Cross Country Round Ups

A new star for LPS
Traditionally the first of the Liverpool and District Cross Country League matches was held over the demanding Beacon Country Park course. Liverpool Pembroke Sefton senior men have signed a new member in the shape of Richard Weeks who has arrived in the district from Bristol. Showing maturity he quietly established himself comfortably behind the leading group and came home a surprising 6th and the first of the LPS contingent. Obviously an outstanding acquisition. He was followed by young Aaron Jarvis(8) who will be one to watch this coming winter. Reliable Ian Roberts was 10th and with James Loftus(16), Mark Wynne(17) and Sean Kirkbride(21) packing solidly the club`s counting team was second to Liverpool Harriers who provided the first three home led by Dejine Gazimou. The club edged out the Wirral six, repeating the previous season`s battles. Additionally Clark Roberts, travelling up from Coventry, was 31st with the continually improving Danny Gilbody 37th. A brace of veterans followed, John Halson(40) and Greg Callaghan(42). Then came Ben Singleton(56) and Chris Pedder(62). Another two newcomers, Edge Hill University students Ethan Dalton(69) and Andrew Slatter(96), were next and will surely improve on these positions. Sean Kendall(108) rounded up proceedings. Team management and coach, Mark Bleasdale were delighted with this very solid start to the cross country campaign.
Report Charles Gains, Photos Mark Bleasdale

Picturesque setting for Mid-Lancs races
With the autumn leaves and the stately home as a backdrop,Towneley Park in Burnley provided a picturesque setting for the second Mid-Lancscross country race. Pride of place went to the U17 women’s team who comfortably won the team race thanks to Morag Molyneux (5th, Flossie Dickinson (6th), Charlotte Mawdsley (7th) & Katie Sutton (13th).The U17 men’s team had to settle for second place. Dan Slater ran well on his first outing for some time, finishing 2nd.He was well supported by Dan Jones(8th),Jack Crook (9th), Matty Richardson (10th)& Joe Martin (13th).

Also finishing 2nd were the U15 Boys. A strong run from Ross Harrison saw him finish 3rd & he was ably supported by Tom Dickinson(10th) &Adam Jones (15th).

The senior women finished 4th out of the 32 teams. Clare Constable (13th) led the way and was well supported by Vicky Jones(19th), Corinne Molyneux(24th)& Kirsty Mackenzie (58th). Corinne’s performance meant that she won the U20 race by over 2 minutes. The sole runner in the senior men’s race was Jonathon Bride who finished 50th out of the 304 finishers & was 10th U20

The trio of Mark Roberts(18th),Jake Dickenson (26th)& Matthew Russo (27th)packed well together to secure 5th place for the U13 boys team, while twins Alex (25th) & Megan Barnsley (29th)ran in the U15 girl’s race.

Team captain, Kirsty Longley, who is currently on holiday in North Wales, managed to secure victory in the  Flintshire 10K, winning in a time of 37.08.
Report Wally Bridson, Photos Eddie Bairstow