Horwich secure top division competition next year
Horwich secure top division competition next year
Horwich RMI Harriers ran in the fourth round of the very competitive Mid Lancs Cross Country League at Hyndburn at Saturday with their future in the top division reliant on a good solid performance from all the runners. On a very heavy muddy course the men had 1 medium and 2 large laps to contend with in this 10km race. This course has been used for the Red Rose meeting before Christmas and it was bad enough then. First home for Horwich was the ever reliable and England cross country representative Martyn Bell who was 9th overall and first Vet 40 in 38.55. This was another excellent personal performance and this was going to make a huge contribution to the team performance too. Bobby Kasabov making only his second outing on the cross country scene for Horwich pulled some places back on the third lap to finish in 75th in 46.30. Gary Chadderton and Doug Fleming once again battling every step of the way were the next two in for Horwich in 95th and 99th place in 47.55 and 48.09 respectively. Doug managed a ‘Pete R’ by falling over – but did better than Pete cos he promptly got up and finished. The next two counters were critical and the Pete’s of Ramsdale and Bland were the next two home to complete the team. After his fall last week Pete R was taking it steady until he saw Blandie behind with half a mile to go and this was the incentive to push on a little. Pete R finished in 184th in 57.56 with Pete B next in 58.10. The ever reliable John Parker, Vet 70, was next home in 209th place in 62.45 ensuring that Horwich completed that all important team. The team managed 5th on the day and with two fixtures left it is now looks very promising for another season in the top division next year. The race was won by James Douglas of Border Harriers in 36.18.
What we need now is a good Vet 40 team for Lancaster then we might push that team up a division, but we must finish a good team at Lancaster then our division one status is ensured. Come on boys.
In the ladies race Janet Rashleigh was first home for Horwich in 8th place overall and first vet 45 in 28.17. Suzanne Budgett was next home in 17th in 29.32 with Josie Greenhalgh in her first competitive cross country race for Horwich the third counter in 25th in 30.41. Christa Whatmough battled every step of the way to finish in 44.51.
These performances gave Horwich Ladies 3rd team on the day and 1st vet team. Again team performances in the last two races and we can move Horwich up a division with the ladies and lady vets teams.
See you all in Lancaster on the 9th Feb
Peter Ramsdale