Cross-country opener shows hope for season

0:00am Fri Oct 16, 2009

The Newark Athletic Club junior members kicked off the Notts Mini League cross-country season with a hugely promising start in the first meeting at King’s Park, Retford.

No fewer than 30 athletes enjoyed the perfect conditions and showed again that they will be a force to be reckoned with this season.

As well as an excellent turnout the day produced one special show of determination.

The star of the show, for a great feat of bravery alone, was Olivia Mathias in the under-11 girls’ event over a distance of 1K.

Despite a heavy fall on the second lap, she made a great recovery to claw her way back to finish in second place in a time of 4mins 19secs, followed by Lauren Davies who claimed a superb 11th position in her first race in 4-50.

Asia Moody, another new Newark Athletic Club member, produced a strong finish in 13th (4-55) while hot on her heels was Emelia Hill in 14th spot (4-56)

Eden Sanders, another debutant, was next to finish in 19th (5-03) and she was followed by fellow new girl Keating Walters in 25th position in a time of 5-16.

A solid team performance from the under-11 boys (over a distance of 1.5K) saw Christopher Ward lead them home in an excellent third place in 5-54, closely followed by Lewis Hill taking sixth (6-20) Josh Seabrook claiming eighth (6-29) and Stefan Taylor finishing a very creditable 24th (7-47) on his first outing.

Their combined efforts gave the team a superb first place overall.

Although only two of the under-13 girls competed in their 2K event, they did not disappoint and put in challenging performances. Charlotte Peach finished strongly to claim eighth place (8-53) followed by Holly Mammott who ran a confident race for 15th spot (9-42).

Jack Fenton was first home for the club on his debut after running a strong race to finish tenth (14-02) in the under-13 boys’ event (3K). He was closely followed by Henry Ellis in 13th (14-48) Luke Willers 14th (14-53) and Alex Davy in 18th (15-40).

Seven under-15 girls (3K) wore the club vest, with Chloe Hubbard finishing a superb fifth (12-47) and Emma Jessop completing the race in ninth (13-27).

They were closely followed by Bethany Scotney in tenth position (13-29) Lauren Rowberry in 14th (14-17) Libby Carrington in 15th (14-25) Eloise McQuaid in 17th (14-55) and Amy Scott finishing in 18th in 15-4.

In the under-15 boys’ race (4K) a stunning race from Linton Taylor saw him finish third in 15-21. Hot on his heels after a strong performance was Aaron Burns, finishing in fourth place in 16-03.

John Jessop, on his debut as an under-15 athlete, put in a fantastic sprint that saw him claim tenth spot (17-11) followed by Peter Barrie in 15th (18-07) and Jake Mammott, also making his debut as an under-15, finishing a fine 20th (18-38).

Newark Athletic Club had four senior athletes in action in the Clumber Park 10K.

Alexander Combie led the men’s quartet home in a time of 40-39, and was followed by John Combie (44-52) Rob Orgill (45-12) and Declan Cronin (52-29).