Nowra Athletics Cross Country – Longreach 28/06/2014 What started out as a beautiful Saturday turned into a cold blustery afternoon as our members gathered at the Longreach Course at West Nowra. Numbers were down as many people took advantage of the beginning of the school holidays to explore other destinations or to sit in front of a nice warm fire.
Did you hear that we took out Country Club of the Year again? It just goes to show how fortunate we are that other people recognize what a great group of members we have, Members who are prepared to give so much support for everyone’s benefit.
We had no takers in the Special A’s this week but in the 1km, the first 4 place getters were hot on each other’s heels. In order over the line, we had Isaac Bacchus, James Babian, Bethany Dobson and Alisha Mustapic.
The young guns in the 2k event certainly kept the time keepers on their toes. Liam Coulson –Knight crossed first for division 1 off a handicap time of 1.40min. Sophie Fletcher was 2nd, Ruby Davidson 3rd and Stirling Norwood took out 4th place from a handicap of 2.50min. which earned him the boys ‘fastest time’ in the 2k. Ruby Davidson was the fastest girl over 2k.
In Division 2 of the same event, Roxi Florance was able to hold off the back markets to take line honours. In hot pursuit were Kate Leung, Thomas Pratt and Cameron Harrison in 4th.
It may have been cold waiting for your event to begin but the 3k participants certainly worked up a sweat. William Pratt took out 4th place, but he certainly gave a good chase to Jainie Hamilton (3rd), Tara Mustapic (2nd) and Alex Cornell (1st).
Training partners Jesse Buckham & Jade Mustapic took out the boys & girls ‘Fastest Time’ for 3k. Division 2 were no slouches in the times either. Mikayla Check only just beat Ella Davidson. Alex Arnold was lucky to hang on to 3rd as he crossed in front of consistent young Joshua Banwell.
Jye Edwards who started on a handicap of 6.00min blitzed the field to take out 1st. & ‘Fastest Time’. Hugh Dobson (5.00min) crossed in 2nd, Matt Brennan and Paul Davidson (Showing that you’re never too old) took out 3rd and 4th. Talented young teenager, Shenay Edwards improved her previous time to pick up ‘female fastest time’ points.
Continuing with the young and speedy for winners in Division 2- Kyra Florance, Ethan Havadjia, 1st & 2nd. were followed by John Keenan and Graham Smith (Young at heart at any rate).
The hard to beat Eva Moeller Duhme once again had line honours for Division 3. Angela Edwards only just beat Gavin Urquhart who only just beat Darlene Musgrove. (The oldies took that one out).
The die hards of the long course had to put up with a head wind on the way to the turnaround but it didn’t seem to offer too much of a road block to Dave Tuckerman who crossed well in front of the next competitor being Dion Carter. Brad Sawyers held it together for 3rd and Graham Pepper (with extra wind resistance) placed in 4th.
For Division 2, Jacob Prince was 1st, Linda Weatherill (2nd), Kim Waters (3rd) and Kendall McMaster (4th). In the final line honours, Laura Babian put in a good performance as part of her training for the “King” next Sunday. Geoff Crook was also following this strategy to place 2nd. Ally Strand ran well to place 3rd and Ed Egan fought well to take out 4th place.
Interesting to note, despite the windy conditions, 99% of competitors in the long course improved significantly on their previous time. Leith Babian & Linda Weatherill collected ‘Fastest Time’ honours.
Next week is the King of the Mountain. We are short on volunteers and if you can spare your Sunday, please contact Peter Dooley (44418739) or Terry Bailey (44216065).
Check the website for your final times and we’ll see you next week at Tomerong.