Northern XC Championships, Sunderland, Saturday 29th January, 2011

Entries for the Northern XC Championships, Sunderland, Saturday 29th January, 2011, as follows

Ladies :- Kerry Eccles

             Tracey Hulme

             Helen Lawrenson

             Sarah Sherratt

Men's  :- John Bertenshaw

          :- John Collier

          :- Les Cornwall

          :- Michael Edge

          :- Alan Glasgow ( injured but driving )

          :- Russell Mabbutt

          :- Mark Midgley

          :- Steve Myerscough

          :- Charlie Pass

          :- Brian Porter ( injured )

          :- Alex Rowe

          :- Simon David Young

Meet at Lane Ends for 07:45 for 08:00am start.

Contact details :- alan.glasgow@baesystems.com or 01253 760942

Nostrovia

Alan

Date line: - Saturday, 29th January, 2011

Venue: - Herrington Park, Sunderland

Event: - Northern Cross Country Championships.

An early start saw Wesham’s finest board the Socialist Express bound for Herrington Park, Sunderland, the only Fylde team to do so. They missed out on the North's premier sporting athletics event held in perfect running weather with temperatures holding up and a barely a hint of breeze. The Wesham tent was never threatened.

First inspection of the course brought a mood of optimism with firm going in all but a few sections of the course.  As the day wore on an accumulation of rising temperatures and shear number of races turned much of the course into heavy going with runners endeavoring to find a line of least resistance -  sapping was probably the word most appropriate.

The ladies were once again led home by Sarah S, looking good from the consistent training miles put in in readiness for the Three Peaks race, Sarah built on her strong Burnley performance. Helen Lawrenson’s presence was welcome, coming home second Wesham lady with ladies captain Tracey H rounding of the team trio. a good showing and a performance to be proud of.

Charlie P ran true to form in leading the men’s team home. Top navigator Alex R needed all his tenacity to overcome recent illnesses for second Weshamer home with the ever present, ever reliable, ever consistent, John Collier third. Steve M, taking a day off from driving mega miles solo to a race, came home fourth. A resurgent John B came fifth holding off Mark M sixth with ex-Cap’n Young acting as "Tail Gunner" for seventh.

Great showing Comrades. It makes sorting out and driving the minibus all worth while. As always, your efforts were very much appreciated by your Dear Leader. The only ‘down side’ to the day was a complete lack of grovelling which makes my proposed, Sycophant of the Year Award, rather hollow. Here's hoping Brian P makes a speedy recovery as Brian was well out in there lead based on his one and only XC showing.

See you all at Blackpool, 12th February.

Nostrovia

Comrade G