October 2003

Weekly Round-up
(to 26th Oct).
At the North Yorkshire and South Durham League meeting at Hartlepool (26th Oct), Stephen Hepples easily won the Senior Mens' event in 29mins 16secs from Robert Cole (30:56) and John Hunter (31:22). Andrew Teate was first junior (32:14). Adrian Holliday, competing as a guest, won Under 17 race (20:49). Catherine Hare won Womens' race (17:01) from Bernadette Taylor (17:20) and Susie Rutherford (17:26). Jo Jackson was first junior (17:21) and Sam Hart was first Under 17 (17:40).
Steve Murdoch easily won the Accrington 10km (26th Oct) in a time of 32mins 15secs.
Interesting results from Durham University Past v Present (now classed as Multi Terrain) (25th Oct). Jon Powell (21:13) came home ahead of Tom Bush (21:19). Jon Archer (Past) was 4th (21:49), with Andrew Teate 5th (21:54). Olivia Walwyn won Womens' race bettering the course record by 9secs in a time of 17mins 1sec. Aiveen Fox was second (18:07).
At London Colleges League (22nd Oct), Fiona Burnie re-emerged in results finishing 8th. Her time of 16mins 14secs, was only 14secs slower than 5th placed, Faye Fullerton.
All info from AW, which included 2003 Junior Mens' rankings. Chris Parr (8:20.56) and Ryan McLeod (8:22.90) led 3000m listings. The pair were 4th (3:46.9) and 10th (3:49.70), in 1500m tables, with Schools' bronze medallist Kirk Wilson as low as 13th (3:53.25). Mark Christie (5.11m) was top in Pole Vault with Keith Higham 4th (5.00m). Graham Jackson (14.82m) was third in Triple Jump.
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National Road Relay Championships.
Sutton Coldfield.  Sat. 25th Oct.
Chester Le Street added to their Womens' National Cross Country title, by taking the 4 Stage Road Relay Championship, at Sutton Coldfield, on Saturday. The current Northern champions, were led by Ruth Brown, who finished in 16th place. New recruit, Sarah Wilkinson moved up to second on leg 2, with Morag McDonnell taking the lead on the third leg. Dianne Henaghan maintained the advantage, coming home 6 secs ahead of Charnwood, for whom former Gosforth Harrier, Sarah Maude clocked 14:47 on the first leg
Morpeth just missed out on medals in the Mens' 6 Stage event. Tom Ranger finished 5th on leg 1, but Dan Samuels dropped to 12th on the second leg. Nick McCormick moved them through to 5th, followed  by Michael Morris who gained another place. Morpeth were 6th after Terry Wall's 5th leg, but Mark Hudspith regained 4th position, finishing only 4secs behind 3rd placed Bedford and County. Belgrave easily retained the title, and former Elswick Harrier, David Anderson, took them in front on leg 2, with the fifth fastest overall time.
Results.
Men.  6 x 3.5M.
1 Belgrave 1:45:22; 2 Salford 1:46:21; 3 Bedford and County 1:47:21; 4 Morpeth 1:47:25 (T Ranger 17:31, D Samuels 18:21, N McCormick 17:32, M Morris 18:01, T Wall 18:32, M Huspith 17:28); 5 Birchfield 1:47:36; 40 Elswick 1:56:45 (R McLeod 17:37, S Horn 18:15, I Ellis 19:13, Jim Bell 20:05, Mark McLeod 20:07, M Ketley 21:28)
Fastest: C Davies (Telf) 16:55; R Whalley (CoStoke) 17:00; G Van Hest (Bedford) 17:01; M Miles (Belg) 17:09; D Anderson (Belg) 17:14
Women.  4 x 2.8M.
1 Chester Le Street 59:09 (R Brown 15:04, S Wilkinson 14:39, M McDonnell 14:27, D Henaghan 14:59); 2 Charnwood 59:25; 3 Sale, Manchester 59:58; 26 Chester Le Street B 65:16 (K Waugh 15:56, M Czarnecka 17:08, A Dixon 15:34, A Watson 16:38); 30 Elswick 65:55 (V Russell 16:48, S Morton 16:32, A Dargie 16:35, J Nutt 16:00); 58 Border 74:32
Fastest: K Reed (Bristol) & H Yelling (Windsor S&E) 14:07; H Lawrence (Wirral) 14:08
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 27th October 2003).

Additional Comments: Report badly edited and reduced to "Sports Shorts". Congratulations to winners. Original info re. Chester le Street, conveyed at Durham by Barry Forster, who found out by phone. He could not go there through illness. Full details courtesy of race-results website (they were on at 6.30pm). McDonnell was 6th fastest overall turning a 16secs deficit, to a 51secs lead. Chester Le Street B leg positions were 31st, 39th and 27th. Elswick positions were 53rd, 45th and 36th. Morpeth had two ladies running, Lizzy Ranger (56th in 16:57) and Sian Ellison (15:56) (36th).
Kendal were 40th (67:52), with Gemma Phillips (13th in 14:53) and Rebecca Robinson 15:42 (8th) running the first two legs. Border's splits were C Douglas (17:58), D Kelly (18:11), L Uren (18:36) and B Wood (19:47). 73 teams finished.
62 finishers in 6 stage event. Apologies to Neil Wilkinson, who clocked 17:24, when moving Salford from 9th to 3rd on leg 2. Elswick placings on each leg were 10th, 13th, 22nd, 28th, and 30th. Border finished a team but were disqualified. Their splits were S Angus (19:38), J Scott (20:42), G Thompson (15:53), G Melvin (20:32), C Borthwick (21:15) and J Douglas (20:09). I assume Guy Thompson on leg 3, did not run full distance, as his time was originally listed as the fastest.
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DP Furniture Express North Eastern Harrier League.
Durham.  Sat. 25th Oct.
Sunderland Harriers started their defence of the Senior Mens' title, by winning the team event, at Saturday's first fixture of the DP Furniture Express North Eastern Harrier League, at Meadowfield. For good measure, the Wearsiders, champions ten times in the last 11 years, were led home by race winner Tom Doughty. In the damp and windy conditions, the former Nene Valley athlete, who moved to the area 12 months ago, and is now one of the region's leading veterans, dominated throughout on the five lap course, coming home over a minute clear of his rivals. In second place was Martin Scaife of Chester Le Street, who took advantage of a new rule, which meant he could run from the medium pack. Scaife fought off the early challenge of Sunderland's Mark Hood, to clock the day's fastest time. Quickest runner from the fast pack, was Stewart Bell of Chester Le Street, who finished in 19th place, just ahead of his closest pursuer, another veteran, Rob Hand of Durham. Andrew Coffer of Chester Le Street, second in the 2002 North Eastern Under 15 championship, moved up an age-group to win a good class Under 17 event. Fastest time as expected went to Gosforth's Lewis Timmins.
Newcastle University student, Hannah Wootton, easily won the Womens' race, with top veteran, Sheila Allen of Houghton and Peterlee, taking second place. Local club, Elvet Striders won the team event.
Last season's Northern Under 15 champion, Mary Ferrier of Gateshead, dominated the Junior Womens' race. With the introduction of the Womens' pack system, the first five finishers from each race, now qualify to run in the fast pack, at future fixtures.
Results.
Senior Men.  9.5k.  1 T Doughty (Sun) 32:58; 2 M Scaife (CleS) 34:01; 3 S O'Donnell (CleS) 34:23; 4 M Hood (Sun) 35:05; 5 A Johnson (Els) 35:08; 6 P Newton (Clare) 35:09; 7 K Wilson (Morp) 35:29; 8 C Parr (Gate) 36:00; 9 T Brannon (NSP) 36:21; 10 M Nicholson (Gosf) 36:25; 11 R Barkley (Blyth) 36:40; 12 A Lawrence (Morp) 36:58; 13 G Lancaster (Sun) 36:59; 14 I Twaddle (NSP) 37:00; 15 D Cheshire (CleS) 37:05
Fastest: M Scaife 31:31; S Bell (CleS) 32:32; M Hood & R Hand (Dur, M40) 32:35; T Doughty (M40) 32:58; K Wilson (U20) 32:59
Teams: 1 Sunderland 77; 2 Durham City 118; 3 Wallsend 145  Division 2: Morpeth 57  Division 3: Chester Le Street 23
Under 17 Men.  4.9km.  1 A Coffer (CleS) 17:01; 2 J Young (Morp) 17:14; 3 S Watson (Gate) 17:59; 4 S Haswell (H&P) 17:58; 5 M Crawley (Dur) 18:12; 6 A Giordano (Sun) 18:38; 7 S Brewis (H&P) 19:04; 8 L Timmins (Gosf) 19:14   Fastest: L Timmins 16:44; A Coffer 17:01; L Moses (N Ayc) 17:09  Teams: 1 Houghton and Peterlee 26; 2 Gateshead 30; 3 Sunderland 35
Under 15 Boys: 3.4km.  1 D Ellis (CleS) 12:04; 2 J Gibson (Gate) 12:11; 3 C Young (Morp) 12:41; 4 S Potter (NSP) 12:41; 5 T Perrins (Gate) 12:51; 6 M Foggin (Sun) 12:54; 7 M Cochrane (Morp) 13:04; 8 C Parker (Gosf) 13:08  Fastest: J Pearson (Els) 12:03; D Ellis 12:04; W Roberts (Shil) 12:05  Teams: 1 Gateshead 18; 2 Morpeth 19; 3 Birtley 57
Under 13 Boys: 3km.  1 G Scrafton (Sun) 11:58; 2 T Venus (Tyne) 12:14; 3 D Burnage (Shil) 12:26; 4 A Wilson (Blay) 12:35; 5 C Scrimshaw (Tyne) 12:37; 6 J Beaton (Gate) 12:41; 7 B Pearson (Els) 12:43; 8 S Ruddick (Blay) 12:50   Fastest: S Ruddick 11:20; R Murray (Gate) 11:33; G Scrafton 11:58  Teams: 1 Tynedale 17; 2 Gateshead 27; 3 Blaydon 30
Senior Women: 5.3km.  1 H Wootton (Newc U) 20:24; 2 S Allen (H&P, W45) 20:53; 3 P McCrea (Gate) 21:04; 4 E Giles (J&H) 21:19; 5 D Todd (J&H, W35) 21:23; 6 J Battersby (Elvet, W40) 22:07; 7 M Holt (Sun) 22:09; 8 C Ratcliff (Dur, W35) 22:24; 9 L Brown (Blay) 22:51; 10 K Davis (NSP, W35) 22:56; 11 L Marr (Tyne, W40) 23:10; 12 V Brocklebank (Newc U) 23:17; 13 L Walker (Walls) 23:24; 14 F Shenton (Elv, W40) 23:31; 15 D Hales (Dur, W35) 23:45   Teams: 1 Elvet Striders 41; 2 Newcastle University 44; 3 Sunderland 53
Junior Women: 4.9km.  1 M Ferrier (Gate, U17) 19:51; 2 D Watts (Morp) 20:19; 3 C Harrison (Gate, U17) 20:42; 4 N Owens (Shil) 20:49; 5 A-M Snook (Shil, U17) 20:58; 6 H Dix (Blay, U17) 21:13; 7 K Chapman (Clare) 21:14; 8 N Powell (Tyne. U17) 21:18  Teams: 1 Gateshead 16; 2 Morpeth 26; 3 North Shields Poly 60
Under 15 Girls: 3.4km.  1 Steph Smith (Tyne) 14:06; 2 C Reay (Blay) 14:16; 3 S Duffy (Gate) 14:17; 4 V Angus (H&P) 14:19; 5 J Stephenson (Blay) 14:25; 6 L Dixon (Morp) 14:40; 7 R Adams (Morp) 14:46; 8 L Dodsworth (Gate) 14:52  Teams: 1 Gateshead 21; 2 Tynedale 36; 3 Morpeth 41
Under 13 Girls: 3km. 1 E Spoor (Sun) 12:35; 2 Shonagh Smith (Tyne) 12:39; 3 C Fletcher (Gate) 13:04; 4 S-K Crowell (J&H) 13:20; 5 C Mitchey (H&P) 13:29; 6 G Bellamy (Gosf) 13:37; 7 S McArdle (Gosf) 13:40; 8 E Campbell (Sun) 13:43  Teams: 1 Gosforth 22; 2 Sunderland 22; 3 Jarrow and Hebburn 26
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 27th October 2003).

Additional Comments: Report badly edited and reduced to "Sports Shorts". Women will be handicaped at 1min per mile. The normal starts for slow pack will be 1:35, 2:00, 2:45 and 3:00 in age-group order. 42 runners in Senior Womens' race and an encouraging 28 in Junior event. Glad to see Emilie Giles back in action. She blew up slightly after disputing lead early on. Hannah Wootton missed start (only about 30m though). Angela H did not run as she was full of cold. Good run from Lianne Brown. Christine Lee finished 26th in 25:30. Good to see Claire Harrison racing again, though this time in Gateshead colours. 266 finishers in Mens' event. Kirk Wilson (first reserve for 6 Stage Relay) could have ran in slow pack, and on times would have had a close race with Doughty. Notable performances included 253 Malcolm Stephenson 50:43 (presumably this is why Brian K left early) and 254 Ray Laverick 50:43.
Very pathetic turn-out for Heaton, Harry C and George R should never be counters. Eric A as expected struggled late on. He had 1min 20secs lead on Ray L after 3 laps, but this was severely cut in closing stages.
Final performances (Div 3 placings in brackets): 51 (9) John Moore 36:56 (from medium pack now); 233 (38) Allen Mulliss 49:05 (off to match: Newcastle 3 Portsmouth 0 after run); 251 (39) Eric Appleby 50:08; 255 (42) Reg Checkley 51:00; 265 (47) Harry Craven 60:22; 266 (48) George Routledge 66:18 (must have been his worst XC run) (4th team 218pts).
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Weekly Round-up
(to 19th Oct).
Chris Sampson won the Richmond Castle 10km (19th Oct) in a time of 33mins 43secs. Alisdair Tatham finished 2nd (34:42). Sheila Allen was first lady (39:29) from Alison Raw (39:35).
Emma Morris, with a height of 1.78m, was third in the British Under 20 rankings for 2003. Info courtesy of AW.
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Blaydon Harriers Metrocentre Nichol Hunter Memorial Cross Country Relays.
Shibdon Pond, Blaydon.  Sun. 19th Oct.
Morpeth Harriers retained their Senior Mens' title at yesterday's Metrocentre Nichol Hunter Memorial Cross Country Relays, at Shibdon Pond. Morpeth occupied  the first two posittions for the second year running, but this time the official A squad defeated the B team. The story was set after leg 1, when Nick McCormick and Tom Ranger could not be separated, the pair clocking the day's fastest time. Dan Samuels took the A squad into a 35secs lead on leg 2, from Chester Le Street, for whom Martin Scaife had moved from 7th position. Morpeth B were third, while Ryan McLeod with the third fastest time, had moved Elswick from 11th to 5th. Mark Hudspith increased the advantage on leg 3 ahead of clubmate, Michael Morris, with Gosforth moving through to third place. Sunderland dominated the Veterans' event taking the first two positions. The winning team were anchored by Brian Rushworth, who had earlier ran a leg for the Senior squad. First leg runner, Tom Doughty clocked the fastest time.
Jarrow and Hebburn retained the Senior Womens' title. Mary Ferrier led for Gateshead with the fastest time on leg 1, with Lizzy Ranger taking the lead for Morpeth on leg 2. Veteran Denise Todd, soon passed Morpeth's Natalie Dawson on leg 3, taking the South Tyneside club to a 54 secs victory.
Results.
Senior Men: 3 x 3.2km.  1 Morpeth 29:59 (N McCormick 9:52, D Samuels 9:59, M Hudspith 10:08); 2 Morpeth B 30:33 (T Ranger 9:52, D Swinburne 10:36, M Morris 10:05); 3 Gosforth 31:25 (P Hutton 10:27, D Graham 10:35, M Nicholson 10:23); 4 Sunderland 31:33 (G Massingham 10:18, B Rushworth 10:16, G Lancaster 10:59); 5 North Shields Poly 31:46 (R Stephenson 10:30, I Twaddle 10:36, R Walker 10:40); 6 Chester Le Street 31:58; 7 Elswick 32:28; 8 Blaydon 33:21; 9 Shildon 33:53; 10 Morpeth C 34:16; 11 Gateshead 34:21; 12 North Shields Poly B 34:41  Fastest: N McCormick & T Ranger 9:52; R McLeod (Els, U20) 9:57; M Scaife (CleS) 9:58; D Samuels 9:59
Veterans: 3 x 3.2km.  1 Sunderland 32:12 (T Doughty 10:30, D Robertson 11:06, B Rushworth 10:36); 2 Sunderland B 34:23 (G Harden 11:37, R Rush 11:39, S Coxon 11:07); 3 Wallsend 34:38 (P Merrison 10:50, C Guy 12:03, D Anderson 11:45); 4 Tynedale 34:55; 5 Elswick 35:04; 6 Wallsend B 37:08; 7 Blaydon 37:43; 8 North Shields Poly 38:05  Fastest: T Doughty 10:30; B Rushworth 10:36; P Merrison 10:50
Under 17 Men: 3 x 3.2km.  1 Gateshead 33:02 (S Hall 10:56, S Watson 11:00, T Patton 11:06); 2 Morpeth 33:30 (J Young 10:54, J Wood 11:28, R Floyd 11:08);  3 Sunderland 33:55 (J Martin 11:06, A Giordano 11:34, J McCrerie 10:55); 4 Gosforth 34:23; 5 Blaydon 35:36; 6 Gateshead B 35:52; 7 Gateshead C 35:54; 8 Shildon 35:57  Fastest: L Timmins (Gosf) 10:34; J Young 10:54; J McCrerie 10:55
Under 15 Boys: 3 x 2.2km.  1 Shildon 21:30 (M Wilkinson 7:32, W Roberts 6:51, K Thompson 7:07); 2 Gateshead 21:35 (M Douglas 7:19, R Knighton 7:12, J Gibson 7:04); 3 Gateshead B 21:49 (M Brown 7:13, W Pike 7:20, T Perrins 7:16); 4 Gosforth 21:52; 5 Morpeth 22:45; 6 Birtley 24:11; 7 Tynedale 24:35  Fastest: W Roberts 6:51; J Cook (Gosf) 7:00; J Gibson 7:04
Under 13 Boys: 3 x 2.2km.  1 Elswick 23:41 (M Crowe 7:57, B Pearson 8:29, C Watson 7:15); 2 Gateshead 23:57 ( N Flannery 7:40, J Beaton 8:22, D Young 7:55); 3 Shildon 24:52 (D Burnage 7:43, S Hewitson 8:28, C Grainger 8:41); 4 Sunderland 24:56; 5 Jarrow and Hebburn 25:04; 6 Tynedale 25:40; 7 Houghton and Peterlee 27:47; 8 Houghton and Peterlee B 32:15  Fastest: C Watson 7:15; J Hewitt (Gosf) 7:37; N Flannery 7:40
Senior Women:  3 x 3.2km.  1 Jarrow and Hebburn 38:17 (A Hunter 12:26, S Evans 12:51, D Todd 13:00); 2 Morpeth 39:11 (D James 12:21, L Ranger 12:54, N Dawson 13:56); 3 Gosforth 40:30 (S Armstrong 13:21, G Dines 13:51, J Fenwick 13:18); 4 Tynedale 40:32 (K Robertson 12:25, H Dailley 14:23, L Marr 13:44); 5 Gateshead 41:40 (M Ferrier 12:14, N Douglas 14:43, C Gilmore 14:43); 6 Blaydon 41:47; 7 Elswick 42:02; 8 Gateshead B 43:26; 9 Jarrow and Hebburn B 44:13; 10 Heaton 44:26  Fastest: M Ferrier (U17) 12:14; M Czarnacka (CleS) 12:16; D James (U17) 12:21; K Robertson 12:25; A Hunter 12:26
Under 15 Girls: 3 x 2.2km.  1 Gateshead 24:34 (S Duffy 7:58, L Dodsworth 8:19, L Wright 8:17); 2 Blaydon 24:52 ( C Reay 7:59, J Craig 8:50, J Stephenson 8:03); 3 Morpeth 24:56 (A Porteous 8:14, R Adams 8:27, L Dixon 8:15); 4 Durham City 25:07; 5 Shildon 25:42; 6 Tynedale 25:51; 7 Sunderland 26:14; 8 Elswick 26:20  Fastest: S Smith (Tyne) 7:45; S Duffy 7:58; C Reay 7:59
Under 13 Girls: 3 x 2.2km.  1 Gateshead 26:03 (C Fletcher 8:24, S Favier 8:59, J Hudson 8:40); 2 Jarrow and Hebburn 26:20 (E Murray 8:45, E Winter 9:25, S Crowell 8:10); 3 Sunderland 26:24 (E Spoor 8:24, R Duffy 9:15, E Campbell 8:45); 4 Gosforth 26:40; 5 Morpeth 28:28; 6 Shildon 29:04; 7 Houghton and Peterlee 29:10; 8 Houghton and Peterlee B 33:44  Fastest: S-K Crowell 8:10; C Fletcher & E Spoor 8:24
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 20th October 2003).

Additional Comments: Most of info used, but in "Sports Shorts". Good turn-out for long meeting. Weather was wet before start, faired up (with the odd shower) and got colder and windier. Took long time to get results, which were non computerised (this meant report had to be hurried, due to late finish). Stand-in starter was George Patterson, as Courtneys were on holiday. Officially referee (Ernie Slaughter) gave McCormick verdict (difficult to tell), but judges thought Ranger. The former was given fastest lap award, but I am sure it could have been shared (it would if they were on separate legs). The other slightly controversial point is that Rushworth was ok to run two legs, as Senior and Veteran Men were ran seperately. Sunderland were 4th throughout in Senior event. Chris O'Connell was 5th for Sale on leg 1 (10:22). Robert Brown clocked 12:34 for a composite team on leg 3. In Veterans' race, Alan Johnson (11:01) was third on leg 1, while Jimmy Bell moved Elswick to second on leg 2 (11:19). Other notable veteran times were George Smith (14:23) (leg 2), Ken Sutton (14:36) (leg 3), Ray Laverick (70 - 2 weeks ago) (16:22) (leg 3) and Sid Robson (19:30) (leg 3). Claire is out of action for 4 weeks to allow three seperate injuries to clear up. Good run by Sarah Evans, who moved up from 5th. I think Denise Todd was fastest veteran, though they were not categorised.
Other notable times were Caroline Ratcliff (13:12) (leg 1), Lianne Brown (13:27) (leg 1), Gillian Butler (13:46) (leg 1), Christine Lee (14:37) (leg 1), Sam Crowe (returning from injury) (12:53) (leg 3) and Rebecca Forster (13:47) (leg 3).
Steph Crowell moved from 4th to 2nd on final leg. Not sure if Calum Watson is Under 13, as he ran as Under 15 at Gateshead, 4 days earlier.
The pre-meeting Under 11 race was won by Sigourney Bell (Gateshead) (2:47) from Steven Cochrane (Morpeth) (2:48). Are Miss Bell's parents fans of Ms. Weaver ?
Heaton finished one Senior and two Womens' teams. (George Routledge had been ill all week, and was glad to miss out). The performances were: Men: John Moore (11:27 (not very fit by look of it) (16th), Allen Mulliss (14:01) (24th) and Eric Appleby (15:37) (24th) Total time: 41:05.  Women: Anita Nott (14:19) (13th), Ann Grenfell (15:34) (11th), Kelly McEntee (14:33) (10th) Total Time: 44:26.  Margaret Finn (16:09) (19th), Helen Morgan (16:45) (16th), Rachel Kane (listed as Smith) (16:07) (12th) Total Time: 49:01
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Gateshead Indoor Standards Meeting.
International  Stadium. Thurs. 16th Oct.
Results.
Senior Men: 50: 1 D Cudlip (Gate, U20) 6.2; 2 P Vickers (Newc U) 6.4; 3 M Kapotine (Newc U) 6.4  B: 1 M Wright (Gate) 6.3; 2 E Smart (Gate, M45) 6.4
Junior Men: HJ: D Ritson (SSh) 1.60
Under 17 Men: 50: A Stanton (SSh) 6.6  50H: A Stanton 9.1  HJ: J Newby (SSh) 1.60
Under 15 Boys:  50: 1 D Robinson (Gate) 6.6; 2 D Hubbard (Gate) 7.0  50H: 1 D Hubbard 8.0; 2 N Flannery (Gate) 8.6  HJ: N Flannery 1.50
Under 13 Boys:  50: J  Dawson (Gate) 7.5  HJ: S Beech (CleS) 1.30
Senior Women:  SP: N Terry (Gate) 6.90
Junior Women:  50: K Rodmell (Bord) 7.0  SP: K Rodmell 9.51
Under 17 Women:  50: 1 K Thomas (Gate) 6.8; 2 Steph Lamb (SSh) 7.2  B: 1 L McMichael (CleS) 7.0; 2 N Garthwaite (SSh) 7.2  SP: 1 K Wilson (Birt) 10.14; 2 Steph Lamb 8.80
Under 15 Girls:  50: 1 L Douchey (Gate) 7.2; 2 L Welsh (Gate) 7.2; 3 N Pearson (H&P) 7.3  LJ: N Pearson 4.47  SP: S Hopkinson (Birt) 9.96
Under 13 Girls:  50: 1 J Hudson (Gate) 7.6; 2 C Gill (Gate) 7.6; 3 V Addison (J&H) 7.8  LJ: 1 C Gill (Gate) 4.37; 2 J Hudson 4.14; 3 V Addison 4.11  SP: 1 T Breen (Black B) 9.93; 2 K Burt (Gate) 8.99
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 20th October 2003).

Additional Comments: Only results sent. Apologies if some names/clubs incorrect. Results were in scribbled writing with no club listed. With new age-groups in operation, it is suspicious that first two in Under 13 Girls' Shot are well over AW standard. No result of Under 17 Womens' Long Jump. I understand Steph Lamb was first. Turn-out was better than expected. Good in younger Girls' and Junior/Senior Men age-group (sprint). Not sure, but this meeting seems to be soon after outdoor season. Bob Smoult clocked 7.7secs, finishing behind Rodmell.
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Gateshead Harriers Open Schools Cross Country Races.
International Stadium.  Wed. 15th Oct.
Results.
Under 15 Boys.  2.2km.
1 J Gibson (RGS) 6:31; 2 C Watson (St. Cutberts) 6:37; 3 T Perrins (RGS) 6:44  Team: St Cuthberts
Under 13 Boys.  1.3km.
1 W Pattison (Hermitage) 5:04; 2 T McMeiken (Emmanuel C) 5:08; 3 L Ridley (Hermitage) 5:09  Team: Emmanuel College
Under 15 Girls.  2.2km.
1 R Sutcliffe (Heaton M) 7:26; 2 L Smith (Sacred Heart) 7:31; 3 N Bellamy (Central H) 7:37  Team: Central High
Under 13 Girls.  1.3km.
1 S Bell (St Josephs) 4:50; 2 Z Dixon (Hermitage) 4:51; 3 AN Other (Hermitage) 5:01  Team: Hermitage
(Newcastle Journal: Mom. 20th October 2003).

Additional Comments:
Results (courtesy of Chris Betts) only sent. Quite a good turn-out. Never heard of Ruth Sutcliffe, who won Under 15 race. Zoe Dixon listed as 2nd and 3rd in Under 13 event.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 12th Oct).
Jon Yuda (Tanzenia) won Great South Run (10M) at Portsmouth (12th Oct) in 46mins 35secs (not bad in the windy conditions). Julius Kibet (Kenya) was 2nd (47:21), with Simon Kasimili (Kenya) 3rd (48:16). David Anderson making his debut over the distance (and only going for a training run), was an excellent 4th (48:33). Sonia O'Sullivan won Womens' race in 53mins 26secs, from Charlotte Dale (54:28). N Harvey (Australia) was 3rd (55:43), ahead of Liz McColgan (56:12).
The North Yorkshire and South Durham Road (I think) Relay Championships, were held at Darlington on Oct 12th. Loftus won the Senior event in 45mins 4secs from Middlesbrough-Mandale (46:40) and Darlington (47:28). Steve Hepples was fastest (10:19). Richmond and Zetland (48:52) won veterans' event, with John Hunter fastest (10:59). Newton Aycliffe won Under 17 event (16:37), with Lewis Moses fastest (5:19). Darlington (18:05) took Womens' title, ahead of Middlesbrough and Cleveland (18:52) and Loftus (18:57). Catherine Hare (5:50) was fastest.
The Quakers Inov 8M Trail Run at Hamsterley Forest (12th Oct), was won by Richard Burney (Liverpool) in 49mins 28secs. Ian Twaddle (50:02) was 2nd, with P Addyman (Claremont) 3rd (53:03). Peter Milburn (4th in 54:25) was first veteran. Rob Hall (9th in 56:18) was leading M50. Dawn Richardson won Womens' race (59:42) from Kelly Bentley (62:40). Susan Milburn won the W45 category (64:22). Footnote: Full results received from Allen Mulliss, who was 75th in 67:30. There were 169 finishers.
Morgan Donnelly won Alwinton Fell Race (11th Oct) in 16mins 26secs. Karen Robertson was first lady (19:45).
All info courtesy of AW. Also included was a long letter (about UKA) from Mike Bateman, a good article about current middle distance runners (and their coaches) by Tony Ward, and a feature on Kelly Rodmell.
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Derwentside 10M Road Race.
Stanley, Co.Durham.  Sun. 12th Oct.
Stewy Bell of Chester le Street was a comfortable winner of yesterday's Derwentside 10M Road Race. A new course was used due to concerns from the police, but it proved no less difficult than the old one, which was classed as the joint toughest 10-Miler in Britain. Bell, nursing a slight injury, was prepared to wait until the 2M point before breaking away from the rest of the 113-strong field, the largest for some time. The winner, also successful in 2001 and second in 2002, had a margin of victory of over a minute, with Ian Crampton of Durham, the leading veteran in second place. Darren Purvis of Birtley maintained his improved form, to finish third. Due to the many hills on the course, only four athletes broke the hour mark, with Phil Walker of Blaydon, occupying the 4th position.  Tracy Brown of the host club, daughter of 2002 winner, Susan Laws, kept it in the family to win the Womens' race. Nicola Gray of Aurora finished second, with veteran, Ruth Cooper of Shildon taking third place.
Result.
1 S Bell (CleS) 55:50; 2 I Crampton (Dur, M40) 56:54; 3 D Purvis (Birt) 57:28; 4 P Walker (Blay) 59:31; 5 R Rush (Sun, M40) 60:39; 6 S Grey (unatt) 61:24; 7 S Laws (Derw) 61:38; 8 P Gibson (Sun) 62:07; 9 C Ridley (SSh, M40) 62:24; 10 D Nicholson (Els, M45) 62:34; 11 D Armstrong (Els) 62:49; 12 J Dobson (Sun) 63:25  Further Veterans: M45 - 2 M Ingram (Crook) 64:10  M50 - A Jenkins (Morp) 64:57  M55 - R Balmer (SSh) 71:49  M60 - R Moore (Tyne) 77:31  M65 - B Cordes (Morp) 78:52  Team: Sunderland 25
Women: 1 T Brown (Derw) 70:55; 2 N Gray (Aur) 72:34; 3 R Cooper (Shil, W35) 77:51; 4 J Clark (unatt) 83:20; 5 E Armstrong (Tyne, W60) 84:17; 6 W Harrison (unatt, W35) 85:03
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 13th October 2003).

Additional Comments: Report "hacked". Reduced to "Sports Shorts". Excellent turn-out compared to recent years. Start and finish were in Stanley main street. Two laps in middle section, after 1.5M approx. Most runners enjoyed new course, but not the hills. Weather was cool and bright, with light breeze. No lead car due to some Road closures, so no split times. Sue Laws could not defend title as she was working at Centre.Women veterans were only classed as W35 (I think Cooper is in older group). Oldest Men classed as M65 (Eric A thinks Ray Laverick may now be M70). Other performances included: 59 Frank Strand 79:32; 60 Dave Whitmore 79:40; 83 Ray Laverick 87:01. Last person clocked 2:00:21. Newcomer Chris Auld (52nd in 77:35) was Heaton's sole competitor.
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Gateshead Lunchtime Road Race Handicap.
International Stadium.  Wed. 8th Oct.
British Half Marathon international, Sarah Wilkinson clocked the fastest overall time at yesterday's first race in the Gateshead Lunchtime Handicap series. The Newcastle- based former Salford Harrier, now running in the Chester Le Street colours, was off a handicap of 8mins 20secs, and moved through to third place overall. Her time of 16mins 29secs, was 7secs quicker than the fastest male, top veteran, Harry Matthews of Elswick. Due to a conference at the Stadium, the course was slightly altered, but was short of the advertised 5km distance. The turn-out of 86, in the windy conditions, was the largest for some years.
Result.  Distance 4.7km.
1 D Hosken (unatt) 23:53; 2 T Robson (Ryton Tri) 24:31; 3 S Wilkinson (CleS, L) 24:49; 4 A Watson (unatt) 24:56; 5 K Davison (Els) 25:02; 6 J Young (Birt) 25:06; 7 L Farish (unatt) 25:18; 8 B Lillie (unatt) 25:19; 9 J Mathison (unatt) 25:21; 10 M Chappell (unatt) 25:22
Fastest: H Matthews (Els, M55) 16:36; P Morgan (SSh, M45) 16:59; D Nicholson (Els, M45) 17:04
Women: S Wilkinson 16:29; F Lothian (Fife) 17:44; A Nott (Heat, W40) 20:03
(Newcastle Journal: Thurs. 9th October 2003).

Additional Comments: Most of report used. Event clashed with disability conference, hence car park area could not be used. Lucky with weather as it rained for about 90mins non-stop, after race was completed. Error in results as Kim Davison in 5th (completely overlooked on day), was 3rd fastest lady (19:22). Anita (44th) actually clocked 20:17. She was originally not listed in results as they wrote her number (77) as 17. Had to make guess (wrong), which of two No 17's listed, she was. Welcome return to region for Fiona Lothian (formerly Claremont), a past winner of Blaydon race. She was off 8:40. Not sure if she is veteran, yet ? Ted Joynson (only 4mins 35secs start), came home well adrift in 85th (41:10). Keith Wood (Saltwell), completely missed start and was 86th (18:19). Harry Matthews finished 13th (off 9mins). Christine Lee clocked 20:48 (5th fastest lady). Other performances included Gary Dickinson 18:17, Neil Morris 17:14 (both backmarkers off 10:30), Ken Sutton 20:43, Albert Prouse 21:26 (very fast and will worry Eric !), Joe Prudham 22:02, Dave Whitmore 23:11 and. Joy Bell 24:30. Extra results courtesy of Steve (Low Fell Runners website). Noticed "Pedro" has now joined Derwentside.
Other Heaton placings (actual times): 12 Ann Grenfell 22:10; 14 John Josephs 20:39; 18 Allen Mulliss 20:06; 20 Helen Mitford 22:11; 56 Harry Craven 26:59 (this suggested distance was not full 5km); 58 Trevor Hopkins 21:17; 67 Reg Checkley 21:32.
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Weekly Round-up
(to 5th Oct).
Congratulations to Peter Coates (silver) and Kelly Rodmell (Under 20 gold), who came home with medals in the World Double Combined Events Championships, at Polten, Austria (4th/5th Oct). Peter scored 10607pts, 1063pts behiind the winner. His performances were 12.38 (100), 6.01m (LJ), 28.37 (200H), 9.38m (SP), 18:27.72 (5000), 2:08.79 (800), 1.58m (HJ), 54.77 (400), 26.62m (HT), 11:28.09 (3000St), 18.03 (110H), 27.14m (DT), 24.60 (200), 2.85m (PV), 10:33.16 (3000), 61.27 (400H), 35.23m (JT), 4:55.23 (1500), 12.55m (TJ) and 40:51.70 (10000). I think he would have been disappointed with Pole Vault. Kelly scored 8683pts, which puts her third on UK all-time list. Her performances were 16.54 (110H), 1.38m (HJ), 4:55.99 (1500), 66.58 (400H), 8.84m (SP), 27.22 (200), 12.98 (100), 4.70m (LJ), 59.63 (400), 20.91m (JT), 2:19.29 (800), 31.27 (200H), 20.18m (DT) and 11:02.94 (3000).
Not sure what happened to Richard Hunter, who was competing, but did not see in results (courtesy of AW).
Craig Mottram (Australia) won Great Irish Run (5th Oct), at Phoenix Park Dublin, in a time of 28mins 36secs. Andy Caine finished 11th (30:16). Sonia O'Sullivan won Womens' race (32:24) from Catherine McKiernon (33:04), with Morag McDonnell 8th (34:31). Although not stated, I assume distance was 10km.
Julius Kibet (Kenya) won National 10km Road Race, in a time of 28mins 42secs, at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire (5th Oct). David Anderson in 5th (29:48), was just ahead of Stephen Hepples (6th) (29:49).
Congratulations (once again) to Paula for winning World Half Marathon title, at Vilamoura, Portugal (4th Oct). Her time was 67mins 35secs, in the hot conditions and twisting course. Berhane Adere was second (69:02). Felt sorry for Russian Grigoryeva, who should have got bronze medal. Paula's 5km splits were 15:40, 31:25 and 47:46.
To date I have seen no results of Norham 10km. Allen Mulliss informed me there were only about 60 competitors, so it is surprising info is not on their website yet (9th Oct).Weekly Round-up
(to 5th Oct).
Congratulations to Peter Coates (silver) and Kelly Rodwell (Under 20 gold), who came home with medals in the World Double Combined Events Championships, at Polten, Austria (4th/5th Oct). Peter scored 10607pts, 1063pts behiind the winner. His performances were 12.38 (100), 6.01m (LJ), 28.37 (200H), 9.38m (SP), 18:27.72 (5000), 2:08.79 (800), 1.58m (HJ), 54.77 (400), 26.62m (HT), 11:28.09 (3000St), 18.03 (110H), 27.14m (DT), 24.60 (200), 2.85m (PV), 10:33.16 (3000), 61.27 (400H), 35.23m (JT), 4:55.23 (1500), 12.55m (TJ) and 40:51.70 (10000). I think he would have been disappointed with Pole Vault. Kelly scored 8683pts, which puts her third on UK all-time list. Her performances were 16.54 (110H), 1.38m (HJ), 4:55.99 (1500), 66.58 (400H), 8.84m (SP), 27.22 (200), 12.98 (100), 4.70m (LJ), 59.63 (400), 20.91m (JT), 2:19.29 (800), 31.27 (200H), 20.18m (DT) and 11:02.94 (3000).
Not sure what happened to Richard Hunter, who was competing, but did not see in results (courtesy of AW).
Craig Mottram (Australia) won Great Irish Run (5th Oct), at Phoenix Park Dublin, in a time of 28mins 36secs. Andy Caine finished 11th (30:16). Sonia O'Sullivan won Womens' race (32:24) from Catherine McKiernon (33:04), with Morag McDonnell 8th (34:31). Although not stated, I assume distance was 10km.
Julius Kibet (Kenya) won National 10km Road Race, in a time of 28mins 42secs, at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire (5th Oct). David Anderson in 5th (29:48), was just ahead of Stephen Hepples (6th) (29:49).
Congratulations (once again) to Paula for winning World Half Marathon title, at Vilamoura, Portugal (4th Oct). Her time was 67mins 35secs, in the hot conditions and twisting course. Berhane Adere was second (69:02). Felt sorry for Russian Grigoryeva, who should have got bronze medal. Paula's 5km splits were 15:40, 31:25 and 47:46.
I have eventually received results of Norham 10km  (5th Oct) (courtesy of Allen Mulliss, who was 54th in 44:06). Results seen first on Morpeth H website.
1 Ian Handyside 33:35; 2 Paul Johnson 34:40; 3 D Ovens (Fife) 35:49; 4 Gavin Bayne 36:10; 5 Gary Woods 36:19; 6 Gordon Dixon 36:24; 8 Archie Jenkins 36:45  M60: Bob Moore 44:38.
Women: 1 Sheila Allen 39:27; 2 Hayley Ovens 39:37; 3 Isobel Knox (HBT) 41:50; 4 Steph White 42:44; 5 Lynne Marr 43:30  W60: Eileen Armstrong 48:43.  114 finishers.
This was comeback run for Gary W. He must have rushed to get to Norham, as  according to his dad, Bill, he was still in bed, when he passed his house at 10.00am. Very surprising Womens' result, as Ovens is current A.A.A Indoor 1500m champion.
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Nike North of England A.A Young Athletes' Road Relay Championships.
Silksworth Sports Complex, Sunderland.  Sun. 5th Oct.
North East clubs came home with 3 sets of medals, at yesterday's North of England Young Athletes 'Road Relay Championships, at a cold and windy Silksworth Sports Complex. The North West took five of the six titles at stake, with Kingston-upon-Hull, braking the domination in the Under 17 Womens' event.
Gateshead were the region's leading club, in the Under 17 Mens' event, taking the silver medals. Lewis Timmins led for Gosforth on leg 1, his time only being bettered by Cumbria-based Trafford athlete, Adrian Holliday on leg 3. Trafford comfortably took the title, with Gateshead holding off a strong Morpeth challenge for second. Thomas Patton (5th), Sean Hall (2nd), Kieran Flannery (2nd) and Simon Watson were the Tyneside club's line-up, while Ross Floyd (2nd), Joe Wood (5th), Jonathon Young (3rd) and Nathan Shrubb represented Morpeth.
Morpeth also took the silver medals in the Under 17 Womens' race. Caroline Cockburn came home in a lowly 11th position on leg 1, but Delyth James moved them to second on leg 2. Natalie Dawson maintained the position on the final stage, while James was rewarded with the fastest time of the day.
Results.
Under 17 Men: 4 x 3km.  1 Trafford 36:31; 2 Gateshead 36:58 (T Patton 9:15, S Hall 9:17, K Flannery 9:17, S Watson 9:09); 3 Morpeth 37:05 (R Floyd 9:01, J Wood 9:47, J Young 9:11, N Shrubb 9:06); 5 Sunderland 37:57 (J Martin 9:22, M Taylor 9:27, A Giordano 9:41, J McCrerie 9:27); 8 Newton Aycliffe 39:08 (A Gibson 9:43, L Moses 9:17, S Turnbull 10:07, N Robinson 10:01); 10 Gosforth 39:18 (L Timmins 8:53, J Downie 9:53, A Welford 9:40, C Redhead 10:52); 14 Gateshead B 39:45; 15 Morpeth B 39:54; 18 Blaydon 41:40; 20 Houghton and Peterlee 42:46  Fastest: A Holliday (Traff) 8:40; L Timmins 8:53; P Waite (Barrow) 8:58
Under 15 Boys: 4 x 3km.  1 Stockport 38:35; 2 Derby and County 38:46; 3 Trafford 39:31; 8 Birtley 40:38 (G Docherty 10:08, M Docherty 10:03, A Wear 10:47, R Cunningham 9:40); 9 Gosforth 41:24 (J Cook 9:39, C Parker 10:18, S Findlay 11:04, S Hunter 10:23); 10 Gateshead 41:47 (J Gibson 9:52, T Perrins 10:55, B Knighton 10:22, M Brown 10:38); 11 Morpeth 42:00  Fastest: J Corrigan (Stock) 9:10; A Morgan-Bonner (Traff) 9:11; R Millington (Stock) 9:14; 8 J Cook 9:39
Under 13 Boys: 4 x 3km.  1 Warrington 40:51; 2 Bury 43:48; 3 York Acorn 45:00; 6 Border 46:39 (T Farrell 11:01, T Nicholson 11:24, D Conley 11:51; D Wiggins 12:23); 10 Newton Aycliffe 50:40 (M Baldwin 11:46, J Askew 12:19; N Baldwin 15:03, C Gaffney 11:32); 11 Houghton and Peterlee 51:34  Fastest: D Cliffe (Warr) 9:55; M Jackson (Warr) 9:58; J Coyle (Linc W) 10:11; 6 T Ord (Morp) 10:26
Under 17 Women: 3 x 2.6km.  1 Kingston-upo-Hull 27:06; 2 Morpeth 28:24 (C Cockburn 9:45, D James 8:43, N Dawson 9:56); 3 Leeds City 28:31; 7 Gateshead 29:33 (M Ferrier 8:49, N Douglas 10:27, C Gilmore 10:17); 10 Gosforth 29:55 (G Dines 10:01, C Bellamy 10:08, J Fenwick 9:46); 14 Jarrow and Hebburn 31:23; 15 Morpeth B 31:23  Fastest: D James 8:43; K Shuttleworth (E Cheshire) 8:44; N Maddick (KuHull) 8:45; M Ferrier 8:49
Under 15 Girls: 3 x 2.6km.  1 Liverpool H 27:11; 2 Leeds City 28:02; 3 Hallamshire 28:17; 8 Gateshead 28:54 (S Duffy 9:35, L Dodsworth 9:40, L Wright 9:39); 9 Morpeth 28:55 (R Adams 9:48, A Porteous 9:44, L Dixon 9:23); 14 Gateshead B 29:43; 18 Gosforth 30:39; 19 Blaydon 30:46; 24 Sunderland 31:44; 27 Houghton and Peterlee 32:34; 28 Birtley 33:12; 30 Morpeth B 34:14; 31 Birtley B 34:44; 32 Sunderland B 35:39  Fastest: J Stockton (Sale) 8:53; J Corrie (Liv) 8:55; L Evans (Bury) 9:01
Under 13 Girls: 3 x 2.6km.  1 Stockport 27:48; 2 Liverpool H 28:44; 3 Kingston-upon-Hull 29:02; 9 Birtley 30:54 (H Nagel 10:10, M Howell 10:47, Z Dixon 9:57); 14 Jarrow and Hebburn 31:47; 17 Sunderland 32:23; 18 Houghton and Peterlee 32:35; 21 Border 33:43; 22  Morpeth 34:41  Fastest: L McLoughlin (Stock) 8:54; B Haywood (Linc W) 9:08; B Pearce (Stock) 9:19; 12 S-K Crowell (J&H) 9:37
(Newcastle Journal: Mon. 6th October 2003).

Additional Comments: Most of report used but in small print. Mainly dry and bright, which was just as well, as programme was long. Some time I am sure, could have been saved between races. Late finish means press coverage has to be hurried (AW involved a lot of work). Good turn-out in Girls' races, but moderate in Boys (poor at Under 13 level, with only 11 finishing teams).
Results show weakness in region in Under 15 and Under 13 age-groups.
Distance for Boys advertised as 3.2km. Would suggest 2.9km at best.
Also confirmed that there is little progress from Under 13 to Under 17 level in Girls' age-groups.
Congratulations to medallists and especially to Gateshead, who surprisingly defeated Morpeth in Under 17 Mens' race. Excellent run by Ross Floyd, who was 4th fastest overall (Shrubb 5th fastest)..
Terry Ord (the North Eastern Triathlon champion), finished 2nd on leg 1, in Under 13 event, but unfortunately Morpeth had no more runners.
Steph Crowell moved from 21st to 15th on leg 3 in Under 13 Girls' race. Rebecca Forster clocked 9:49 on leg 3 for Jarrow, in Under 17 event.
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