Newark runners turn up the heat at Markeaton

0:00am Fri Oct 30, 2009

It was an unusually warm day for cross-country as Newark Athletic Club competed in the first major league race of the season in the North Midlands Cross-country League at Markeaton Park, Derby.

Athletes ranging in age from 13 to more than 60 made good use of the firm ground that provided good, fast running conditions.

The stand-out performances in the senior age groups came from Rachel McCuaig and Doug Kelley, who were both at the front of their respective fields in highly competitive races.

In the junior age groups, meanwhile, there were top-20 finishes from Charlotte Peach, Linton Taylor and Ollie Carrington.

Newark AC results, under-13 girls (3km): 18th Charlotte Peach 12mins 31 secs.

Under-15 boys (4km): 18 Linton Taylor 15-50; 41 Peter Barrie 17-42.

Under-17 men (6.4km): 12 Ollie Carrington 23-16; 34 Daniel Barrie 28-12.

Senior/veteran women (6.4km): 6 Rachel McCuaig 25-30; 34 Kate Else 28-47; 46 Holly Ward 29-53; 57 Angela Marsh 31-02.

Senior/veteran men (9.6km): 24 Doug Kelley 34-06; 147 Alexander Combie 42-27; 150 Richard Peach 42-34; 155 Robert Orgill 42-58; 164 John Combie 43-26; 167 Tim Bagguley 43-53; 209 Gareth Bagguley 48-39.

Newark AC members were also in action at the first Notts Mini League sportshall meeting of the season at Balderton’s Grove Leisure Centre.

The opening fixture proved to be an exciting one for club as, not only did Newark finish third overall, but no less than 11 athletes made their competitive debuts, with a further eight competing in sportshall athletics for the first time.

A total of 31 young athletes competed for the club, and both the under-11 and under-15 girls finished top of their categories.

There were 14 under-11 girls taking part, with Keating Walters grabbing a win in the standing triple jump with an impressive 5.04m, before she teamed up with Eden Sandy, Molly Ripley and Charlotte Ripley to win the obstacle relay.

Molly also took third place in the one-lap sprint (14.1secs) while Charlotte was fourth in the speed bounce event with a total of 48.

Holly Fender kept the excellent results going with second place in the foam javelin (11m) and Olivia Mathias did likewise with fifth in the three-lap event (44.80secs).

With superb support from first timers Asia Moody, Jessica Dooley, Olivia Wightman, Georgia Sheldon, Eleanor Miller, Chloe Rowberry, Ella Wilson and Lauren Davies across the events, the future looks very bright indeed.

The under-11 boys were not far behind in numbers and success, with fourth places obtained by Lewis Hill in the three-lap (45.80secs) Ben Lynch in the standing triple jump (5.24m) and George Alton in the speed bounce (37) while Luke Willers was fifth in the one-lap (14.20secs).

Willers, Lynch and Hell were then joined by James Lepley to secure second place in the obstacle relay.

Luke Sanders, James Satterley and Oliver Whaley were the debutants, and they impressed with their cool approach and athletic promise.

The under-13s may have been fewer in number but there was no lack of quality.

Charlotte Peach single-handedly scored excellent points with two third places and one fifth in the speed bounce (71), standing triple jump (5.14m) and two-lap race (28.20secs) respectively.

Stalwart Edward Booth showed great versatility with his fourth place (61) in the speed bounce, and fifth places in the shot (4.74m) and standing triple jump (4.48m) while Thomas Hubbard managed a useful fifth place in the two-lap (29.8 secs).

Tyler Ludlam was the new boy as he provided good support across the events.

John Jessop was the sole under-15 boy but produced a wonderful win in the speed bounce with 83 — only four off the competition record.

The under-15 girls also had a winner in Lauren Rowberry in the two-lap race (26.10secs) and then ran through discomfort to blaze to second place alongside Bethany Scotney in the eight-lap paarlauf (1min 50.80secs).

Another gutsy second place performance was produced by Amy Scott in the shot (7.95m) and, with Eloise McQuaid springing to third place in the speed bounce (68) it was no wonder the girls topped their category.

With so many athletes now ready to take part, the second match next month is keenly anticipated.