Racing honour goes to Connor

The second race in Central AC’s 2019/20 Cross-Country Series was held in mild weather conditions on Saturday at the Laighhills, Dunblane.

A testing course of some 1.5kilometers saw a field of almost 40 youngsters taking time out from Christmas celebrations to complete the challenge.

Connor Bell showed his quality throughout the race to finish in overall first place in 4minutes 47seconds to lead home the Under 15 Boys age group ahead of another strong run from Euan Docherty (5.11) in second place overall.

Summer MacLean showed her continuing progress and confidence to win the Under 15 Girls category in 5.38 followed in by another good effort from Leona Melville (6.05). This well subscribed age group saw further gritty performances from Zosia Paddon (6.20), Anna Buchanan and Scarlett Roy, finishing together in 6.47, ahead of Brogan MacMillan (7.21).

There was a strong turnout of Under 13 Boys with Aaron Middleton leading home this age group with a fine 5.49 clocking ahead of more useful runs from Fergus Young (6.12) and Jamie Connor (6.26), just a few strides ahead of Connor Carr (6.27). Logan Bell stuck well to the task to finish in 6.54 leading in more determined efforts from Conall Paterson (7.07), Lewis Rodger (7.22) and Scott Hill (8.11).

The Under 13 Girls age group also proved to be competitive led in by Niamh McKinlay with a fine 6.28 effort ahead of Leah Brown (6.37), Emma Anderson (6.44), Robyn McKerracher (7.19) and Amelie Blair (9.02) with all girls passing the test with flying colours.

Joel Gillan was the fastest of the Under 11 Boys on show with an improved 6.20 effort just heading further fine efforts from Jake Drummond (6.21) and Finlay McGregor (6.27). Cole Johnston should be pleased with his 6.46 effort as should Ben Roberts (6.59) and Noah McIntyre-Sim (7.12).

Fia Watkin (6.39) showed her class to win the Under 11 Girls age group ahead of more excellent efforts from Dara Clark (6.47), Ciara Middleton (6.54) and Sienna Melville (6.55). Katy Buchanan (8.48), Hannah Whelan (8.52) and Nora Thompson (9.24) provided a string of pleasing performances.

In the Under 9 category Grant Rodger’s effort of 7.13 won the Boys race while Makenna Melville (7.13) headed in the remaining Under 9 Girls through Eilidh Connor (8.25) and Summer Johnston (8.44) all running with great enthusiasm and endeavour.

Thanks are again due to Derek Easton, Raymond Milne, David Eckersley, and the small army of helpers who provided another excellent event on behalf of Central AC.