Cross country medals joy
DAVID COONEY
Cambuslang Harriers enjoyed a successful weekend recently at the Lanarkshire Cross Country Championships.
The event, moved from its traditional Coatbridge venue to Kirkland Park in Strathaven, saw the Harriers lift five individual gold medals, five silver and two bronze medals, in addition to three team victories and one runner up spot.
The under-11 girls then the under-11 boys kicked off the racing programme, and Emma Ritchie, Freya Fairweather, Catherine McNicol and Emily Tullett all finished within 11 seconds of one another to gain sixth spot in the team competition.
Unfortunately the club did not have a third runner to support Jamie McCarthy and Harrison McLure, who were third and 12th in their race.
This was an impressively gutsy run by Jamie given he has only turned nine and was unwell in the days leading up to the race.
The under-13 girls fielded seven representatives and their three counters of Olivia McNicol, Lucy McGrandle and Emma Kennedy finished in fourth position. Olivia also just lost out on an individual bronze medal but can be pleased with her performance as this is her first year in her age group.
The club’s other finishers were Grace Ferry, Amy McGoldrick, Martha Fleming and Ines Morrice.
The under-13 boys team of Sam McCarthy, Reece Duncan and Chris Black in first, third and fifth spots were decisive team winners.
Never out of the first three and often pushing the pace Sam put in an impressive uphill finish, while Reece put in a final lung bursting surge to overtake several rivals and secure the individual bronze medal.
Jay Gallacher also did well to achieve a top 10 place, with Lewis Cook and Dylan Stefani in 15th and 16th .
The under-15 girls maintained Cambuslang’s momentum with Abbie McLue and Eva Ritchie occupying the first two places and with good support from Eilidh Kennedy they took team gold.
Morvern Crawford and Grace Fleming offered back up support.
The under-15 boys had only two runners, with Fearghus MacGregor coming fourth and Dean Edmonds 11th.
Unfortunately the under-17 ladies and men lacked a third runner on the day to complete teams. Shona Carey and Peggy Nan Rodger finished fourth and sixth, while Jack MacKinnon and Zak Povey were a clear first and second.
The penultimate race, which involved the under-20, senior and master ladies went well for the club.
Rachel Wardrope took the under20 gold, Kirsty O’Brien the senior silver and Bernie O’Neil the master silver.
Lynn Angley backed up Kirsty and Bernie well to clinch team gold.
Lesley McArdle had been the third counter until Lynn overtook her in the closing stages.
Lynn reaped the benefit of her recent consistent training while it was great to have Lesley competing again for the red and whites and hopefully she will have a smoother journey when she returns for the West Cross Country Championships in early December.
Cambuslang’s other two female finishers were Alex Lamond and Paula McCabe.
Alex took another step forward in her comeback after a lengthy injury and Paula, who prefers the road, had a rare outing on the country.
The closing act of the day was the men’s race with the same three different age groups.
The club was well represented, with 11 members on the starting line. Pre-race favourite Grant Sheldon set out his stall with a very fast opening and by the finish had built up a comfortable lead of 73 seconds over his nearest rival.
The Scottish 10K road champion was testing out his fitness after a lay off due to a broken wrist.
With support from vice captain Ritchie Carr in fourth place and from Scottish M45 master internationalist Justin Carter the club secured the team silver, sandwiched between East Kilbride and Shettleston
Harriers. Next home for the club was Iain McDonald who had earlier in the day finished second in the Tollcross Parkrun.
He was followed home by Kai Newell who lifted the under 20 silver medal.
M50s Mick O’Hagan and Dave Thom had a battle for the next Cambuslang athlete to cross the line with Mick’s younger legs prevailing.
Club president Des Dickson, Frank Hurley and club coach Iain Crawford were the final finishers for the club.