The 2005 Provincial Road Championships, at Anderson Park, were contested in ideal conditions but numerous candidates for titles were missing and spectators witnessed only a few eye-catching efforts.
In the first race, Brendan Speakman produced a supreme effort leading home favourite Michael Murray by 15 seconds in a quick time to claim the 12 years and under gold medal. In the girls corresponding event, the vastly improved Rachel Town generated a strong run to record an easy victory.
In the absence of favourite James Holden, Jay Mason coasted effortlessly around the course to claim the 14 years and under spoils. Meanwhile the girls equivalent produced the best contest of the day. Laura Nagel wasn't afraid to do the donkey work at the front of the bunch and produced a tremendous controlled sprint to win by 5 seconds from Nikki Powell and Olivia Luxton.
In the 4km womens 16 years and under race, Laura Mohi didn't exert any more energy than was required to hold out Katie Harris by 4 seconds. In the mens race over 6km Ryan Woolley produced his characteristic energetic toil to blitz the field. Cameron Poole-Smith continued his consistent form with an impressive run for the silver medal just ahead of Eric Speakman, who has recaptured his known potential.
With hot favourite Daniel Wallis struck down by a bug overnight and Stefan Smith out with injury, Steven Smith had his easiest run of the season to capture the M.E.Taylor Cup in the mens 19 years 8km event. Likewise in absence of more favoured runners, Shayna Heywood had no worries in taking the womens title.
Neville Smith lead out from the gun producing a solid work rate throughout to easily claim first place in the senior mens contest for the E.Vogther Trophy. The withdrawal of Richard Potts in the middle stages, left the battler Craig Mathers to claim second place.
Andrea Williams was surprisingly made to work hard to claim the Mrs.Mau Trophy for the senior women, when Christine Carleton chose to run this event ahead of claiming another masters title. Carleton challenged Williams for most of the journey until the younger legs found another gear.
Clare Burnard claimed the HB-PB Womens Veterans Trophy in winning the masters women's contest. She finished a commanding 13 seconds clear of Marilyn Brown, with Cheryl Simpson next across the line.
New Zealand Cross Country 50 plus champion Graeme Lear delivered another top effort to win the overall masters grade (R.A.Smith Trophy) as well as the 50 plus veterans Trophy. Shane McCormack reveled on his favourite surface to claim second place ahead of a hard charging Barrie Herbison, who has had a troubled season through illness. Frank Busch received the Tony Curtis Memorial Cup for the first runner in the M45-49 section.
Congratulations Napier Harriers on a great effort - winning seven of the twelve titles, and especially the juniors who received 12 of the 18 medals presented. This event was the final event of our interclub series with Hastings Harriers.
Results for series;
1.Mission X-C. Napier won 152-134
2.Hastings Steeples. Hastings won 156-151
3.Joll's Farm. Abandoned
4.HB-Gis.X-C. Napier won 154� -134�
5.HB-Gis Road C. Napier 165-86
I think that deserves a pat on the back for everyone.
report courtesy Trevor Fulton
|
