North West Women’s League at Boggart Hole Clough. 6 December.

The final fixture in the 2003 cross country series saw good team running from the depleted numbers able to attend on a bitterly cold day which seemed to warm as the afternoon progressed. Sara McLoughlin (21) and Kim Bridge (26) were close in the under 13 race while Lucy Cannon and Mellissa McLoughlin were only a few places apart in the under 15 event. The senior women continued the trend, Chris Dempsey (24), Julia Eccleston (28) and Cecilia Fitzsimons (32) finishing within 20 seconds of each other. Julia leads the championship with 57 points, 17 ahead of Louise Casey with Chris Dempsey third. Julia finished 13th overall in the aggregate league positions with 131 pts.

Many thanks to coaches Danny McLoughlin, Joe Ehlen and John Irwin for their support and to Sue Clague, who offered, along with Sandra Dumbell, to jog the course to make up senior team. Team manager, Phil Thomas, declined to accept their generous offer on this occasion. They may not be so lucky in future.

Manchester & District League at Boggart Hole Clough 6 December.

 Ben Clough led the under 13 challenge taking fourth place, closely followed by John Dumbell (7) and Mike Ehlen (8). Anthony Marsh (25) completed the team count two places ahead of Steve Clague with Jonathan Inglesby (30) making a steady debut for the club. Dave Forrester took second place in the under 15 race, Tom Rigby (23) also competing.

Thanks to Mr & Mrs Forrester for their support and to Mr Inglesby who was present for the first time. Welcome to the future.
Boggart Hole Results

Liverpool & District League at Stadt Moors, Whiston. 6 December

The club finished third on the day, winning promotion as division two champions  with an excellent display at Whiston. Tony Smith was the first man home earning a top ten place despite being on nights. He was closely followed by Steve Mayers with Barry Cunliffe making the top 20 after a cautions start. Greg Williams was in the top thirty on his toughest course to date, Barry Graney used the race as a means of fitness testing while Ian White just made the count, edging the improving Ian Hayburn by one place. Ray Vose thought the race was Jodie's revenge while Phil Robinson said from now on his training is "speed, speed, speed". It's okay Phil we didn't enter you for the Northern!!

In the team contest we were third behind Liverpool and Wirral, thirty points ahead of LPS with Liverpool Running Club fifth. In the division two championship we are promoted as champions with 415 points to spare over West Cheshire A.C. The L&D Championships in January could be interesting.

Dave Twigg's comeback run ended in an easy win while our hopes of medals in the championships were boosted by Sheru Gulati's third place.
Whiston Results

Christmas Handicap: Sherdley Park, 21 December.

Tony Raffle was the surprise winner of another superbly handicapped race by
Ian White on a cold and windy morning at Sherdley Park. Tony's handicapped
time was a mere eight seconds quicker than second placed Phil Robinson with
Ian himself third. However, in true sportsmanlike tradition,  Ian gave his
prize to the race winner Steve Mayers.

Steve finished just ahead of Barry Cunliffe, Dave Twigg and Greg Williams,   a sure sign of a solid future for the club. Laura Davenport was the first lady to finish, winning off scratch ahead of Chris Dempsey. Joe Ehlen managed one of the two laps but sixteen others completed the entire journey.

Seventeen youngsters completed their own lap, led home by Ben Clough. The
presence of young Tom Burke and Jamie White indicative of a new wave of
talented youngsters. Prizes were available courtesy of a cheque for £60 from
Beaver 84, thanks to the good offices of Paul Davenport.

Many thanks to John Irwin, Ian White and Janet Holmes for setting out the
course, to Janet and Julia Hayes for the recording and timekeeping and to the many parents who braved the icy winds to provide support, including Julia Eccleston who celebrated the day with her first run for a fortnight, albeit an easy ten minute jog. It was also good to see Brian Renshall out in support, reminding older members that it was forty years ago that he won the handicap.

A happy Christmas to everyone and a superb opportunity to welcome in the New
Year with a run at Castle Park, Frodsham next Sunday (12.30.p.m. start).
Transport leaving the Sports Centre Car Park at 10.30.a.m.
Handicap Results

Chester Round the Walls Race : Boxing Day.

Cecilia Fitzsimons closed the year by taking the over 55 award at the Round The Walls race finishing 237 in 36.00. John Appleton 22.29(55), Louise Casey 32.47(18th lady, 147 overall), Richard Bradshaw 33.06(164) & Pam Appleton 37.07(263) also completed the course.

Cheshire League at Castle Park, Frodsham 28 December

Thanks to everyone for turning out on a cold day with a bit too much fresh air!
Frodsham Results

The senior mens & womens cross country leagues are also now online here.