| On Saturday, Napier Harriers held their Cross Country Championships at the Hawkes Bay Showgrounds. The competitors faced a tight twisting circuit, which was slippery underfoot. Most honours went as predicted, the biggest surprise came in the girls 12 years grade, where Annie Creagh was stalked by Rachel Town and run down short of the finish. While this was Rachel Town's first club title, Brendan Speakman created history by winning the boys 12 years and under title for the fourth successive year.
Laura Nagel and Katie Harris won the girls 14 years and womens 16 years grades respectively with excellent runs in the difficult conditions.
The diminutive Jay Mason displayed plenty of fortitude to win the boys 14 years cup. Ryan Woolley won his first cross country title for three years with a runaway win in the mens 16 years contest. Michael Sullivan, Cameron Poole-Smith and Eric Speakman had a tight duel for the minor placings with Sullivan finishing the strongest to suppress his rivals. Shayna Heywood was rewarded for her unduanting loyality to the sport by claiming the junior womens crown, while Ashley Aitken chose to compete up a grade and secured the senior womens title.
The Gods just wouldn't smile on Steven Smith, who did all the pacemaking in the 6km junior mens race, only to have to concede the title to his training partner Daniel Wallis. Wallis played opossum before producing another electrifying finish.
Marilyn Brown had no trouble retaining her masters womens title, well clear of Cheryl Simpson and Joan Vyle. The favourite Shane McCormack found the conditions not to his liking and the masters mens title was gratefully snapped up by the industrious Frank Busch. He was kept honest by Eric Phimister, who is displaying excellent mid season form. Craig Mathers retained his senior mens title for the third year in succession.
Michael Sullivan and Rachel Town received vouchers from Reading Cinemas after being voted runners of the day for their excellent efforts.
Report courtesy Trevor Fulton
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