Jai, Harry, Amelia and Kirsty rejoice 19 February
After representing the North in an international match in Belgium Jai Vernon-McGuigan was back to the more prosaic surroundings of Clarke Gardens for the long established Liverpool and District Cross Country Championships. He was up against James Tartt of the Southport Waterloo club who is enjoying a magnificent season. The sunny weather and excellent conditions contributed to a fast race and Tartt and Jai quickly drew clear of the field for a protracted battle. The Southport runner is some ten years older than the LPS youngster and clearly stronger so it was no surprise he eventually went on to an untroubled win. Jai was a relaxed second but taking the scalps en route of several good Liverpool Harriers. Swapping experiences after the race the first two look likely to continue and enjoy their new rivalry in future encounters. A much weakened LPS squad fielded Sean Kirkbride at 15th plus a truly magnificent 18th from vet Sammy Rashid but had to wait until 56th for Greg Callaghan and two other `old timers’ in the shape of Kevin Carroll(87) and John Dobie(92) to complete which relegated the club to fifth team. Results
Over at the SportCity venue in Manchester for an open indoor meet there were a couple of outstanding performances in the shape of Harry Doran and Amelia McLaughlin. Harry ran a breathtaking 1.19.40 for 600m with Nathan Hilton also scorching around the track over the same distance with 1.21.40. Jesse Roberts ran 1.26.50 while Danny Higham recorded 23.15 at 200m. Amelia McLaughlin was clearly untroubled once more in taking the U17 High Jump with 1.70m, a couple of spirited loftier attempts just eluding her. A suitable warm up though for Northern championships the following week.
Kirst Longley slipped away to The Standish Hall Trail Race. Among a field of well over 200 she put in another strong effort finishing overall 23rd and with only the former international Tara Krywicki of Accrington preventing her from taking the Womens prize. Results
Report Charles Gains
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