November 2003

3 Tops Guisborough Fell Race (incorporating North Eastern Counties' A.A Championships).  Sun. 30th Nov.
1 C Stead (North'd FR) 59:17; 2 P Lowe (Midd) 60:31; 3 A Bissell (Knavesmire) 60:42; 4 P Addyman (Clare) 63:53  NECAA: 1 Stead; 2 Lowe; 3 Addyman
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 8th December 2003).

Additional Comments: Info sent from Philip Addyman, who enjoys reading site. Unfortunately too late for previous week, but belatedly sent in results. Unfortunately no qualified North Eastern women took part.
back/top

Leeds Abbey Dash 10km
Sun. 30th Nov.
New Morpeth recruit Neil Wilkinson, finished a close second to Jason Ward of Hallamshire, in yesterday's Leeds Abbey Dash 10km Road Race, helping the North to take the team title. Mark Hudspith, also of Morpeth was 7th, while John Hunter of Loftus (32:40) was third veteran home.
Result.
1 J Ward (Hallamshire) 29:24; 2 N Wilkinson (Morp) 29:26; 3 R Birchall (Birchfield) 29:31; 7 M Hudspith (Morp) 29:51
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 1st Dec 2003).

Additional Comments: Only results used. Info from Kevin Carr. Further details to follow. Over 2600 finishers, though I think Stewie Bell could have had a run (his entry was sent back due to the limit being reached). No advanced info was in AW either. Was thinking of going to event and coming back via NYSD League, at Thirsk. However, a problem with Harrier League results (I had to retype Journal copy) and the early (9.30) start, put paid to this. Bill McGuirk did not attend either. Stephen Hepples did not run, due to a heavy cold. Additional info (from AW and Abbey Runners website): Morpeth were 3rd team. With Wilkinson a non-scorer, Hudspith was backed by Alan Shepherd (23rd in 31:43) and Ivan Hollingsworth (25th in 31:47). Apologies to Jon Orange, who was second M40 in 32:18. Hunter's time was actually 32:53 (4th M40 was Martin Grainger in 33:18). Peter Embleton won M45 category in 33:20, Ian Scott was 2nd M50 (34:51), Mike Brooks won M55 (37:32), Ron Sherwood was 3rd M60 (41:26) and Lynn Woods was 2nd W55 (44:38).
back/top

DP Furniture Express North Eastern Harrier League.
Farringdon School, Sunderland.  Sat. 29th Nov.
Driving rain followed by gale-force winds, made conditions difficult at the second fixture of the DP Furniture Express North Eastern Harrier League, at Farringdon.
In the Senior Mens' event, first year junior, Ryan Stephenson of North Shields Poly, comfortably won the individual race, coming home exactly one minute ahead of Ian Waterhouse of Elswick. Simon O'Donnell of Chster Le Street, giving 2mins 30secs from the medium pack, ran well to finish 5th. An exciting tussle to clock the fastest time, was won by Nick McCormick of Morpeth, from Stewart Bell of Chester Le Street. McCormick held a slight lead over his rival, for the first two laps, but was passed by Bell early on lap 3. McCormick fought back to finish 15th, one place of Bell, the pair from the fast pack giving 5mins to most of their rivals. Bell ran here, because his entry was returned by the organisers of the Leeds Abbey Dash 10km, due to over-subscription. In the team competition, Durham City narrowly won from Sunderland, and now share the lead in the Division 1 table, though Division 2 winners, Morpeth were the strongest team on the day. Morpeth also dominated the Under 17 event, with Ross Floyd an emphatic winner. Best performance in the Under 15 race, came from Jonathon Pearson of Elswick, who took third place from the fast pack. Clubmate Callum Watson easily won the Under 13 race.
For the first time, a handicap system was used in the Womens' events, though not surprisingly, with the scheme in its infancy, the small band of fast pack runners, struggled to make any impact in the individual placings.  Alison Dargie of Elswick passed long-time-leader Donna James of Elvet, to win the Senior event. Elswick's Sam Crowe returned to competition, after injury, to win the Junior race, by over a minute. Morpeth Harriers dominated the younger girls' team events, with Laura Dixon (Under 15) and Stevi Goodfellow (Under 13) taking the individual awards.
Results.
Senior Men: 5.7M.  1 R Stephenson (NSP) 30:27; 2 I Waterhouse (Els) 31:27; 3 G Driscoll (Morp) 31:55; 4 S Kirtley (Morp) 32:14; 5 S O'Donnell (CleS) 32:47; 6 R Stabler (Morp) 32:52; 7 G Hunt (Dur) 33:09; 8 I Ellis (Els, M40) 33:12; 9 G Campbell (Aln) 33:17; 10 I Crampton (Dur, M40) 33:19; 11 S Wells (CleS) 33:29; 12 C McDonald (SSh) 33:47; 13 J Blenkinsop (Tyne) 33:53; 14 D Purves (Birt) 33:56; 15 N McCormick (Morp) 33:58; 16 S Bell (CleS) 34:07; 17 T Wall  (Morp) 34:15; 18 S Marshall (Dur, M45) 34:41; 19 A Burnie (Gate) 34:47; 20 J Dobson (Sun) 34:53  Fastest: N McCormick 28:58; S Bell 29:07; T Wall 29:15; R Hand (Dur, M40) 29:57; R Kay (Morp) 30:00   Teams: Division 1: 1 Durham City 88; 2 Sunderland 149; 3 Blaydon 155   Division 2: Morpeth 26   Division 3: Chester Le Street 33
Under 17 Men: 3.8M.  1 R Floyd (Morp) 20:36; 2 S Hall (Gate) 21:38; 3 J Martin (Sun) 21:46; 4 A Muir (Blay) 22:14; 5 L Timmins (Gosf) 22:58; 6 D McMeikin (Blay) 23:02; 7 J Young (Morp) 23:45; 8 J Woods (Morp) 23:52  Fastest: L Timmins 20:18; R Floyd 20:36; J Young 21:05
Teams: 1 Morpeth 16; 2 Blaydon 21; 3 Gateshead 27
Under 15 Boys: 1 9M:  1 R Cunningham (Birt) 11:15; 2 P Graham (Black B) 11:22; 3 J Pearson (Els) 11:38; 4 M Travis (Morp) 12:00;  5 J Gibson (Gate) 12:06; 6 R Hall (Gate) 12:08; 7 B Knighton (Gate) 12:14; 8 A Greenwood (Birt) 12:23   Fastest: J Pearson 10:18; J Gibson 10:46; B Knighton 10:54
Teams:  1 Gateshead 18; 2 Birtley 21; 3 Morpeth 33
Under 13 Boys: 1.9M.   1 C Watson (Els) 10:33; 2 D Purvis (Sun) 11:12; 3 K Chirnside (Black B) 11:23; 4 H Smithson (Sun) 11:45; 5 P Weldon (Sun) 11:50; 6 C Bell (CleS) 11:50; 7 S Cochrane (Morp) 11:51; 8 S Ruddick (Blay) 11:59   Fastest: C Bell 10:30; C Watson 10:33; S Ruddick 10:39
Teams: 1 Sunderland 11; 2 Elswick 44; 3 Gateshead 52
Senior Women: 3.8M.  1 A Dargie (Els) 22:59; 2 D James (Elv, W35) 23:09; 3 M Holt (Sun) 23:54; 4 H Robinson (CleS, W40) 24:14; 5 J Smith (Heat) 24:34; 6 A Hunter (J&H) 25:24; 7 L Brown (Blay) 25:38; 8 R Carter (Tyne) 25:46; 9 V Booth (Sun) 26:11; 10 K Davis (NSP, W35) 26:28; 11 P McCrea (Gate) 26:30; 12 S Heatley (Gate, W35) 26:37; 13 L Smith (Blay) 26:42; 14 C Bruce (NSP, W35) 26:47; 15 F Shenton (Elv, W40) 27:49   Fastest: A Dargie 22:59; D James 23:09; P McCrea 23:30
Teams: 1 Elvet Striders 38; 2 Elswick 39; 3 North Shields Poly 48
Junior Women: 3.8M.   1 S Crowe (Els, U17) 23:41; 2 S Evans (J&H) 25:07; 3 N Dawson (Morp, U17) 26:03; 4 L Davies (NSP) 26:52; 5 D Watts (Morp) 27:14; 6 N Powell (Tyne, U17) 27:29; 7 S Graham (Morp) 27:35; 8 K Chapman (Clare) 27:40   Fastest: S Crowe 23:41; D Watts 24:29; S Evans 25:07
Teams:  1 Morpeth 15; 2 North Shields Poly 33
Under 15 Girls: 1.9M.   1 L Dixon (Morp) 11:34; 2 S Coleby (Dur) 11:35; 3 L Wright (Gate) 11:39; 4 R Adams (Morp) 11:40; 5 L Dodsworth (Gate) 11:45; 6 R Shield (Dur) 11:52; 7 H Davies (NSP) 12:03; 8 E McFarlane (Morp) 12:06   Fastest: Stacey Smith (Tyne) 11:24; S Duffy (Gate) 11:26; V Angus (H&P) 11:29
Teams: 1 Morpeth 13; 2 Gateshead 22; 3 Durham City H 26
Under 13 Girls: 1.9M.   1 S Goodfellow (Morp) 11:55; 2 D P-Clarke (Black B) 11:58; 3 Z Dixon (Birt) 12:22; 4 A Coyne (H&P) 12:28; 5 E Murray (J&H) 12:30; 6 G Bellamy (Gosf) 12:34; 7 L Cairns (Morp) 12:40; 8 E Campbell (Sun) 12:41  Fastest: C Fletcher (Gate) 11:47; S Goodfellow 11:55; D P-Clarke 11:58  Teams: 1 Morpeth 29; 2 Sunderland  34; 3 Houghton and Peterlee 35
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 1st Dec 2003)

Additional Comments: Report edited and in "Sports Shorts". Possibly due to having to re-submit as they did not receive first copy. Awful conditions (first time I have seen muddy legs at XC for some time, though ok round start/finish area). Because of conditions, normal course shortened by about 70m. Weather wet and windy early on. Dried up later but wind grew in strength (probably why leading Under 13 Boys, were quicker than Under 15's). Overall turn-out down, but good considering. 235 Senior Men and 38 Senior Women finished. Stephenson won North Tyneside Schools' race, three days earlier (RB was timekeeper). There were several Sunderland stars missing, as "Our Tim" was having his stag party in Barcelona ! Good day for Mick Groves/George Patterson management team with three medallists, Gareth Driscoll, Natalie Dawson and Laura Dixon, who at last, won a race. GP was actually in attendance. Stephen Brewis was disqualified after finishing 5th in the Under 17 event, after running from slow, instead of fast, pack. Nathan Shrubb (9th in 24:15) ran from fast, but could have competed in slow pack. Angela struggled in the windy conditions. Nice to see Sam Crowe competing again. Only one fast pack runner in Senior Womens' race (Phillipa McCrea) and one in Junior event (Danielle Watts). Both ran very well considering. There were four in others. Unfortunately handicaps were worked on the normal racing distances, but on this course Under 13/15 and Junior/Senior ran the same. It was felt that the handicaps should not be adjusted on this occasion, but it was especially hard on Under 15's. Stacey Smith could only finish 20th.
Heard that Danielle Leigh had appeared as a model, in the Sunderland Echo. Making a comeback in the Senior Mens' race was Ray Laverick, who was 229th in 47:34.
A disgraceful Heaton turn-out with only 4 men + Jo Smith (who ran well). Other Placings: 43 Paranjed Bhogal 35:43; 198 Allen Mulliss 41:51; 234 George Routledge 55:36; 235 Harry Craven 56:05 (nb: David Tait dropped out when last, on second lap). GR clocked 2hrs 30mins, for a Half Marathon, while on holiday. Learnt that Anita Nott had resigned (28th) to join Chester Le Street.
back/top

Weekly Round-up
(to 24th Nov).
Paula Radcliffe was surprisingly beaten on the first leg (10km) of the Chiba Ekiden Relay (24th Nov). She clocked 30:42, behind Berhanne Adere's record run of 30:12 and Lucy Wangui of Kenya (30:18). Ethiopia won with 2:11:22, and Great Britain were 6th (2:29:12). As this was only two days after England's World Cup Rugby win, Paula would have lost any remote chance she had, of retaining "Sports Personality of the Year" trophy.
Chris Jeffries (Billingham) won Yorkshire Dragoon 7.5M Road Race, at Thornaby (23rd Nov), in 43:56. Mike Walker was second M50 (48:04). Erikka Johnson (Swaledale) won Womens' race (51:02). Thought about going, but pleased I did not.
Several North East athletes took part in the European Cross Country Trials, at Liverpool, on 22nd Nov.
Chris Thompson (29:01), won the Senior Event from Paul Riley (29:05), Glen Tromans (29:17) and Bill Farquharson (29:24). David Anderson was 5th (29:25), Andy Caine 6th (29:28), Stephen Hepples 13th (30:04), Martin Scaife 18th (30:25), Neil Wilkinson 19th (30:27), Mark Hood 21st (30:32) and Michael Morris 39th (31:03). Tom Humphries won the Junior race (17:27) (too short as far as I am concerned), from Gary Davenport (17:27), Matt Barnes-Smith (17:30) and Ryan McLeod (17:32) (almost certainly on team). Chris Parr was 15th (18:04), Patrick Martin 30th (18:24) and Chris Lamb 33rd (18:25).
Jo Pavey won Womens' race (18:30) from Hayley Yelling (18:36), Kath Butler (18:53) and Liz Yelling (19:05). Morag McDonnell was 10th (19:38), Sarah Wilkinson 20th (20:11), Dianne Henaghan 22nd (20:14), Alyson Dixon 28th (20:37), and Kathryn Waugh 42nd (21:08). Chester Le Street won the British qualifying spot, for the European Clubs Championship, later in the season. The major victory was that of Emily Pidgeon in the Junior event. Still an Under 15, she clocked 14:28, ahead of Dani Barnes (14:34) and Faye Fullerton (14:39). Rosie Smith was 24th (15:43), Julia Orr 29th (15:48), Claire Robson 34th (15:57) and Chloe Rodham 38th (16:03). If Paula Radcliffe runs, the British women, have a strong team.
At the Edinburgh University Braid Hill Races (22nd Nov), J Murray (Newcastle) was 4th (32:02), behind Richard Ward of Manchester (31:39). Hannah Wootton was 2nd (17:37) only a second behind C Morrison (Stirling) in the Womens' race.
At the London Colleges League at Wimbledon (19th Nov), Andrew Toward was 5th (32:28), and Fiona Burnie was 10th lady (20:16).
All info from AW, who also published the 2003 Under 15 Boys' rankings.
Gateshead Harriers listed were Richard Harrison 7th in 100m (11.50), Albert Kamara 5th in Long Jump (6.15m) and 7th in Pentathlon (2710pts), and Daniel Blackett 9th in Triple Jump (12.50m). Andrew Lagan (Middlesbrough) was 6th in 800m (2:02.50), and Nick Ridgeon (South Shields) was 6th in Pentathlon (2719pts).
back/top

Veterans International Cross Country.
Cardiff.  Sat. 22nd Nov.
North East athletes, gained three individual, as well as team medals, at Saturday's Veterans International Meeting, at Cardiff. Christine Lee of Gosforth won the Womens' Over 60 event, and Sheila Allen of Houghton and Peterlee, was second in the Over 45 category. Defending champion, Eric Appleby of Heaton, was third in the Mens' Over 70 race. All were members of the winning England team on each occasion.
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 24th November 2003)

Additional Comments: All used but in small print. Info from Eric Appleby (rang up from Bath), but very limited. Update: Venue was Bute Park. Two apologies. This should be called Masters (sorry North East are behind in this respect) and Ireland won W45 team event. Eric clocked 34:20 over a 8km course (two long for him). The first two were Brian Ashwell (England) 31:50 and Hugh Gibson (Scotland) (2nd in 2002) 33:33. Sheila Allen clocked 21:30 behind C Parnell (Ireland) 21:05. Christine Lee clocked 26:22, winning by 45secs. Rob Hand was 6th in M40 (31:11) (looks like he started too fast), Ieuan Ellis was 10th (31:53). Archie Jenkins was 10th M50 (34:19), Harry Matthews 5th M55 (34:45), Colin  Bolton 10th M60 (30:17), Lynn Marr 15th W40 (24:30) and Kath Stewart 7th W60 (29:16).  Overall winners of the three races, were Martin Rees (M50) (30:31), Graham Patton (M60) (28:18) and Anne Keenan-Buckley (19:53) (W40). Extra info from AW.
back/top

DP Furniture Express North Eastern Harrier League Sherman Cup and Davison Shield Cross Country.
Temple Park, South Shields.  Sat. 22nd Nov.
Morpeth Harriers retained the Men's Sherman Cup trophy at Saturday's DP Furniture Express North Eastern Harrier League Cross Country promotion, at a dry but cold Temple Park, South Shields. Gateshead Harriers won the Davison Shield for Women, in a competition which was to find the strongest overall male and female club, in the four age-groups. In the Mens' event, Gateshead excelled at Under 13 and Under 15 level, but were no match for Morpeth in the Senior and Under 17 races. Brian Rushworth of Sunderland,  now a veteran, comfortably won the Senior race over 3 laps of the sports complex. Chris Sampson led the Morpeth charge in second place, with guesting Durham athlete, Jonathon Powell finishing 3rd. Lewis Timmins of Gosforth emphatically won the Under 17 race. Warren Roberts of Shildon and Ross Murray of Gateshead were successful in the Under 15 and Under 13 events, respectively.
Another guest runner Meryl Dodd of Bingley, easily won the Senior Womens' race, with Angela Hunter of Jarrow and Hebburn and Judith Nutt of Elswick, taking the minor awards.
Gateshead were untroubled in winning the Womens' competition, which was only being held for the second time (Morpeth were the defending champions). They were successful in two team events, and were the only club to close in the three counters, in all races. Mary Ferrier of Gateshead (Under 17), Angharad Porteous of Morpeth (Under 15) and Steph Crowell of Jarrow and Hebburn (Under 13), were the other individual winners.
Results.
Sherman Cup: 1 Morpeth 112; 2 Gateshead 251; 3 Sunderland 287
Senior Men: 9.2km.  1 B Rushworth (Sun, M40) 29:18; 2 C Sampson (Morp) 29:31; 3 J Powell (Dur-gst) 29:40; 4 M Nicholson (Gosf) 29:44; 5 R Kay (Morp) 29:53; 6 S O'Donnell (CleS) 30:10; 7 J Archer (Low F) 30:12; 8 R Stephenson (NSP, U20) 30:43; 9 P Hutton (Gosf, U20) 30:47; 10 D Robertson (Sun, M40) 30:47; 11 T Bush (Dur U) 30:53; 12 I Crampton (Dur, M40) 30:59; 13 M Tomlinson (CleS) 31:06; 14 M Thompson (Gate) 31:11; 15 D Purves (Birt) 31:16; 16 M McDonald (Low F) 31:17; 17 P Merrison (Walls, M40) 31:20; 18 N Armsworth (Morp) 31:54; 19 M Armstrong (Blay, U20) 32:07; 20 I Waterhouse (Els) 32:11  Teams: 1 Morpeth 25; 2 Sunderland 38; 3 Chester Le Street 42; 4 Low Fell 60; 5 South Shields 101; 6 Wallsend 102
Under 17 Men: 5.5km.  1 L Timmins (Gosf) 17:36; 2 R Floyd (Morp) 18:06; 3 S Hall (Gate) 18:23; 4 A Colwell (Morp) 18:28; 5 M Wilson (J&H) 18:29; 6 K Flannery (Gate) 18:45; 7 J Young (Morp) 18:45; 8 S Haswell H&P) 19:04; 9 M Lomax (Shil) 19:15; 10 A Muir (Blay) 19:28   Teams: 1 Morpeth 13; 2 Gateshead 24; 3 Houghton and Peterlee 42
Under 15 Boys: 3.2km.  1 W Roberts (Shil) 10:41; 2 J Gibson (Gate) 10:58; 3 B Knighton (Gate) 11:13; 4 W Pike (Gate) 11:23; 5 M Docherty (Birt) 11:24; 6 S Potter (NSP) 11:25; 7 C Young (Morp) 11:28; 8 C Patterson (Walls) 11:29; 9 R Balmbra (Morp) 11:32; 10 M Cairns (Morp) 11:34  Teams: 1 Gateshead 9; 2 Morpeth 26; 3 Birtley 39
Under 13 Boys: 3.2km.  1 R Murray (Gate) 11:25; 2 C Watson (Els) 11:39; 3 G Scrafton (Sun) 11:57; 4 J Hewitt (Gosf) 12:04; 5 K Fairclough (Sun) 12:09; 6 M Crowe (Els) 12:10; 7 D Young (Gate) 12:13; 8 J Saxon (Morp) 12:14; 9 N Flannery (Gate) 12:15; 10 G Ritchie (J&H) 12:15  Teams: 1 Gateshead 17; 2 Elswick 25; 3 Sunderland 27
Davison Shield: 1 Gateshead 102; 2 Sunderland 203; 3 Morpeth 233
Senior Women: 6.2km.  1 M Dodd (Bing-gst) 23:05; 2 A Hunter (J&H) 23:48; 3 J Nutt (Els) 23:52; 4 O Walwyn (Dur U) 23:56; 5 A Dargie (Els) 23:59; 6 M Czarnecka (CleS) 24:01; 7 A Watson (CleS) 24:03; 8 A Onsia (J&H) 24:12; 9 N Fifield (Dur U) 24:32; 10 M Holt (Sun) 24:42; 11 J Abbott (Dur U) 25:00; 12 J Battersby (Elv, W40) 25:01; 13 H Robinson (CleS, W40) 25:07; 14 J Smith (Heat) 25:13; 15 P McCrea (Gate) 25:21
Teams: 1 Durham University 24; 2 Chester Le Street 26; 3 Gateshead 51; 4 Sunderland 60; 5 Blaydon 64
Junior Women: 5.5km.  1 M Ferrier (Gate, U17) 20:34; 2 D James (Morp, U17) 20:48; 3 A Gibson (Els) 21:33; 4 L Huston (Gate) 21:55; 5 D Watts (Morp) 22:00; 6 N Owens (Shil) 22:06; 7 C Harrison (Gate, U17) 22:08; 8 J Fenwick (Gosf, U17) 22:21; 9 L Oliver (Tyne, U17) 22:35; 10 L McKernan (Gate, U17) 22:37  Teams:  1 Gateshead 12; 2 Morpeth 21; 3 Gosforth 40
Under 15 Girls: 3.2km.  1 A Porteous (Morp) 12:21; 2 C Reay (Blay) 12:26; 3 S Duffy (Gate) 12:32; 4 V Angus (H&P) 12:41; 5 R Adams (Morp) 12:45; 6 L Dixon (Morp) 13:00; 7 L Dodsworth (Gate) 13:05; 8 N Bellamy (Gosf) 13:08; 9 K White (Els) 13:11; 10 C Baudouin (Gate) 13:23  Teams: 1 Morpeth 12; 2 Gateshead 20; 3 Gosforth 37
Under 13 Girls: 3.2km.  1 S-K Crowell (J&H) 13:00; 2 Shonagh Smith (Tyne) 13:04; 3 S Favier (Gate) 13:08; 4 C Fletcher (Gate) 13:26; 5 S McArdle (Gosf) 13:40; 6 G Bellamy (Gosf) 13:42; 7 E Murray (J&H) 13:44; 8 Z Dixon (Birt) 13:48; 9 C Mitchey (H&P) 13:50; 10 E Campbell (Sun) 13:55  Teams: 1 Gateshead 19; 2 Jarrow and Hebburn 21; 3 Houghton and Peterlee 40
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 24th November 2003).

Additional Comments: All of report used but in small print. However results (Senior) were edited. This rarely happens, but extra space was taken up with England's triumph in Rugby World Cup (Australia 17 England 20) (congratulations from me). Only two finishing clubs in Sherman Cup and one in Davison Shield. Other minor places decided on score in three (or two) races. I added a token penalty score. 145 finishers in Senior Mens' race (David Tait was 145th in 59:59). 31 in Senior Womens' race. Claire nearly made her comeback, but did not risk it. Still sidelined was Sam Crowe, but I understand she recently won Newcastle Schools' Senior event. Nice to see Heather Robinson competing again. Heard about two transfers: Neil Wilkinson to Morpeth and Jonathon Cook to Gateshead. Heaton placings were: 21 John Moore 32:13 (much better run - he was pleased); 72 Paranjet Bhogal 36:00; 117 Scott McEntee 40:24; 127 Allen Mulliss 41:35; 144 Harry Craven 55:16 Team 16th (208pts).  Women: 14 Jo Smith; 24 Kelly McEntee 28:13 (George Routledge was on holiday).
back|top

Gateshead Indoor Standards Meeting.
International Stadium.  Thurs. 20th Nov.
Results.
Senior Men:  50: 1 D Cudlip (Gate, U20) 6.3  B: 1 A Sturrock (Gate, U20) 6.4; 2 P Jones (Gate) 6.4  SP: M Christie (Sale) 10.87
Junior Men:  LJ: A Sturrock 6.54
Under 17 Men:  50: S Catling (Morp) 6.7  B: N Ridgeon (SSh) 6.7  LJ: N Ridgeon 5.63
Under 15 Boys:  50: 1 A Allison (Midd) 6.6; 2 D Hubbard (Gate) 7.0; 3 L Milburn (Morp) 7.0  B: R Kilty (Midd) 6.6  LJ: D Hubbard 5.74
Under 13 Boys:  50: J Dawson (Gate) 7.5  LJ: J Halliday (SSh) 3.68
Senior Women:  50: L Rodmell (Bord) 7.2
Junior Women:  50: K Rodmell (Bord) 7.1  50H: K Rodmell 8.7  HJ: K Rodmell 1.40
Under 17 Women:  50: J Graham (NSP) 7.2  B: 1 Steph Lamb (SSh) 7.1; 2 C Daley (NSP) 7.2  C: 1 K Thomas (Gate) 6.9; 2 L McMichael (CleS) 7.1; 3 R Willi (Gate) 7.3  50H: 1 L McMichael 8.3; 2 Sar Lamb (SSh) 8.4  HJ: A Pearsons (SSh) 1.54
Under 15 Girls:  50: 1 L Cowell (Sun) 7.0; 2 L Welsh (Gate) 7.2  B: L Downey (Gate) 7.3  C: N Pearson (H&P) 7.3  50H: 1 L Downey 8.5; 2 A Ramsay (SSh) 9.2  HJ: S Hopkinson (Birt) 1.35
Under 13 Girls:  50: H Kilty (Midd) 7.8  50H: 1 J Hudson (Gate) 9.2; 2 E Pringle (Gate) 9.7
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 24th November 2003).

Additional Comments: Only results sent. A surprise re-appearance by Lynsey Rodmell (put down as Border - correct if wrong). There was only about a foot between her and Kelly in 50m. Again could not read some names on results (unfortunately Chris Betts does not know all Gateshead Harriers). Have guessed at L Downey as this was name on Hurdles result, but 50m sprint name could have been anything ! I am sure Morpeth girls finished 1st and 3rd in one of sprints, but could not find this result (unless race was given to someone else, which would not surprise me). As usual poor Senior/Junior Women turn-out (no reason why spectating Titi Ameobi could not have ran !). Footnote: AW again added report re Kelly Rodmell's performances (only results sent).
back|top

Gateshead Lunchtime Road Race Handicap.
International Stadium.  Wed. 19th Nov.
Scott Sutherland of North Shields Poly and Ray Robinson of Gateshead, shared the fastest time at yesterday's second race, in the Gateshead Lunchtime Handicap series. The pair crossed the line in 6th and 7th places behind the well-handicapped David Klonowski. Fastest lady was Olivia Walwyn of Durham University, who finished in 10th place overall.
Result.  Distance 5km.
1 D Klonowski (unatt) 26:10; 2 A Gardner (Gate) 26:53; 3 G Pemberton (NE Vets) 27:26; 4 G Long (unatt) 27:31; 5 S Roberts (Morp) 28:14; 6 S Sutherland (NSP) 28:24; 7 R Robinson (Gate) 28:24; 8 P Lancaster (NSP) 28:25
Fastest: S Sutherland (U20) 17:14; R Robinson 17:14; N Morris (Low F, M40) 17:22
Women: O Walwyn (Dur U) 18:45; K Davison (Els, W40) 19:47; A Nott (Heat, W40) 21:43
(Newcastle Journal: Thurs. 20th November 2003

Additional Comments: Report only used on 21st. Will resubmit results for 24th (Mon). 81 finishers. Back to normal course. Weather bright and mild with earlier strong wind gradually abating. Everybody's handicap was upped by about 2mins 30secs, so that there were no "minus" performers. However, Ted Joynson (officially off 0.00) set off about 3mins early. He was last in about 43mins. Other times included S Flynn (Dur U) 17:25; G Armstrong (Sun) 17:28; Gary Pemberton 17:56; Ken Sutton 20:39; Joe Prudham 22:07; Joy Bell 24:26; Sid Robson 29:19. Some of the faster runners (including Darren Purvis of Birtley, off 12:00, who should have got best time) went off course (I believe "an unnamed marshal", left his point too early). Walwyn was off 9mims 50secs, the same mark as Phil Lancaster who clocked 18:35. For some reason poor Gordon Dixon was backmarker off 12mins 30secs. He clocked 19mins 33secs.
Heaton had a good turn-out. Placings with actual times were: 19 Howard Gold 20:14; 38 Pam Gold 23:47; 49 Harry Craven 27:33; 54 Reg Checkley 22:25; 59 Helen Mitford 23:17; 60 Anita Nott; 61 Allen Mulliss 21:13; 65 Trevor Hopkins 22:40; 68 Ann Grenfell 23:46  Footnote: AW surprisingly edited results (no report sent).
back|top

Weekly Round-up
(to 16th Nov).
Former Middlesbrough runner, Andrew Kilding won the Roundhay Park 5M in Leeds (16th Nov) in a time of 25mins 34secs.
The North of England promoted an Open Meeting at the new Indoor Sheffield Arena on 15th Nov.
In the Under 20 800m, James Minter won in a time of 1min 58.88secs. Kieran Flannery was third (2:01.02). Julia Orr won the Under 20 3000m in a time of 10mins 32.86secs.
Results courtesy of Athletics Weekly, who produced the Under 15 Girls' annual ranking lists. Ashley Maddison was second in Discus (35.65m). Faye Winspear was 9th in 200m (25.48) and Steph Lamb 3rd in Pentathlon (2903pts).
back|top

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harrier League.
Windlestone Hall, Rushyford, Co. Durham.  Sun. 16th Nov.
Junior International, Stephen Hepples of Loftus, outclassed the opposition winning the Senior Mens' event, at the second North Yorkshire and South Durham Cross Country League fixture at Rushyford nr Bishop Auckland. Hepples soon headed the field on the four hilly laps, coming home over 2mins ahead of leading veteran performer, Jon Orange of Richmond and Zetland. Johanna Jackson of Middllesbrough, was a surprise winner of the Womens' race, defeating Bernadette Taylor of Darlington by 31secs.
Results.
Senior Men: 9km. 1 S Hepples (Loft) 27:37; 2 J Orange (R&Z, M40) 29:55; 3 S O'Grady (Loft) 30:12; 4 J Bateman (Scar) 30:18;  5 J Wardley (Scar) 30:27; 6 G Grounds (Hart) 30:53
Under 20: A Teate (Midd) 31:29
Under 17 Men: 5.3km. 1 A Duffield (Loft) 17:29; 2 N Zissler (R&Z) 17:38; 3 N Robinson (N Ayc) 18:35
Under 15 Boys: 3.3km.  1 L Stockton (Midd) 10:34; 2 W Roberts (Shil) 10:39; 3 B Proctor (Scar) 10:50
Under 13 Boys: 2.8km.  1 D Roberts (R&Z) 9:21; 2 L Johnson (Scar) 9:43; 3 T Murphy (M&C) 9:49
Senior Women: 5km.  1 J Jackson (M&C, U20) 17:20; 2 B Taylor (Darl) 17:51; 3 L Jackson (R&Z) 18:28; 4 A Raw (Darl, W40) 18:40; 5 C Davies (Quak) 18:49; 6 C Summersgill (M&C) 18:54  Under 17: A Snook (Shil) 19:18
Under 15 Girls: 3.3km.  1 J Roberts (R&Z) 12:09; 2 C Maxted (N Rowntrees) 12:20; 3 L Dodsworth (Gate-gst) 12:29
Under 13 Girls: 2.8km.  1 A Wheatman (Scar) 9:59; 2 H Rodgers (Loft) 10:10; 3 F Buckton (M&C) 10:23
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 17th November 2003).
Additional Comments: All used but in small print. Weather was breezy and cool, but very bright sunshine. Underfoot conditions were good. A good venue which would be ideal for North Eastern Champs. Further info from Senior Mens' race: 7 Paul Best 30:54; 8 Nigel Orr 30:55. Senior Women: 9 Sarah Tunstall (Border, U20-gst) 19:13; 10 Natalie Owens (U20) 19:18. Morpeth had three guest runners (managed by Mick Groves). Chris Aynsley was 25th in Senior event (32:38) (140+ runners), and Joe Wood was 8th in Under 17 (19:44) (only 13 ran). Natalie Dawson competed in Senior/Under 17 race, and was 11th Under 17 in 20mins 52secs. Also competing were Rebecca Forster (4th in 19:43) and Rachel Barnes (10th in 20:40) of J&H (extra results from AW). There were some real slow coaches, out in Womens' event. Thanks to John Kettle for my few results (I think they are fully worked out later). He almost persuaded me to go to next meeting at Thirsk on 30th Nov (will see).
back|top

Brampton to Carlisle 10M Road Race.
Sat. 15th Nov.
Former Chester Le Street athlete, David Wardle, now running in the London Irish colours, was a convincing winner of the 52nd running of this popular Wm Coulthard and Co Ltd sponsored event, which is now classed as the oldest 10M in the UK.
500 runners lined up at the William Howard School in Brampton, as Keighley's Willy Smith led the field through the fast opening mile (4:37). A headwind for the majority of the rest of the course, saw the lead change several times with no significent breaks. The leading group of six at 2M was gradually reduced as Rob Hand of Durham, Ivan Hollingsworth of Morpeth (having his first competitive outing for over a year) and then Smith dropped back. The trio of Wardle, Alan Adams of Clydesdale (3rd in 2002) and 2001 winner Michael Scott of Border, were well clear at halfway (24:53), Scott lost contact shortly afterwards, as the leading pair were locked together for the next 2M. It was shortly after 7M that Wardle made his bid for victory, and Adams was unable to respond. Wardle increased his advantage to 33secs at the finish line at the Sands Centre. The winner, a 28-year-old graphic designer, was visiting his native North East for a family celebration. Running the course for the first time, he set personal figures for the distance. Scott, led the host club to the team title, finishing in an isolated third position. Hand was the leading veteran in 6th place.
Louise Gardner of Lancaster, improved on her 2002 third placing, to easily win the Womens' race finishing in 51st position overall. North Eastern champion, Judith Nott took second place, clocking a personal best time. Sheila Allen of Houghton and Peterlee, who like Hand, represents England in this weekend's Veterans International Cross Country at Cardiff, finished in a creditable third position. With Alison Dargie 4th and Susanne Morton 5th, backing up Nutt, Elswick easily won the team competition.
Result.
1 D Wardle (London I) 50:23; 2 A Adams (Clyde) 50:56; 3 M Scott (Bord) 52:16; 4 W Smith (Keighley) 52:40; 5 I Hollingsworth (Morp) 52:42; 6 R Hand (Dur, M40) 52:59; 7 M Pollard (Inverclyde) 53:04; 8 S Booth (Borrowdale FR) 53:07; 9 R Gilroy (Hamilton) 53:27; 10 R Walker (NSP) 54:35; 11 S Potts (Sun) 54:41; 12 I Crampton (Dur, M40) 54:43; 13 S Murdoch (Bord, M40) 55:10; 14 S Angus (Bord) 55:46; 15 M Hall (Barnsley, M40) 55:50; 16 R Maddoms (London I) 55:54; 17 J Borthwick (unatt) 55:59; 18 P Walker (Blay) 56:12; 19 M McDonald (Low F) 56:17; 20 G Dixon (Morp, M40) 56:31  Further Veterans: M45 - 1 G Favies (N Fylde) 57:21; 2 D Frampton (Kesw) 57:42; 3 G Bayne (Morp) 58:52  M50 - 1 I Scott (Quak) 58:23; 2 W Johnstone (Bord) 59:08; 3 R Hall (Blyth) 60:54  M55: 1 M McNally (Els) 59:37; 2 L Christopher (Sun) 60:57; 3 M Walker (Gosf) 61:58  M60: 1 P Lancaster (NSP) 63:35; 2 T O'Gara (Walls) 65:35  M65: 1 G Smith (Gate) 72:07; 2 E Nutter (Swale) 74:25  M70 - V Kilgore (Cumb) 75:37  M80 - J Johnston (NE Vets) 2:04:59
Teams: 1 Border 30; 2 Durham City 40; 3 Morpeth 49; 4 Keighley and Craven 83; 5 North Shields Poly 88; 6 Sunderland 120  Veterans: 1 Durham City 23; 2 Morpeth 31; 3 Border 34
Women: 1 L Gardner (Lancaster & Morecambe) 60:00; 2 J Nutt (Els) 61:57; 3 S Allen (H&P, W45) 62:10; 4 A Dargie (Els) 63:59; 5 S Morton (Els, W35) 64:47; 6 S McVeigh (Cumb, W45) 65:08; 7 E Johnson (Swale) 65:52; 8 E Christie (Bellahouston, W45) 65:53; 9 D Kelly (Bord, W35) 66:07; 10 M Douglas (Dumfries) 66:16; 11 P McCrea (Gate) 66:51; 12 K Beaty (Cumb FR) 67:51; 13 S Laws (Derw, W45) 68:27; 14 B Massey (Barns) 68:55; 15 A Lataix (Bord) 69:33  Further Veterans: W50 - 1 L Uren (Bord) 70:51; 2 B Ingman (NSP) 71:37  W65 - E Armstrong (Tyne) 79:07  Teams: 1 Elswick 11; 2 Border 40; 3 Blyth 90  Veterans: 1 Cumberland AC 54; 2 Elswick 64; 3 Morpeth 84
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 17th November 2003).
Additional Comments: All used but in small print. Weather bright and breezy, but mild. 493 finishers (Johnny Johnston was 493rd. His wife thought he should have been quicker). Times probably on an average 2mins slower than normal, but still many AW standards achieved. Some of Jimmy Hedley's squad were supposed to be running, but did not turn up. Jimmy actually checked date (listed as Saturday 16th in Handbook) the day before. David Tait was 485th in 1:42:00. Dave Whitmore was 358th in 78:38 (3rd M65), though only two prizes for older veterans' categories. His sparring partner Frank Strand, listed as unattached finished 308th (75:03). All runners over 70 got prizes. Other leading M70 results were 2 John Standring 76:40: 3 Mike Hall (Elvet) 78:01 (so Eric might have struggled !). Border were initially listed as Women Veterans' team winners, but one of their counters is not a veteran (they did not say who?). Mile splits were 4:37, 9:50, 14:57, 19:58, 24:53, 29:53 (31:01 at 10km), 35:06, 40:14, and 45:25. Heaton placings were: 175 Steve Lancaster 66:44; 242 Chris Auld 72:02; 291 Allen Mulliss 74:15; 480 Harry Craven 98:21 and 489 George Routledge 1:45:00.
Thanks once again to Paul Butler for lift in lead car, and Graham Fecitt for results.
back|top

Weekly Round-up
(to 9th Nov)
Results from English Schools Cup at Bydales School on 8th Nov (courtesy of AW). This is of more significance this year as final is at Middlesbrough on 6th Dec.
Callum Watson (St Cuthberts) won Junior event in 8:46. St Aidans (no runner in first six) won team event. Anghared Porteous (King Edward) was 1st in Intermediate Girls' race (9:29) with Charlotte Reay (Ryton) 3rd (9:48), Gina Rutherford (Whitley Bay) 4th (9:55), Rachel Adams (King Edward) 5th (10:05), and Nikita Bellamy, who led Central High to the team title, 6th (10:07). John Gibson (RGS) was 6th in Intermediate Boys' race (14:48), while Gosforth Central (no runners in first six), took Junior Girls' title.
In the 2003 Under 17 rankings, several North East athletes made the first six. Craig Crawford-Glanville headed the 400m Hurdles tables (53.25), was 7th in 400m (49.17), and 2nd in Octathlon (4999pts). Kieran Flannery was 2nd in 400m Hurdles (53.57), 8th in Steeplechase (4:27.9), and 11th in 800m (1:55.20). Lewis Robson was 4th in 400m Hurdles (54.34), and 5th in Octathlon (4454pts). Daniel Pope was 11th (56.17). Gavin Hill was 2nd in Discus (52.50m) and Dean Daniel, 4th in 200m (21.44).
For North Yorkshire, Richard Buck led 400m rankings (47.71) and for Cumbria, Adrian Holliday was 2nd in Steeplechase (4:22.16).
 back|top

Heaton Harriers Memorial Road Races.
Town Moor/Exhibition Park, Newcastle upon Tyne.  Sun. 9th Nov.
Sunderland Harrier, Mark Hood easily won yesterday's Heaton Harriers Town Moor Memorial 10km, taking 6secs off his personal best time. The 22-year-old Northumbria University student, who had been on teacher training practice in London, the previous week, soon headed the 240 strong field, extending his advantage throughout. Passing halfway in 15:19, Hood came home over a minute clear of Durham's Rob Hand, who had the consolation of taking the incorporated Veterans A.A - North East title. The North East's leading 800m runner, Gavin Massingham of Sunderland, making his debut over the distance, finished in a creditable third place, after a cautious start. With Dave Robertson 4th, and Patrick Martin 6th, Sunderland won the team event, ending Morpeth's recent domination.
Angela Hunter of Jarrow and Hebburn, comfortably defeated defending champion, Sheila Allen, in the Womens' race. Allen opened up a sizeable lead after the first kilometre, but Hunter had made up the deficit approaching the halfway point, with the pair together at 5km (18:36). Hunter edged away in the final 300m coming home 12secs clear of her rival, Allen as expected took the veterans' title, with third place going to Karen Mitchell of Tynedale. Emilie Giles 4th and Jessica Ross 6th, ensured victory for Jarrow and Hebburn in the team event.
Junior Internationals Ryan McLeod of Elswick and Chris Parr of Gateshead, who both ran in incomplete teams at Mansfield, less than 24 hours earlier, dominated the Under 20 race. McLeod came home 14secs ahead of his rival, with Ryan Stephenson of North Shields Poly, in third. Jackson Creegan of Gateshead, repeated his 2002 victory in the Under 17 event. Track specialist, Ashley Gibson of Elswick easily won the Junior Womens' race, with Laura McKernon of Gateshead taking the Under 17 event.
Only the 3km course for youngsters, remained the same as last year, as Elswick's Jonathon Pearson (who repeated his Under 15 Boys victory), Callum Watson of Elswick (Under 13 Boys), and Vicky Angus of Houghton and Peterlee (Under 15 Girls), bettered the old figures. Steph Crowell of Jarrow and Hebburn, easily won the Under 13 event.
Results.
Senior Men. 10km.
1 M Hood (Sun) 31:04; 2 R Hand (Dur, M40) 32:27; 3 G Massingham (Sun) 32:39; 4 D Robertson (Sun, M40) 32:45; 5 M Slesser (J&H) 32:51; 6 P Martin (Sun, U20) 33:00; 7 R Walker (NSP) 33:07; 8 J Murray (Newc U) 33:20; 9 J Archer (Low F) 33:24; 10 D Lockett (Salf) 33:25; 11 P Johnson (Morp, M40) 33:26; 12 P Merrison (Walls, M40) 33:27; 13 B Simpson (NSP) 33:33; 14 T Bush (Dur U) 33:45; 15 M Grainger (Darl, M40) 33:48; 16 C Deasy (Cov G) 34:07; 17 T Brannen (NSP) 34:13; 18 T Danby (Newc U) 34:14; 19 P Besford (Gate) 34:15; 20 I Waterhouse (Els) 34:46; 21 S Kelly (Walls) 35:12; 22 C Nichol (Tev) 35:24; 23 A Jenkins (Morp, M50) 35:29; 24 H Matthews (Els, M55) 35:33; 25 D Anderson (Walls, M45) 35:34  Further Veterans: M45 - 3 B Allsopp (Walls) 36:12  M50 - 2 R Hall (Blyth) 36:17; 3 C Dentice (Morp) 36:21  M55 - 2 M Walker (Gosf) 38:42; 3 R Balmer (SSh) 40:56  M60 - 1 P Wright (Aur) 43:34; 2 G Hume (Low F) 44:14; 3 R Moore (Tyne) 44:59  M65 - 1 I Barnes (Darl) 41:07; 2 G Smith (Gate) 43:18; 3 B Cordes (Morp) 43:26  M70 - E Appleby (Heat) 45:49
Teams: 1 Sunderland 14; 2 North Shields Poly 84; 3 Wallsend 91; 4 Morpeth 98; 5 Elswick 140
Women: 1 A Hunter (J&H) 37:46; 2 S Allen (H&P, W45) 37:58; 3 K Robertson (Tyne) 38:38; 4 E Giles (J&H) 38:43; 5 S Morton (Els, W35) 39:12; 6 J Ross (J&H, W40) 39:21; 7 K Chapman (Clare, U20) 40:51; 8 S Laws (Derw, W45) 40:54; 9 N Gray (Aur) 41:02; 10 Y Thiru (Gosf, W35) 41:33; 11 C Wilson (Morp) 41:41; 12 J Abbott (Dur U) 41:51; 13 L Marr (Tyne, W40) 42:12; 14 J Martin (unatt) 42:27; 15 Y Swinhoe (Els, W45) 42:42  Further Veterans: W40 - 3 A Mason (unatt) 42:46. W55 - L Woods (N Marske) 45:33  W60 - C Lee (Gosf) 44:24
Teams: 1 Jarrow and Hebburn 11; 2 Gosforth 43; 3 Claremont 54
Junior Men.  5km.
1 R McLeod (Els) 15:25; 2 C Parr (Gate) 15:39; 3 R Stephenson (NSP) 16:21; 4 T Lawrence (Derby) 16:49; 5 S Kirtley (Morp) 17:49
Under 17 Men.  5km.
1 J Creegan (Gate) 17:00; 2 J Carmichael (Gate) 17:41; 3 P Robson (Morp) 17:54; 4 S Haswell (H&P) 17:58; 5 S Brewis (H&P) 18:33  Team (Combined Junior/U17): Gateshead 13
Under 15 Boys. 3km.
1 J Pearson (Els) 9:56 (Course Rec); 2 M Brown (Gate) 10:31; 3 C Patterson (Walls) 10:32; 4 R Bambra (Morp) 10:53; 5 T Perrins (Gate) 11:19  Team: Gateshead 14
Under 13 Boys. 3km.
1 C Watson (Els) 10:31 (Course Rec); 2 C Bell (CleS) 10:39; 3 T Ord (Morp) 11:18; 4 M Crowe (Els) 11:26; 5 G Ritchie (J&H) 11:42  Team: Elswick 11
Junior Women. 5km.
1 A Gibson (Els) 19:35; 2 L McKernon (Gate, U17) 21:07; 3 G Barry (H&P) 21:38; 4 J Wilkinson (H&P, U17) 21:58; 5 L Tweddle (H&P, U17) 23:01  Team: Houghton and Peterlee 12
Under 15 Girls. 3km.
1 V Angus (H&P) 11:26 (Course Rec); 2 L Wright (Gate) 11:30; 3 L Dixon (Morp) 11:41; 4 L Dodsworth (Gate) 11:48; 5 R Adams (Morp) 11:50  Team: Morpeth 14
Under 13 Girls. 3km.
1 S-K Crowell (J&H) 12:13; 2 D Pickavance (Black B) 12:34; 3 C Mitchie (H&P) 12:53; 4 E Murray (J&H) 13:08; 5 A Coyne (H&P) 13:32  Team: Jarrow and Hebburn 11
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 10th Nov 2003)
Additional Comments: Well edited. Weather ideal, but got windier as Senior race developed (probably cost Mark Hood a sub 31minute clocking). 238 finishers (45 women) (last time was 64:33). Luckily TJ did not turn up, but David Tait was 237th in 62:11. Best turn-out in this event since "proper Road Race" days. Amended course seemed a lot faster. There was an abundance of late entries, with over 100 Seniors (only 144 pre-entered). Veterans Champs caused a problem (they always do when incorporated in other events). George R had up-to-date paid up list, and there were objections mainly from members who were not on list, as they had forgot to pay their 2003 subs. Either a member of Veterans Association, should have been there to sort out their awards (Brenda J had enough to do), or they should have been presented after results had been scrutinised, at a later date. Youngsters races had poor pre-entry, but plenty on day. Best race was Under 15 Girls, where Vicky Angus outsprinted long-time-leader, Laura Wright. Pleased for Ashley and Angela, two of the nicest girls in North East athletics. Among other star competitors was Dave Whitmore (193rd in 46:50). Very disappointing there were no entries at all, from an un-named club within a 5M radius of the venue. Heaton placings were 41 John Moore 36:37 (not fit at present); 125 Ted Baty 42:04; 130 Chris Auld 42:16; 149 Anita Nott 43:33 (17th lady but 4th W40); 154 Allen Mulliss 43:58 (a good run from race secretary); 160 Simon Huntley 44:18; 169 Chris Dolman 44:58; 182 Eric Appleby (a better run - on time anyway); 202 Reg Checkley 48:02 (fractionally outside AW M65 standard) and 231 Vivien Stapley (don't know name) 54:52 (1st W50) (41st lady) (since confirmed as unattached). The "starman" of the day,  race director, George Routledge, was too busy with other tasks, to compete. Footnote: Result correction: Beck Harwood (Newcastle Univ), was 7th lady in 40:22. She finished 96th, but was listed as male (this now has happened three times).
 back|top

Saucony National Cross Country Relays.
Berry Hill Park, Mansfield.  Sat. 8th Nov.
Morpeth failed to retain their English Cross Country Relay crown, having to settle for the silver medals behind runaway winners, Belgrave.  The London squad, who have taken all the major Relay titles this year, were anchored by former Elswick Harrier, David Anderson. Tom Ranger ran the first leg for Morpeth, finishing in 4th position. Michael Morris retained the placing on leg 2, with Nick McCormick moving to 3rd on leg 3. Mark Hudspith closed to 2nd on the final stage, but they were 38secs behind their rivals.
Results.
Senior Men. 4 x 5km.
1 Belgrave 59:36; 2 Morpeth 60:14 (T Ranger 15:03, M Morris 15:09, N McCormick 15:03, M Hudspith 14:59); 3 Aldershot, Farnham and District 60:15; 17 Morpeth B 63:16 (D Swinburne 15:58, C Sampson 15:37, T Wall 15:39, G Sharp 16:02)  Fastest: C Thompson (Aldershot) 14:18; P Riley (Traff) 14:25; M Skinner (Blackheath) 14:39; D Anderson (Belg) 14:42
Under 17 Men. 3  x 3km.
1 Aldershot, Franham and District 27:24; 2 Bedford 27:47; 3 Trafford 28:05; 6 Morpeth 28:20 (R Floyd 9:28, J Young 9:27, N Shrubb 9:25); 10 Chester Le Street 28:37 (M Atkin 9:46, D Ellis 9:36, A Coffer 9:15)  Fastest: K Hardy (Ipswich) 8:52
Senior Women. 3 x 3km.
1 Windsor, Slough and Eton 29:16; 2 Charnwood 29:25; 3 Sale, Manchester 30:21; 5 Chester Le Street 30:28 (A Dixon 10:35, S Wilkinson 10:03, M McDonnell 9:50); 16 Chester Le Street B 32:49 (K Waugh 10:21, A Watson 11:14, M Czarnacka 11:14)  Fastest: H Yelling (Windsor) 9:35
Junior Women. 3 x 2.5km.
1 Bristol 26:53; 2 Aldershot, Frnham and District 27:02; 3 Shaftesbury Barnet 27:03; 9 Morpeth 27:53 (N Desai 9:20, A Fox 9:04, D Watts 9:29) Fastest: K Wootton (Bedford) 8:25
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 10th Nov 2003)
Additional Comments: Only first line of report used. Chester Le Street's leg placings (McDonnell was 8th fastest) were 17th and 8th. Their B squad 13th and 18th and Morpeth Men B, 33rd, 21st and 19th. Gateshead struggled with incomplete teams including Junior Men (Chris Parr 7th on leg 1 in 9:00), Under 17 Women (Mary Ferrier 8th on leg 1 in 8:58 and Chloe Gilmore 9th on leg 2 in 9:54), and Under 17 Men (Sean Hall 37th on leg 1 in 9:54). Gateshead were 26th in Senior Womens' event (34:07). They were led off by Karen Hind (8th in 10:09) followed by Helen Patton (11:56) (24th) and Sally Youden (12:02). Ruth Brown was a last minute withdrawal from Chester Le Street team (Dianne Henaghan is injured). Ryan McLeod finished 3rd on leg 1 of Under 20 event in 8mins 51secs (behind Ipswich's Sam Jacobs and L Cadman of Bedford, both 8:44).. Neil Wilkinson clocked 15:08, running 1st leg for Salford (he finished 7th and his team were 4th overall).
To all team managers that struggle fielding teams in Under 13 and Under 15 age-group due to clash with Schools Cup (remember the second Saturday in November, has always been the date of Schools event). Get the powers that be to change date of Relay meeting !
back|top

Weekly Round-up
(to 2nd Nov)
Stephen Hepples won the Derwentwater 10M (2nd Nov), in a time of 52mins 40secs, from Michael Scott (53:23). Steve Murdoch was leading veteran in 4th place (55:31). Mike Walker was 2nd M55 (64:10), and Dennis Hayes was 1st M65 (67:33). Susan Laws was 2nd W45 (70:12).
At the Guy Fawkes 10M at Harrogate (2nd Nov), Harry Matthews was 1st M50 (64:03). All info from AW. North East athletes did not dominate the annual Girls' Under 17 rankings, with Rachel Abbs the leading performer. She was 8th in Long Jump (5.65m) and 9th in 100m Hurdles (15.7). Gateshead's Mary Ferrier (10:30.6) was listed as Morpeth in 3000m rankings !
back|top

Fruit Bowl 7M Trail Race.
Gibside Estate, Rowlands Gill, Co.Durham.  Sun. 2nd Nov.
Elswick Harrier, Ieuan Ellis was a clear winner of yesterday's 7th Blackhill Bounders Fruit Bowl Trail race, in the grounds of Gibside Hall. Ellis, who represents Wales in the forthcoming Veterans International, in Cardiff, pulled away from twice-winner, Stewart Bell of Chester Le Street, in the final 2M of the scenic but hilly course.  Top veteran, Sheila Allen of Houghton and Peterlee, repeated her 2002 victory in the Womens' race, having now won this event 4 times. Karen Robertson of Tynedale took second place for the second successive year, with former Blaydon and Jarrow athlete, Sonia Morley finishing third. Over 350 runners took part in the event, which is held in aid of the Friends of Gibside Restoration Fund.
Result.
1 I Ellis (Els, M40) 40:21; 2 S Bell (CleS) 40:43; 3 S Potts (Sun) 40:57; 4 I Twaddle (NSP) 41:38; 5 N Armsworth (Morp) 42:07; 6 P Walker (Blay) 43:04; 7 P Addyman (Clare) 43:38; 8 M Jones (SSh, M40) 43:40; 9 B McMillan (Clare) 43:44; 10 N Morris (Low F, M40) 44:02; 11 T Brannon (NSP) 44:22; 12 S Grey (unatt) 44:25; 13 P Milburn (N Ayc, M40) 44:42; 14 D Armstrong (Els) 44:50; 15 A Jenkins (Morp, M50) 44:54; 16 M Bell (N Ayc) 44:58; 17 P Grey (Aln, M40) 45:06; 18 F Smith (Salt, M40) 45:36; 19 S Laws ((Derw) 45:37; 20 D Nicholson (Els, M40) 45:39
Further Veterans: M50 - 2 R Hall (Blyth) 46:00; 3 C Dentice (Morp) 46:19  M60 - 1 P Winter (Morp) 56:58; 2 A Lindsay (unatt) 57:15; 3 F Strand (SSh) 57:45  M70 - 1 E Appleby (Heat) 58:51; 2 W McNeil (Dur) 59:58; 3 D Wright (Tyne) 68:03
Women: 1 S Allen (H&P, W45) 47:57; 2 K Robertson (Tyne) 48:12; 3 S Morley (unatt, W35) 49:27; 4 A Raw (Darl, W35) 49:36; 5 S Morton (Els, W35) 50:01; 6 F Shenton (Elv, W35) 50:58; 7 J Atkinson (N Ayc, W35) 51:46; 8 K Davis (NSP, W35) 51:54; 9 T Brown (Derw) 52:43; 10 S Milburn (N Ayc, W45) 52:51; 11 H Lambert (NSP, W45) 54:58; 12 J Elliott (Blay) 55:10  W55 - S Kirkup (CleS) 61:59
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 3rd November 2003).

Additional Comments: Slightly edited and again in "Sports Shorts".
346 finishers. Weather showery but mainly bright. Ted did not run. Last time was 88:07. Ellis is 43. Stewart Bell, who ran at Birmingham the previous day, struggled as he was still carrying an injury. In attendance, though not running, were Angela Hunter and Emilie Giles. Also Lynn Swanson. Sheila Allen dropped Robertson at halfway. According to 2002 results, Robertson did not run, so my memory must have been playing tricks. Heaton had a good turn-out of male athletes, but only one lady, Rachel Kane (261st in 64:33/47th lady). Eric finished 175th and ran much better than I expected, considering nature of course (apparently there are two hills about a mile long). The challenge from Ray Laverick did not materialise, as he did not turn up. Dave Whitmore was also behind ( 181st in 89:11) and surprisingly Robert Moore (183rd in 59:21). Bill McNeil was 191st, after catching Eric up at halfway.
Other Placings: 56 Paramjet Bhogal 50:54; 72 Ted Baty 52:00; 95 Chris Auld 53:43; 110 John Marshall 54:57; 136 Allen Mulliss 55:46; 144 Simon Huntley 57:00; 149 James Ellam 57:10; 188 Reg Checkley 59:46; 342 George Routledge 83:14.
back|top

Return to Les V's homepage.