Well the first fixture back after the Christmas break was certainly no let down. With rain aplenty in the weeks leading up to the event the course was always set to be on the damp side. On arrival it was quickly apparent that proper cross country conditions were to be had with a lovely spread of all the best kinds of mud throughout the demanding undulating course set out by Saltwell Harriers.

Strong winds and a distinct chill in the air but not too cold, perfect chance to get the long pins in the shoes and give it your best. Which is exactly what a great turnout of Blackhill’s finest did.

In the boys Under 13 race Thomas Carvell had an impressive run coming in 13th place with a fast pack handicap of 1:30. Thomas is improving all the time and is surely a star Bounder to watch.

We were represented in the Girls under 13 race by Faye Bousfield, Brooke McDonald and Elisabeth Middlemas who all ran very well in the Wrekenton mud. With 3 runners the girls are managing to score points for the club too, coming in 8th from 40 clubs at the fixture. massive well done to you all. Having scored at all events thus far the girls team is lying 7th overall in the season.

Solid runs from Girls Under 15 Lydia Dunn and Morgan McCann unfortunately no 3rd runner means no points accrued but they’re doing the club proud with their hard efforts!

The Senior ladies were brought home by Leanne Robertson followed by Captain Sarah Lister, Becky Morningg, Nicky Gloyne, Catherine Nesham Mcelhone, Helen O’Rourke and Sara Sarginson. Finishing 10th in the top divsion at Wrekenton, the ladies are currently maintaining a steady 7th for the season so far.

Last race of the day saw the Senior men pipped to first place on the day by the chaps of Newcastle Uni. Despite their best effort though this still leaves Blackhill top of Division 3, 5 points clear of nearest rivals Gosforth. Straining at the leash for promotion this season, good solid team work for the next two fixtures at Alnwick and Prudhoe is needed before we can rest.

Men were lead home by brilliantly packed trio of Patrick Duffy, Luke Aston and Ian Young before they were soon followed in by Shaun Wood, Stewy Bell, David Walker, David Best, Jordan Bell from a fast pack start, Graham Burns, Gary Wallace, Ian Middlemas, Kevin Doolan, Colin Hodgson, Derren Sarginson, Liam Reed, Chris Playle, Andrew Hepple, Mark Fish, Stoo Gordon, Phil Mcelhone, Brian Richardson, Mike Powell, Stuart Smith, Kevin Lee and Graeme Parkin.

It really is a great sight to see so many competing in grass roots competition and clearly loving it. So if you’ve never tried cross country yet don’t be shy and get your name down for the next fixture. The picturesque course at Alnwick on March 1st has it all, mud, fast downhill section, woodland and cake so make it a date.

Well done all, let’s march on to the next one!

Thanks as ever to Lee Nixon for the great pictures. More excellent shots can be seen here

Updated league tables/results http://www.harrierleague.com/results/