Neil Canham writes ..

 

The Northern Cross Country Championships, which have been held annually since 1883, this year moved to a new venue at Camp Hill Estate in North Yorkshire.

 

The course was relatively flat but had patches of deep mud for some of the races.

Trafford AC were represented in 9 of the 10 races, with varying degrees of success.

 

Our highest finisher on the day was Charlie Stanway who had a great run to finish in 19th place in the Under 13 Boys.

 

He was followed home by Jay Hutchinson 74th, Josh Watson 80th and Zack Watson 169th, giving them 14th team position. On the same course Daisy Atkiss 79th and Martha McCormack 107th, gave their usual reliable performances.

 

The Under 15 Boys also finished 14th team. Louie McCormack came in 71st in his continuing comeback, followed by Ned Silvey 95th, Charlie Atkiss 105th, Alex Holroyd 130th and Sonny Wilson 136th. Unfortunately the Under 15 Girls were unable to complete a team but Olivia Russell 84th, Marina Guardascione 158th and Imogen Davenport 163rd all ran well to complete the course.

 

Our highest placed team were the Under 17 Men who finishes a solid 9th team. Illnesses and injuries have hampered their progress this season, but nevertheless, Joe Bentall 52nd, Lewis Royle an excellent 67th, Jack McNicol 83rd, Alex Bailey 105th, Seb Patrick 109th and Tom Bentall 117th, all gave their all on a difficult course. In the Under 17 Womens race, Caitlin Doohan had a great run to finish 30th, supported by Rebecca Young 69th. Our only competitor in the Under 20 Mens race was Harry Sinclair in 45th place.

 

Next Saturday, most of our younger athletes will be running in the Greater Manchester Schools Cross Country Championships at Heaton Park, with many hoping for selection for the County team at the English Schools Championships in March.

 

Senior Men by Jeff Prest ...