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Running spikes emerged as Napier Harriers tackled the testing Fisher's Farm Cross Country course on Saturday.
Although favourable weather persisted during racing, three days of intermitent rain had created slippery conditions.
Now in his fourth competitive season, 'old boy' Brendan Speakman easily won the 11 years and under race. He quickly wiped out his handicap, passing all his rivals before the half way stage. Speakman (9.42) posted the fastest lap and coasted to finish 15 seconds ahead of Tyler Hambleton, while James Harris grabbed third place.
In the second event, over 4km, Nick Mogford revelled in the front running assignment. One of a dozen keen athletics under the guidance of Napier BHS teacher Bruce Smith, Mogford gathered more confidence and increased momentum the further the race went. Even with victory ensured, Mogford (17.26) produced an amazing finishing sprint to cross 29 seconds clear of Hogan Green (15.55), who recorded the fastest race time. Andre Smith was just 6 seconds adrift, resisting the gutsy effort from Ryan Woolley (16.09).
Katie Harris worked diligently to overcome her handicap before stamping her authority over her opposition. She produced the fastest time (20.18) to defeat Shayna Heywood by 19 seconds, while younger sister Aleesha Heywood crossed in third place.
In the senior women's race, pundits who suggested Marilyn Brown could faulter in the slippery conditions, were proved wrong. She produced the fastest time (21.22) and was shadowing her main adversaries by the completion of the first circuit. Brown took line honours by 7 seconds from Adele Marsh, who appears to be showing signs of recapturing last year's form. Sheila Smidt was third, only 12 seconds behind Marsh.
New recruit Caleb Milne's sufficient improvement was rewarded with victory in the men's 19 years and under race. Milne(26.43) enjoyed the pacesetting task over the three laps and won comfortably, 27 seconds clear of a resolute Rory Diver. Diver just held out the excellent finishing kick of his training pal Stefan Smith (22.40), who had the day's fastest time, by a whacking 77 seconds.
The surprise appearance of Mark Lane on the start line for the senior men's race, caught the handicapper off guard. Lane thrived on receiving a generous handicap and won the contest by 23 seconds. Although Stu McKie held a handy 160 metre lead commencing the last lap, Lane (27.36) closed the gap and eventually powered away once on the flat section. Slowly recovering from health problems, Mckie was unfortunately cut down by Wayne Smith 400 metres from home, and finished third. Illustrating his present form, Kevin Fisher (23.57) had the fastest time amongst the seniors. report by Trevor Fulton
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