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The Napier Harrier Club staged the final round for the season of its open handicap series on Saturday. The various races were run over a loop circuit along the Marine Parade pathway in nice conditions.
The 10km contest for the Laurence Cup produced a frantic finish and then confusion for Niall McCormack. McCormack, who had arrived after the race breifing, was not aware that after completing the journey out to Awatoto and back to the start line, still had another 1km run over a 500 metre loop out the other side of the start line. Having produced a stunning final sprint to catch the limit runner, Blair Cunningham, at what he thought was the finish, then had to muster all his reserves to continue on over the final 1 km. But hold on he did and was rewarded with the Laurence Cup for 2007. Ron Middleton held on strongly for third, and thus was rewarded with the necessary points to claim the series championship (C.O.Morse Rose Bowl). Eric Phimister and Iain Murray both recording 38.17, shared the fastest time honours.
In the Senior Womens 5km event, visitor Michelle Middleton took line honours but the Alan Angus Cup was claimed by the first club runner home, runner up Joan Vyle. Cheryl Simpson (23.06) recorded the quickest time. Vyles maximum handicap points was not quite enough to see her catch Marion Sherburn who was next across the line to claim 19 points and the handicap series by a single point from joint runners up Vyle and Adele Marsh.
Laura Nagel displayed her tremendous form, running 19.07 for 5km to claim the Womens 16 and under Gavin McGregor Memorial Cup. The results couldn't prevent Jill O'Meagher claiming the series championship (Bob Lewis Cup).
In the Mens 19 and under contest for the Margaret Evans Shield, Cameron Poole-Smith race impressively to hold at bay Eric Speakman by 14 seconds. Speakman (16.43) was the quickest and secured the series championship (Ross Rawnsley Cup).
In running the fastest time, Charlie Chittenden (19.59) won the Brian Smith Cup by taking line honours as well, ahead of his cousin Ben Fulton. Kaden Hall was third across the line and his 13 points has forced a tie with Kris Sweetapple for the series trophy.
In the 12 year old and under race, Jodi Nagel displayed her huge improvement, obviously the result of training with Mic Cull's squad, to win by a 'country mile'. Toa Elphick-Iaveta recorded a smart 7.29 over the 2km circuit. Nagel's victory was not enough to deny Georgia Creagh the victory in the handicap series.
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