Two Jacks out to impress in Euro trials

MIDDLE distance running continues to shine at Stockport Harriers and was spearheaded this week by the Jack Nixon and Jack Morris who produced superb 5,000 metre performances recently at the British Milers’ club competition at Sport City.

Both Jacks be hoping to serve up aces when, as a result of their efforts, they take part in the European under 23’s trials at Bedford.

Stockport’s Jessica Coulson has helped to achieve another international team win for Great Britain at the 19th European 10,000 metres cup in Sardinia along with team mates Lily Partridge, Jo Pavey and Alyson Dixon.

Confirmation has been received that Stockport will be hosting the Northern road relays at Woodbank Park, when the cream of the middle distance runners will be showcasing their credentials to hopefully convert their combined efforts into medal positions.

Up on the fells, Stockport attempted a good team finish in the recently run Boars Head fell race but just could not quite bring home the bacon owing to the superior finishing positions of Macclesfield Harriers.

First runner to finish for the tough course via Bow stones and Lyme Park was Simon Harding of Macclesfield (46:09) who managed to push out a commanding lead of over 90 seconds to Stockport’s James Scott-Buccleugh who finished runner up in 47:45 but they have plenty more fell races to go at including the “Last Drop loop” (Saturday 20/6) from the Last Drop village, near Bolton consisting of a 9.2 km distance and commencing at 1:00 p. , m.

Sharp eyed enthusiasts will have observed the turn round in fortunes of the Harriers involved in the North of England track and field league. Whilst a 4th team position in the first match and a continuance thereof would ensure retention in league 3WC, team manager Donna Brackenridge – Jones has taken the performances by the scruff of the neck and turned the tables on all opponents except for Trafford A.C.

When the shutters came down on a good day’s sport at Bury (hosted by Pendle A.C.), Trafford still lay in the lead in a runaway position but team Stockport came charging through to finish in 2nd position which raises them to 3rd overall and now the main opposition will be Spenborough A.C. who currently lie in 2nd team position.

Points make prizes and by filling as many positions as possible and especially in the 3000 metres steeplechase, Nicholas Hicketts took 2nd in the “A” race (11:17:9) with colleague James Pratt first in the “B” event in 13:18:4. In the ladies 800 metres, Stockport’s Megan Ashel by lead the opposition in a merry dance to win the “A” race in 2:23:8 and was then ably supported by super vet Hilary West who took 2nd in the “B” event in 3:02:07.