Nowra Athletics Club is back!
With community sport for both adults and under 18’s able to resume from July 1st with strict NSW Health Public Order requirements in place, Nowra Athletics Club kicked off their 2020 cross country competition on Saturday 4th July at Hollyhill.
It was great to see so many familiar faces, as well as some new ones!
In the 1km Malachy Martin was first home followed by Aiden McLaren and Doonan McLaren.
In the 2kmCameron Baxter was the winner, clocking 8:59. Next home was his pal Harry Thomson in 9:36 and third was Myra Betts in 10:28. In fourth place was Trae Yenne, and in a sprint finish William Anderson took fifth place in front of Elsie Procter. Heidi McLaren and Scott McLaren rounded out the field.
There were thirteen competitors in the 3km event and it was Denzel Atkinson who took the line honours. Oliver Baxter was second and Hamish McLaren finished third in front of sister Emily McLaren. Anna Duncan was 5th, Joseph Petts 6th and Paul Duncan 7th. Crossing the line in 8th place was Katie Martin followed by Noah Dyball, Alisha Mustapic, Ella Dyball, Julia Yenne and Andrew Havadjia.
Nineteen runners tested themselves over long course. Taking victory was Scott Martin in 40:11 with Liam Dooley 2nd in 43:53 and Jasper Arnold 3rd in 44:46. Steven McCullough, Chris Berendt, Glen Mustapic, Glen Sampson, Richard Bosdyk, Michael Duncan and Patrick Ozlins rounded out the top ten.
Dean Bryce ran in 11th and promised he took no shortcuts! Rob Woods was 12th followed by newcomer Zac Byehowe. Long-time member Erich Moeller-Dhume ran in next then the smiling trio of Natasha Toms, Leanne Hanson and Sky Martin concluded the field. Milton Cox and Perry Strand unfortunately pulled out of the event, and we hope to see them back up and running next week.
Medium course had twenty-four participants so the runners were divided into two divisions. Crossing the line in first place in a quick time of 19.53 was Brad Sawyers. Tom Duncan was 2nd in 21:01 and Dennis Smart was close on his heels finishing 3rd in 21:07. Darcy Hopkins was 4th followed by track sprinter Lachlan Kaszonyi. Enjoying his home turf was Ethan Havadjia who finished 6th, followed by Peter Dooley, Nash Hay, Zac Havadjia and Erin Smart. Club President Scott Johnson ran in 11th and daughter Casey Johnson was right behind him in 12th whilst Gavin Dyball was 13th in Division 1.
Division 2 winner was Darcy Arnold followed by Lily Sproule who accidentally ran the medium course instead of the 3km but did herself proud, then third was Phil Duncan. Next home was Angela Bond, then Lucy Duncan and Alison Havadjia. Finishing with smiles were Alex Arnold and Sharon Bryce followed by new member Ross Girdler then Eva Moeller-Duhme and John Price.
It was great to see so many competitors to welcome back cross country. We look forward to seeing everyone at the first points round next week at the new course at Vincentia.