Whilst some Heaton Harriers were sunning themselves up in Palma we had a good turnout at the 2nd Harrier League fixture of the season at Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberland. Although the weather was not comparable to Majorca (that crosswind was fun!) we enjoyed some successes across the majority of races.
Women’s race
The senior women’s team finished in 6th place overall in division 1 with Dani Smythe and Ellen Tullo finishing in the top 20 despite running from the fast and medium packs respectfully. That’s quite an achievement in itself given some of the narrow sections and not much chance of overtaking on some of the course. Ellen will be promoted to fast pack now, well done. Making up the ‘A’ team were Laura Jardine and Ellie Reed who had good runs finishing inside the top 75.
The strength in depth we have in the women’s team is beginning to show as the ‘B’ team finished higher than Jarrow and Hebburns ‘A’ team which is a great result. Overall, 18 women ran for Heaton and kudos should be given to all of them in some testing windy conditions.
The result leaves Heaton women in a strong 2nd place in division 1 overall across the season but its tight in the division 1 table with all to play to keep that 2nd place.
Men’s race
The men’s team fared better than the first fixture in Wrekenton. Heaton finished a respectable 7th place in division 1 at Druridge which given we had no representation from the fast pack and only 4 runners from the medium pack makes it a good result. Alex Cook was the first counter for the club on his Heaton cross-country debut finishing in 34th place overall. Alex will be promoted to the medium pack next fixture, well done. Jason Wall, Scott McEntee, Matt Hetherington, John Sturman and Lee Daglish made up the ‘A’ team. In total 21 men ran for Heaton. Again strength in numbers in the middle of the field helped us achieve our 7th place on the day so hopefully, the men’s team will have plenty more to give in the future Harrier League fixtures this season.
The result from Druridge leaves Heaton men in 8th place overall in Division 1 but it is tight with only 3 points separating 7th and 10th places.
Junior races
In the junior races, Mary Parkin had a good run from the fast pack to finish 16th overall in U15 girls race and Rosie Swatman finished 34th in the U17 girls race. Heaton had good representation in the U13 girls race with a complete team and 4 competitors in total. Well done to Emily Daglish, Olivia Daglish, Leila Burden and Freya Mckinnon who ran their races well, supported each other throughout and also supported the women’s and men’s races with their loud shouts of “Come on Heaton”.
In the boys U13 race we had two Top 20 finishers with Alexander Parkin finishing 9th overall and Alexander Smith finishing 18th from the fast pack. Well done boys. In the U11 boys race we had two competitors. Henry Barratt finished in 8th place and Euan Mckinnon finished in 27th place.
Well done to everyone who ran. We hope you enjoyed the event and will be back for more.
The next Cross Country fixture is at Lambton Estate on Saturday 29th October
