Cross Country was held at Willandra on Saturday 21st July, in glorious Winter sunshine. We had several visiting runners join us, taking advantage of the beautiful weather and we thank them for running with us.
In the 1km our visitors Aiden Morton and Maddy Wilson both ran well with Aiden finishing first. First home for Nowra was Everlyn Jennings followed by Josie Sproule then Ben Sproule. Heidi McLaren overtook brother Aiden Mclaren in the finishing chute to cross fourth in front of Aiden, fifth.
In the 2km event, numbers were high. In Division 1 Thomas Duncan was the winner with Elijah Jennings second along with visiting runner Lachlan Wilson. Third was Anna Duncan then Evie Hill followed by a home straight sprinting Harry Thomson.
Division 2 was won by Patrick O’Leary with Dylan Cox second and visiting runner Patrick Wilson crossed in third. Third in Nowra’s point score however was Katie Martin and Will Anderson was fourth.
In the 3km this week the win went to Jett Goddard followed by Sam Maher and Karly Goddard. It was good to see Scott Maher back running and for his efforts he took out Division 2. Darlene Musgrove ran in second just slightly ahead of young Darcy Arnold and Harriet Urquhart rounded out the Division.
In the 4km Cristine Suffolk claimed victory in 17.51 minutes and was the fastest female across this distance. Another runner, returning to the cross country scene this week was Glen Mustapic who was also given 50 points for the win. Darren Morris was second, Jasper Arnold third and Paul Duncan fourth. Owen Cox’s cheer squad brought him home for fifth. It was great to have Andy Depree back running too; it seems he’s finally returned from a what seems to be a series of holidays! Cam Musgrove crossed in seventh place but clocked the fastest time of the day, finishing in 16.33 minutes, which he reported “was a bit slow”. Jade Mustapic was the only other female in Division 1 and she finished eighth with Ethan Havadjia, who missed his 3km race, running strongly to finish ninth.
Division 2 win went to Phil Duncan with Rae Thomson second – Rae was so exhausted she almost forgot to take her place tag! Paul Jennings ran in third and Lucy Duncan was hot on his heels for fourth.
Division 3 welcomed Graham Smith back to the course with a win! John Price was second and Alex Arnold was third. Gavin Urquhart was fourth whilst smiling Andrew Havadjia ran in fifth. Visitor Samphan Duangjaisawan tackled the hills with vigour on his maiden run and ran in sixth. Meanwhile, Terry Bailey was a happy finisher in seventh place, posing for the camera at the finish line!
Long course was claimed by Matt Dimmock with Perry Strand second (who also wanted to make sure he smiled for the camera as he ran). Jeremy Head ran in third as he put in some good hill work in preparation for his upcoming Kokoda trip. Brad Sawyers was the quickest over 10km, finishing sixth in 42.14 minutes.
Dean Bryce was the winner of Division 2 followed by Cath Head who was the fastest female on the long course, clocking 58.27. David Hughes was third, Milton Cox was fourth and good friends Natasha Toms and Sky Martin came in fifth and sixth.
Well done to all our runners and thanks to all our volunteers who ensure the competition goes ahead and runs smoothly each week.
Next week cross country is at Timberhills! See you there!