Central rise to cross country challenge

Feb 3 2010 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Wednesday

CENTRAL Athletic Club's penultimate race in the Cross-Country Series was held at Fintry Rugby Club grounds on Saturday.

A dusting of snow and very cold conditions met the enthusiastic young athletes who accepted the challenging course set by Derek Easton and David Eckersley.

Scott Balloch continued to underline his quality as he sustained his winning sequence in the Series with a 5 minutes 42 seconds run. Eilidh MacCorquodale finished just four seconds down with another impressive run as she kept her winning progression going in the Girls races.

Cameron Wilson proved his endurance credentials with a 6 minutes 33 seconds clocking just ahead of first Under 11 Boy, Scott Fleming (6.35). Shannon MacFarlane continues to show improved form and here finished in 6 minutes 39 seconds holding off another strong run from Andrew Shaw (6.40).

Alastair Tweedle held on to his lead in the Under 11 Series (7.00) leading home Ailig Struthers (7.02), Liam McGregor (7.03) and Jessica Stitt (7.04), the first Under 11 Girl. Jonathon Eckersley (7.13) produced a strong run ahead of Jamie Wastling (7.27) while Anthony Eckersley (8.07) just held off the improved Rena Fleming (8.08).

Rory Steel and Angus Buchanan ran shoulder to shoulder across the line in 8 minutes 23 seconds with Erin Clark (8.31), Kirsty Wilson (8.33) and Cameron Shaw (8.36) all finishing with competent runs.

The Scottish 4 kilometre Cross Country Championships were held in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow on Sunday, January 31, and while only five Central athletes accepted the challenge all competed with distinction.

Pick of the Central runners was Alex Hendry who fought through into ninth place overall lifting the Silver Under 20 medal for his 11 minutes 57 seconds effort.

Murray MacLarty also fared well in the Mens race in thirteenth overall in an excellent 12.08 clocking. Alison Doherty was the pick of the Central women as she powered round in tenth place in 14 minutes 19 seconds followed home by solid runs from Ainsley Normand (17th with 15.04) and Hazel Dean (25th with 15.55).