Senior Mens' event and 36 (Senior Women). David Tait brought field to a close in 58:38. Ray Laverick was 211th (43:42). Donna James tried for late entry in British Veterans' XC (did not succeed). Heaton only fielded two runners Allen Mulliss (who missed Gosforth because of slight injury) 194th in 40:38 and George Routledge 220th in 54:37. They were 4th overall in Division 3 (35pts). Eric Appleby acted as a marshal, and suffered some abuse from some of the local dignitories.
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Gosforth Harriers Ernie Thompson Memorial Road Races.
High Gosforth Park.  Sat. 6th Mch.
Morpeth Harriers easily won the Senior Mens' Relay, at Saturday's Ernie Thompson Memorial Road Race meeting, at Gosforth Park. In the ideal conditions, the Northumberland club's main challenge  came from the Sunderland Veterans' team, who led overall after legs 2 and 3. North Eastern Counties' Cross Country champion, Neil Wilkinson led for Morpeth on leg 1, but they dropped into third on leg 2, behind Sunderland Veterans and North Shields Poly. Morpeth made up a place on leg 3, through Mark Hudspith, before brother Ian pulled away to victory on the final leg, with easily the day's fastest time. Elswick assisted by M55 veteran, Jimmy Bell were the second Senior team to finish, over 3mins behind the winners, with North Shields Poly taking third place. In the Veterans' event, defending champions Sunderland led throughout, with Brian Rushworth's second leg, the fastest of the day. Their overall time bettered the 5-year-old course record held by Wallsend, by a massive 62secs. Such was their dominance, that the margin of victory was over 6mins from Morpeth. With their quartet also clocking 4 of the fastest five times, the Wearsiders can look forward with some confidence, to the forthcoming British Veterans' Cross Country Championships, at Durham. Maxine Czarnecka of Chester Le Street, was a comfortable winner of the Womens' race, ahead of Durham's Louise Trainor and Lizzie Ranger of Morpeth, who led her club to the team title. Brian Knighton led a Gateshead clean-sweep in the Under 15 Boys' race.
Results.
Senior Mens' Relay  4 x 3M.  1 Morpeth 60:41 (N Wilkinson 14:48, N Swinburne 16:34, M Hudspith 15:09, I Hudspith 14:10); 2 Elswick 64:44 (P McCartney 15:25, Jim Bell 16:28, I Waterhouse 16:39, D Armstrong 16:12); 3 North Shields Poly 65:02 (T West 15:10, R Walker 15:42, A Haynes 16:59, S Sutherland 17:11); 4 Sunderland 66:46; 5 Tynedale B 68:19; 6 Tynedale 68:53; 7 Newton Aycliffe 69:13; 8 Chester Le Street 69:38; 9 Gateshead 71:39; 10 Newton Aycliffe B 71:38
Fastest: I Hudspith 14:10; N Wilkinson 14:48; M Hudspith 15:09; T West 15:10; D Mason (Tyne) 15:13; P Hutton (Gosf) 15:22; P McCartney 15:25; T Field (Sun) 15:34; R Walker 15:42; L Moses (N Ayc, U17) 15:43
Veterans' Relay  4 x 3M.  1 Sunderland 61:58 (Course Rec) (T Doughty 15:37, B Rushworth 14:59; S Coxon 15:53; D Robertson 15:29); 2 Morpeth 68:11 (G Bayne 17:28, L Atkinson 15:51, G Dixon 17:18, S Beattie 17:34); 3 Sunderland B 68:23 (J Watson 17:19, P Redman 17:42, P Collins 16:38, R Rush 16:44); 4 North Shields Poly 68:56; 5 Wallsend 69:51; 6 Elswick 71:24; 7 North Shields Poly C 73:49; 8 North Shields Poly B 73:54
Fastest: B Rushworth 14:59; D Robertson 15:29; T Doughty 15:37; L Atkinson (M45) 15:51; S Coxon 15:53; M Jones (SSh) 16:32; T Mellor (NSP) 16:35; P Collins 16:38
Under 15 Boys  2.3M.  1 B Knighton (Gate) 13:11; 2 M Douglas (Gate) 13:17; 3 M Docherty (Gate) 13:27; 4 G Docherty (Gate) 13:36; 5 J Cook (Gate) 13:42; 6 R Balmbra (Morp) 13:48   Team: Gateshead 6
Senior Women  3M.  1 M Czarnecka (CleS) 18:24; 2 L Trainor (Dur) 18:42; 3 L Ranger (Morp) 18:56; 4 J Smith (Heat) 19:20; 5 Y Thiru (Gosf, W35) 19:28; 6 H Lambert (NSP, W45) 19:35; 7 G Cavill (Morp, W35) 19:48; 8 G Butler (Gosf, W45) 19:48; 9 D Elliott (CleS, W40) 19:54; 10 J Fenwick (Gosf, U17) 20:12; 11 S Armstrong (Gosf, U20) 20:21; 12 J Clark (Morp) 20:25  W60: C Lee (Gosf) 21:18  Teams: 1 Morpeth 22; 2 Gosforth 23; 3 Chester Le Street
23
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 8th March 2004).

Additional Comments: Report edited. Reference to Knighton omitted (also in "Sunday Sun")
(my apologies). Bright day and quite mild, with little wind. Not a great turn-out due to fixture clashes, but some good competition. 29 Relay teams finished, 15 Senior and 14 Veterans. 23 Senior Women took part (only last runner was slower than GR) and 11 U15 Boys. Other times included Dave Whitmore 23:03 and Owen McGarrell 25:33, who ran the third and fourth legs of South Shields veterans' team. Other Heaton performances were 17 Kelly McEntee 21:27 (SW). Senior Relay: Simon Huntley 20:24 (32), Scott McEntee 20:12 (30), Jeff Wilson 19:00 (a good run) (27) and David Boyd 21:57 (23) (14th Senior) (81:33) and Denis Young (22:24) (34), Reg Checkley 22:00 (34), Eric Appleby (21:29) (31), George Routledge 26:31 (29). 14th Veteran (92:24). Veteran leg placings were 16, 16, 15 and 14.
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Reebok Inter Counties Cross Country Championships.
Wollaton Park, Nottingham.  Sat. 6th Mch.
The small contingent of North East athletes performed with distinction, at Saturday's Reebok Inter Counties Cross Country Championships, at Nottingham. Chris Lamb of Chester Le Street took the silver medal in the Under 20 event, and gained an automatic qualification for the Junior team, in the World Championships at Brussels in 3 weeks time. Lamb also led the region to the bronze medals in the team event. The North East took the gold medals in the Under 20 Womens' race, with Durham's Rosie Smith leading their counters in 5th position. She was ably supported by Johanna Jackson of Middlesbrough & Cleveland (15th), Ashley Gibson of Elswick (28th) and Sarah Evans of Jarrow & Hebburn (53rd). The Senior Womens' team also gained bronze medals with another Chester Le Street athlete, Morag McDonnell finishing in a magnificent 5th position. With only the first three gaining automatic selection for Brussels, McDonnell and Smith must now wait until Tuesday, to see if they have been included in the squad. The North East also gained bronze medals in the feature race for Senior Men. In an event won by recent National champion, Glen Tromans, Belgrave's David Anderson was first counter in 7th place. Dominic Bannister of Shaftesbury Barnet (9th), Andy Caine of Tynedale (14th) and David Wardle of London Irish (20th) alo gained top twenty positions.
Results.
Senior Men: 12km.  1 G Tromans (Warws) 36:25; 2 B Noad (Avon) 36:41; 3 C Thompson (Hants) 36:52  Other Placings: 7 D Anderson (NE) 37:10; 9 D Bannister (NE) 37:15; 14 A Caine (NE) 37:50; 20 D Wardle (NE) 38:10; 58 M Hood (NE 39:30; 61 S Bell (NE) 39:34  Teams: 1 Avon & Somerset 149; 2 Kent 162; 3 North East 169
Under 20 Men: 8km.  1 G Davenport (Avon) 25:25; 2 C Lamb (NE) 25:32; 3 A Moran (Gt Manch) 25:33  Other Placings: 13 R McLeod (NE) 26:24; 26 K Wilson (NE) 26:45; 35 P Martin (NE) 27:00; 39 R Stephenson (NE) 27:13  Teams: 1 Yorkshire 51; 2 Hampshire 66; 3 North East 76
Senior Women: 8km.  1 K Butler (Scot) 27:04; 2 N Harvey (Surrey) 27:10; 3 H Yelling (Middx) 28:00  Further Placings: 5 M McDonnell (NE) 28:20; 17 S Thomas (NE) 29:06; 55 M Dodd (NE) 30:56; 75 D James (NE) 31:24; 76 S Rutherford (NE) 31:25; 110 M Hood (NE) 32:11
Teams: 3 North East 338
Under 20 Women: 6km.  1 K Hawitt (Ches) 22:42; 2 K Wootton (Beds) 23:04; 3 C Holme (Suff) 23:14  Other Placings: 5 R Smith (NE) 23:29; 15 J Jackson 24:31; 28 A Gibson 25:09; 53 S Evans 26:27  Teams: 1 North East 101
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 8th March 2004)

Additional Comments: Report edited (no reference to Senior Mens' race and World Championship selection). Results courtesy of Kevin Carr. Saw U20 and end of Senior event on Sky Sports Xtra (before and after Gosforth RR). They showed about the first six juniors head on, and about 15 in Senior event, but then went to adverts. Did not appear as if team results were displayed. Congratulations to Chris Lamb on, very much an above-expectations, run. Looked like McLeod developed stitch. Later News: Smith selected, McDonnell not. Not sure if Jon Brown still deserves automatic selection ? Tromans fourth successive victory (equalling that of the late Jack Holden). Other NE placings (full results surprisingly not listed in AW):
Senior Men: 79 C Simpson 40:05; 112 D Swinburne 40:55; A Toward dnf.  Junior Men: 78 M Elliott 28:28.  Senior Women: 123 C Smallwood 23:22  For Cumbria, Adrian Holliday was 5th in U17 event (20:42) behind A Felce (Gloucs) (20:19).  Short Course Results: Men: 1 Andy Griffin 11:56; 10 S Hepples 12:15; 15 C Parr 12:27; 37 C Bannon 13:00; 46 S Horn 14:02.
Women: 1 Kate Reed 13:44; 14 K Hind 14:52; 17 K Waugh 15:11; 17 S Maude 15:31
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