Just my opinion!
Three weeks ago the Hawke's Bay Today christened them the 'lightning sisters'. At Taupo on Saturday, competing at the North Island Cross Country Championships, lightning stuck again for the Creagh sisters. Georgia Creagh(4.16) won the bronze medal in Girls 9 years and under 1 km race behind Serena Murrihy(Taumaranui) in 3.59 and Jessica Kerr(Olympic) in 4.16. Georgia made a fatal error of slowing, thinking she had crossed the finish, which allowed Kerr to get the vital nod.
Annie Creagh(7.53) produced her best ever performance to score the bronze in the Girls 11 years and under 2km event. Anna Carruthers(N.S.B.Cougars) won easily in 7.30, from Annie's regular rival Stevie Paine(Masterton) in 7.48. Annie's time was a 31 sec. improvement from her 2005 race. Holly Edmonds(8.19) finished eighth in the same race to reinforce the belief she will keep Annie honest for the remaining races of the season.
In the Boys 9 years and under 1km race, Sean Eustace(4.02) signed off in style with a tremendous 8th placing, over a distance a little short for his comfort zone.
In the Boys 11 years and under 2km contest, Tyler Hambleton(7.59) threw down the gauntlet and attacked from the gun, before finishing a creditable 10th. Toa Elphick(8.18) affected by flu, run with courage and will bounce back with vengence. Sam Hall(8.37) was 20th, and has the undoubted talent to run faster, if the unlimited reserves of energy produced up the home straight is any indication. Ieuan Edmonds(9.15) finished in 23rd position.
In the Girls 14 years and under 3km race, Laura Nagel(12.20) uncharacteristically died over the last 400 metres, to drop from sixth to ninth place before the finish. In the same event, Natasha Town-Warner(15.12) running up a grade, wasn't daunted by the prospect and race solidly to finish 46th.
In the Boys 14 years and under 3km race, Brendan Speakman(12.00) was 20th but was slower than last year, suggesting he must have had a 'bottler' in 2005. Charlie Chittenden(12.39) was the other unfortunate to face the hurdle of running up a grade. By the painful look, and the grabbing of the ribs still 500 metres from the finish, that extra kilometre hurt. But his 29th placing was no embarrassment, especially with two more years in that grade to come. Ben Fulton(13.39) was 42nd and Kaden Hall(14.32), handicapped by a arm in plaster, finished in 46th.
Daniel Wallis(16.27) couldn't repeat his 2005 success, but still run very strong to finish fifth behind some top talent in the Mens 19 years and under 5km race. It is hard to judge where Daniel's form stands at present because they run an extra kilometre last season, but quick calculations suggest he would have shaved ˝ minute of his 2005 time. Stefan Smith(17.25) was thirteenth, as he struggles to find his racing legs again. Every week is a step closer.
In the Masters Men 35-44 year old 6 km race, Mark Speakman(23.09), undoubtly inspired by sibling rivalry produced his best time for the Spa Park course since progressing from the senior ranks. Unfortunately he didn't catch Chris on the day, but Mark(14th) never let him get out of sight, which is no mean feat. Our departing club captain Craig Eustace(23.31) farewelled us with a 17th placing, which didn't accurately reflect his recent racing form. It must have been that lumb in his throat that affected his breathing.
In the Masters Men 45 years plus, Trevor Fulton(23.30) recorded his best time in five attempts at the Taupo course, to finish 17th. Unfortunately Frank Busch's(23.50) condition gave out over the last 1˝km and he dropped back to 22nd. Eric Phimister(24.20) was 28th, while Steve Lindsay's 24.29 for 30th place excelled expectations in his first look at the course. John Craven(25.36) finished in 42nd placing.
In the Senior Men's race covering three 3km laps, Craig Mathers finished 27th in 32.35. This was an improvement of two places from 2005.
The big winner was the Taupo weather. For July who would have hoped for better. To Arthur Corbett thanks for the excellent facilities, just added to the successful trip. But don't be so rough on Eric!
report Trevor Fulton
