NECAA XC Championship Report 2024

 CALUM IN A CANTER AS MILLIE BREESES HOME

                                                                                         

GATESHEAD’S Calum Johnson and Morpeth’s Millie Breese claimed major victories at a testing 118^th running of the North Eastern Counties Cross-Country Championships in Temple Park, South Shields. Johnson, who disappointingly missed out on a place in the European Championships earlier in the month, showed a clean pair of heels to a near 300-strong field to lift the coveted Wilkinson Sword Trophy for a third time while Breese, who could have lined up in the under-20 contest, continued her excellent form to make it a winning debut two weeks after lifting the Scottish East District Championship title in Stirling

 

SENIOR MEN (10.8k)

AFTER a steady opening kilometre which was dominated by Morpeth vests punctuated by Johnson, Houghton’s Chris Coulson and Filmon Teame Eyob (TS Harriers) the pace increased as Johnson eased himself to the front followed by Coulson and Finn Brodie (Morpeth) as the gaps behind the trio began to widen. Going into the final circuit the leading positions remained the same with Johnson having nearly a minute advantage over Coulson with Brodie around 30 seconds back. 

It was a happy Johnson who crossed the line ahead of last year’s fourth-placer Coulson with Lawrence McCourt coming home strongly on the final lap to claim the bronze award ahead of Morpeth team-mate Brodie. After receiving the impressive winners’ trophy, Johnson commented: “I’ll always support the North East Championships when I can, even if I’d been selected to run in Turkey last weekend I was still planning to turn out today.’’ Johnson adding his thoughts about the course on his latest success: “It was a true cross-country test with a bit of everything mud, inclines, up and down and places where you could really stretch out, the course builders did a really good job and I hope everyone who turned out today enjoyed themselves as much as I did.”  

It came as no surprise that Morpeth retained the team trophy with Phil Winkler (5^th), Josh Fiddaman (6^th), Ellis Hetherington (7^th) and Sam Hancox (14^th) backing up McCourt and Brodie to total a superb 39pts; Gateshead claimed the silver awards (99pts) and Sunderland bronze (221pts)

 

SENIOR WOMEN (7.2k)

THE final event of the day saw the temperatures plummet and the muddy stretches worsen as a group of half-a-dozen or so had detached itself in the early stages from the rest of the near 200-strong field. However, going into the final circuit of two Morpeth duo Catriona Macdonald and Millie Breese were striding head-to-head as they eased away from the pack. 

The pair were still neck-and-neck before entering the long finishing straight but it was the younger Northumbrian who managed to sprint clear to win by just five seconds. While it was a debut senior victory for Breese for Macdonald it was a case of another runners-up spot having finished second last year and in 2022 though she did top the podium in 2021. 

Behind the leading pair a huge battle ensued in the race for the bronze medal. Wallsend’s Jennifer Berry had a small advantage entering the home straight but a determined effort by Holly Lawrence managed to catch her just before the line to edge home by just one second and confirm a one-two-three for Morpeth. With Poppy Buck in 10^th place it was another commanding team success for Morpeth in the four-to-score contest finishing with 16pts; Sunderland, led home by Grace Carroll in fifth place, finished second on 89pts with a jubilant Jesmond Joggers finishing in third place (110pts) led home by 17th-placed Ciara Sinclair.

 

JUNIOR MEN (7.2k)

LAST year Joe Dixon (Morpeth) finished in second place but on this occasion he knew he wanted to go one better and that’s the way it turned out as he stamped his authority on proceedings from the off and come home 12 seconds clear of North Shields Poly’s Ben Sproats who was making his county championship debut. Dixon’s Morpeth team-mate Bertie Marr claimed the bronze award 20 seconds adrift of Sproats. Morpeth, with Ethan Bond in fifth-place, helped the Northumbrians to team gold (9pts) ahead of Middlesbrough (Mandale), who were the only other club to close in with 32pts.

 

UNDER-20/17 WOMEN (4.6k)

HOUGHTON’S Charlotte Dillon found moving up an age group no problem as she claimed the under-20 title at the first time of asking. Twelve months ago on the same course Dillon topped the podium as an under-17 having previously won the under-15s in 2020 and 2021 so it came as no surprise that she came out on top once again though Elswick’s Imogen Bungay kept her in her sights throughout the proceedings to follow her home just five seconds adrift to claim the silver award. Next across the line was first under-17 and former under-13 champion, Zara Jones of Darlington who just held off Blackhill’s Hatti Stead by three seconds with Alnwick’s Isabella Oldfield claiming the under-17 bronze medal in fifth place overall. Third placed under-20 was Birtley’s Katie Francis in sixth place. North Shields Poly, led by ninth-placed Darcy Tullis, won the team section with 37pts followed by Darlington on 15pts and Morpeth with 50pts.

 

UNDER-15 BOYS (3.6k)

NORTH EAST 3,000 metres champion James Sturman added the cross-country title to his bow after pulling away mid-race from main rival, Darlington’s Kirsten-Kyle Sridhar. At the finish the North Shields Poly athlete had a cushion of six seconds over Sridhar with Wallsend’s Kasper Pearson finishing in third place a further 16 seconds adrift. Darlington, who fielded eight athletes, won the team race with Rowan Steel (10^th) and Luke Gardner (11^th) backing up Sridhar to total 23pts; Wallsend finished second on 50pts followed by Durham City with 57pts.

 

UNDER-15 GIRLS (3.6k)

MOVING up an age group proved no problem for New Marske’s Gabrielle Pinder. The Tees-sider finished runner-up last year in the under-13 championship and her victory was one of the biggest margins of the day as she crossed the line 39 seconds clear of Houghton’s Holly Robison, who was second last year with last year’s under-13 champion Olivia Murphy (Birtley) collecting bronze on this occasion. Birtley, with Kitty Graham (11^th) and Niamh Phillipson (15^th) backing up Murphy, won the team title with 29pts, just four less than Darlington with Morpeth receiving the bronze medals with 50pts.

 

UNDER-13 BOYS (2.75k)

A DING-DONG struggle eventually saw North Shields Poly’s Noah Penfold prevail by eight seconds over Darlington’s Ollie Curran with Penfold’s team-mate. Peter Davies completing the one-two-three a further 12 seconds back. The new champion was having his first taste of championship competition after taking all before him when competing at under-11 level and he showed he can be a force to be reckoned with at the older age group. Meanwhile, Curran’s runner-up spot comes on the back of an excellent sixth place in the British Cross Challenge fixture in Sefton Park, Liverpool. The Poly edged the team contest, with Edward Watson in seventh place backing up Penfold and Davies for a total of 11 points, Darlington were second with 15pts with Morpeth third on 50pts.

 

UNDER-13 GIRLS (2.75k)

JUNIOR Great North Run age-group winner Poppie Phillipson led a Birtley one-two with multi-eventer Izzy Hall crossing the line just four seconds adrift of her team-mate. Elswick’s Ayla Blight, who was 13^th last year, battled all the way to the finish despite picking up an injury to claim the bronze award. Despite having the first two home Birtley didn’t have a third counter leaving Elswick to win the team race with Millie Robson (15^th) and Niamh Logan (20^th) backing up Blight for a total of 38 points. Wallsend and Morpeth both scored 50 points with the North Tyneside trio claiming the silver awards on countback.

 

UNDER-11 BOYS and GIRLS (1.6k)

THE non-championship contests attracted over 100 competitors with victory in the boys’ event going to Darlington’s Acer Tarn in 6min 30secs who finished three seconds ahead of North Shields Poly’s Matthias Gheorghin with Juan Figueroa Gazmuri (Phoenix Flyers) a further two seconds back in third spot. 

While the boys contest was a close affair the girls was a very different episode with North Shields Poly’s Ada Penfold storming home to win by 32 seconds in a time of 6min 34secs. Gosforth’s Ruby Collins claimed the silver award followed across the line by Penfold’s Poly team-mate Elodie Soward (7:16).

 

**AN excellent cross-country championships would not have been possible without the support of numerous people and organisations. Firstly, thanks to Mark Davinson of Derwentside AC and his team for hosting the championships; all the technical officials and volunteer marshals who were at their posts for over six hours; to the first aid team and South Tyneside Council for the use of the facilities and to Start Fitness who have supported North East athletics for over two decades. Finally, a huge pat on the back to all the athletes who took part and the Association looks forward to next year when the Championships return once again to Alnwick

BILL McGUIRK

Full Championship Results Here

NEHL Eltringham Farm 23-NOV-24 - Event Cancelled

 Hi Folks, It should be no surprise to anyone with a window to look outside, but today's event has been cancelled.

We're looking to re-schedule after the New Year.

There are concerns about competitor travel to and from the venue, and athlete well being.

***New Fixture*** NEHL Eltringham Farm

 ELTRINGHAM FARM SFNEHL 23/11/2024

This is a new fixture for this season, with great thanks to Alex Hughes and all at Prudhoe Plodders. 

TRAVEL AND PARKING: The nearest post code (Moralee Herefords) is NE43 7DF. Turn off the A695 at Mickley and descend Station Bank.  (There is NO Parking on Station Bank)

The entrance to parking area is via the gate, what3words location assess.animates.tuned 

what3words /// The simplest way to talk about location

PARKING CHARGE IS £5. PLEASE PARK AS DIRECTED. LEAVE THE PARKING AREA BY THE MIDDLE GATE NOT THE ENTRY GATE, PLEASE.

DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON A LEAD AND NOT GO OUTSIDE THE FIELDS FOR PARKING AND TENTS. IT IS A WORKING FARM AND THERE WILL BE LIVESTOCK ON OTHER AREAS OF THE LAND.

Please note that there is a stile to negotiate at both points K and H on the course.

Usual timetable:

12.00 Under 11 Boys
12.10 Under 11 Girls
12.20 Under 17 men
12.25 Under 17 women
12.40 Under 15 Boys
12.45 Under 15 Girls
12:55 Under 13 boys
13:00 Under 13 girls
13.20 Under 20, Senior & veteran women
13:50 Under 20, Senior & veteran Men

NEHL Lambton Race Report by Bill McGuirk

 

LAMBTON PARK HL, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2024

 

STORM ASHLEY DOES A RUNNER

THE threat of extreme heavy rain and high-risk winds of Storm Ashley proved unfounded as over 1,300 hardy souls turned out for the second fixture of the Start Fitness North East Harrier League in Lambton Estate all eager to make up for lost time after the previous scheduled event at Druridge Bay was postponed due to parking problems. 

Despite a few reservations there were no difficulties this time round with parking thanks to the landowners’ assistants who were on hand to see that vehicles were parked up in an orderly and tidy manner despite the post code for the venue causing a few dilemmas! 

Once again it was an early start for the marshals and course builders from the Low Fell, Birtley and Washington clubs who braved the worst of the weather before the venue changed to glorious sunshine much to the delight of the senior athletes.

 

SENIOR MEN

 

THE final event on the programme proved to be a battle between athletes from two of the major local universities as the three-lap multi-terrain contest unfolded. At the completion of the first circuit a group of half-a-dozen or so were locked together as they exited a narrow gate with Newcastle University’s Patrick Davis just heading Gosforth’s Al Johnson, Blackhill’s Ashley Slaven and Durham University duo Miles Brierley and Jake Black. 

All the while Birtley’s new acquisition from Leeds City, Alex Bellew, was cutting back a 2min 58sec handicap from the medium pack while likewise, the leading fast pack group, which included Newcastle University’s Luke Davis, Birtley’s Adrian Bailes, Jarlath McKenna (Tyne Bridge) and Birtley’s Lewis McConnell steadily cut into the start of 5min 15sec. 

Davis continued to cut out the pace entering the penultimate circuit with Johnson in second place followed by Brierley and Black, the Durham Uni pair contesting the HL for the first time this campaign. Going into the final lap Davis had opened up a significant gap and looked strong as Bellew moved through into the top 15 and fast-lappers, Davis, Bailes and McKenna were now just outside the top 20. 

As the athletes came into view before taking in the 150m-long finishing straight it was the multi-coloured-vested Davis who appeared first, however, it was to be a close encounter for Brierley was hot on his heels but an exciting finish saw Davis hang io claim victory by just three seconds with Bellew coming home in bronze medal position a further eight seconds adrift. Meanwhile, Bailes proceeded to get the better of his fast pack rivals to cross the line in a superb seventh position followed by Luke Davis, one place and nine seconds behind with the pair posting the two fastest overall times of 35:54 and 36:03 respectively. Third quickest on the course was India-bound McKenna who finished in 10^th place in 36:22. 

There were 451 finishers. The team results – Div One: 1 Tyne Bridge 91pts; 2 Birtley 104pts; 3 Durham City 120pts. Div Two: 1 Newcastle Uni 44pts; 2 Jesmond Joggers 90pts; 3 Wallsend 168pts. Div Three: 1 Durham Uni 78pts; 2 South Shields 154pts; 3 Blyth 186pts.

 

SENIOR WOMEN

WITH under-20s now lining up with the seniors it was pleasing to see four of that age group finishing inside the top five. Victory went to Durham City’s Lucy Storey who crossed line in 27:48, 29 seconds clear of fellow under-20 rival Imogen Bungay of Elswick with Morpeth’s Holly Lawrence the first senior home in third place nearly a minute adrift. 

Fastest overall on the course was Charlotte Dillon (under-20), running from the medium pack with a 2min 31sec penalty, the Houghton athlete finishing just outside the medals in fourth place with an actual time of 26:47. Second and third quickest overall were former Stevenage athlete Storey and Bungay respectively with Sunderland’s Grace Carroll posting the fastest time from the fast pack with 28:56 on her way to finishing in 23^rd place. 

There were 365 finishers. The team results – Div One: 1 Durham City 18pts; 2 Jesmond Joggers 52pts; 3 Morpeth 66pts. Div Two: 1 Tynedale 33pts; 2 Wallsend 36pts; 3 Gateshead 50pts. Div 3: 1 Newcastle Uni 19pts; 2 Birtley 72pts; 3 Houghton 81pts.

 

MASTERS OVER-65

AT THE opening fixture at Thornley Hall Farm there were only 11 competitors, however, this time round there were nearly double that number. Once again the two quickest on the course were Ponteland pair Mick Meaney and former Olympian Ray Smedley with Crook’s Geoff Hewitson, who missed Thornley, third best.

 

UNDER-17 MEN

A QUARTET of Jamie Lonergan (Blaydon), Sunderland’s William Young, Lucas Powell (Tyne Bridge) and Durham City’s James Omerod were setting the pace at the completion of the opening small lap before going off into the country to face a long circuit. 

As the field came back into view approaching the finishing field it was Lonergan who had moved into a comfortable advantage to cross the line in 19:34, 13 seconds clear of Young with Omerod claiming the final medal position a further six seconds adrift. North Shields Poly’s Daniel Watson, giving away a 2min 34secs start worked his way through into fourth place with the day’s fastest overall time of 17:54; Alnwick’s Liam Mcdonough, in fifth place, was second quickest with 18:03 and Tynedale’s Arthur Di Lullo was third best in seventh spot after recording 18:17. There were 35 finishers. 

Durham City came out on top in the team event with 31pts; Sunderland finished second with 40pts and North Shields Poly were third with 55pts.

 

UNDER-17 WOMEN

IT WAS a North Shields Poly one-two with victory going to slow pack runner Anna Johnson (23:26) who was followed across the line by Darcey Tullis (24:18) who had given her team-mate 1:20 start running from the medium pack. Chester-le-Street’s Lucy Buckle, also running from the medium pack, finished in third place in 24:30. 

Fastest on the course was Blackhill’s Hatti Stead, who worked her way through the field from a fast pack penalty of 2:35 to cross the line in fourth place in 24:42 (actual 22:07). Johnson was second fastest and Tullis third quickest. 

There were 31 finishers. The team resulted in: 1 North Shields Poly 16pts; 2 Tynedale 34pts; 3 Durham City 39pts.

 

UNDER-15 BOYS

THE podium places were all filled by slow pack runners who took advantage of a 1min 44secs start over their fast pack rivals. First home was Tynedale’s Adam Bell who had a 13-seconds cushion over Elswick’s Dominic Kelso with Blaydon’s Jacob Hendry a close-up third just two seconds further adrift. 

Fastest on the course was North Shields Poly’s James Sturman who worked his way through the field to finish in fifth place with an actual time of 12:42. Second fastest was Wallsend’s Kasper Pearson, 10^th in 13:09 with Darlington’s Rowan Steel 13^th in 13:27. There were 40 finishers. The team resulted in: 1 North Shields Poly 26pts; 2 Elswick 44pts; 3 Blyth 75pts.

UNDER-15 GIRLS

ALNWICK’S Maria Moore claimed a notable victory winning by six seconds ahead of Birtley’s Nell Graham with Gateshead’s Iona Murray completing the one-two-three a further 22 seconds adrift. 

Fastest on the course was Houghton’s Holly Robison who worked her through to finish in fourth place from 1min 44sec penalty to record an actual time of 14:00. Gateshead’s Emily Collingwood posted 14:54 to be second quickest with Robison’s Houghton team-mate Kathryn Pye next best with 14:57. There were 45 finishers. Team Result: 1 Gateshead 18pts; 2 Birtley 21pts; 3 Houghton 31pts.

 

UNDER-13 BOYS

IT WAS a Poly one-two with victory going to Noah Penfold who crossed the line 19 seconds clear of team-mate Peter Davies with Gosforth’s Will Hester completing the medallists. Fastest on the course, running from the fast pack 1min 44secs handicap, was Durham City’s Henry Engelhart with an actual time of 13:47 after working through the field to finish in seventh place. Second quickest was Penfold (13:52) with Davies third best with 14:11. 

There were 52 finishers. Team result: 1 North Shields Poly 7pts; 2 Gosforth 35pts; 3 Elswick 55pts.

 

UNDER-13 GIRLS

POPPIE PHILLIPSON defied 1min 45secs handicap to come home in pole position (16:12, actual 14:27), to claim victory by 30 seconds. Eleanor Maxwell (Tyne Bridge) was second across the line with Tynedale’s Hattie Williams third a further 10 seconds back. Second quickest on the course was Phillipson’s Birtley team-mate Izzy Hall, who finished in fourth spot (15:25) with Morpeth’s Heidi Wilkinson next best with 15:56. 

There were 54 finishers. Team result: 1 Elswick 31pts; 2 Wallsend 33pts; 3 Morpeth 45pts.

 

UNDER-11 BOYS AND GIRLS

THE youngest age groups faced the worst of the weather though it didn’t deter a total of 152 hardy souls facing the starter in the “Try Cross-Country”, many of whom taking part for the very first time despite Lambton being one of the toughest on the harrier league circuit. In the boys contest, where there were 74 finishers, victory went to North Shields Poly’s Matthias Gheorghiu in 7min 33secs closely followed by Jacob Hopper (Jarrow and Hebburn) in 7:38 with Juan Figueroa-Gazmuri (Phoenix Flyers) in 7:56. 

In the girls event it was a double celebration for the Poly with Ada Penfold claiming victory to add to Gheorghiu’s success, winning in a time of 7:26. Second girl home was Gosforth’s Ruby Colins (8:07) with Elodie Soward, also of NSP, third in 8:29. Overall an excellent turnout considering the weather with 30 of the region’s clubs represented.

 

**THANKS to sponsors Start Fitness for their continued support; to the landowners and it’s staff, especially those on car parking duties; to the first aid team and to the course builders and marshals together with the technical officials for making the fixture another highly-successful event. The Harrier League breaks new ground for the next fixture on Saturday, November 23 which takes place at Eltringham Farm and hosted by Prudhoe Plodders when a huge turnout is expected.

 

BILL McGUIRK

Photos by Stuart Whitman Photography

NEHL 2024 - Lambton Estate

Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League LAMBTON ESTATE, 20th October 2024

Hi all, here are the details for Lambton this coming Sunday. Big thanks go to Birtley AC, Low Fell RC, Washington RC for hosting this event.

Post code for the castle is DH3 4PW (what3words, oval.words.pull)

PLEASE DO NOT USE ANY OTHER ENTRANCE.

As at the map, the entrance is via the Bonemill Lane gate (what3words, risk.fumes.broad).

As usual car share is encouraged.

There will be a parking charge of £5. Please have cash ready for payment at the entrance to the car park.

As denoted at the parking map, there is a one system in operation to avoid congestion. It's a single lane road from the Bonemill Lane gate to the car parking area.

ANY DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON A LEAD AT ALL TIMES.

Course Map and timings:

Race HQ

REMINDER

There are only entries for U11s & Guests of the league (£10 for the season) and M65 transfers (no cost) tomorrow.

Thanks, see you all on Sunday.

Fixture postponed - NEHL Druridge Bay

DRURIDGE FIXTURE POSTPONED - 13 OCT 24

Apologies, Sunday's fixture has had to be cancelled.

The Park Manager has cancelled due to a lot of standing water at the parking areas, particularly the field that the event uses.

We're going to look at dates in March/April to hold the fixture. Thanks to Ralph and all at Blyth RC who have worked hard to get the fixture in the first place and will continue to work with the park authorities for a re-arranged date.

John Stephens

NEHL Sec.

Entries for NEHL Druridge Bay and Lambton Estate

ENTRIES for Druridge and Lambton

There will be no late entries except for the under 11s at the above venues. 

There will be replacement numbers & guests (£10) and those moving to the women's race in the over 65s only (free).

New club entries will not be processed on the day.

The entries will not re-open between these two fixtures, so if you aren't already entered get your team manager to do it before Wednesday


Entries for both venues close at 4pm this Wednesday 9th Oct 24