Cross Country was held at Hollyhill on Saturday 22nd August in blustery conditions. The course at Hollyhill is always challenging but with strong winds, and cold temperatures it was even more of a challenge. Runners battled the wind and were lucky not to get blown off course.
In the 1km the convincing winner was Malachy Martin followed by Amarlie Halliday, Aiden McLaren, Doonan McLaren and Archie Halliday.
In the 2km event first home was Lailani Halliday. In second place was Airlie Stevens in the fastest time of 10.01 followed by Myra Betts who completed the race in almost identical time of 10.02. Fourth was Trae Yenne then William Anderson was fifth, Heidi McLaren was sixth and McPherson Turnbull was seventh.
The winner of the 3km was Marcus Baxter with Toby Dyball second. Third across the line, and first female home was Emily McLaren. Hamish McLaren was fourth and clocked the fastest time of 14:10. Cameron Baxter beat brother Oliver Baxter home followed by Noah Dyball then Ella Dyball. Bringing up the remainder of the field was Katie Martin then Andrew Havadjia and lucky last was Darlene Musgrove.
Medium course was won by Harrison Baxter who clocked a fast time of 20:11. Work horse Peter Dooley was second in 22:01 with Darcy Hopkins hot on his heels in 22:04. The fastest runner was Bradley Sawyers who crossed in fourth in 19:13. Sprinter Lachlan Kaszonyi continues to prove he is more than a sprinter, finishing fifth in 21:59. Perry Strand was sixth followed by Ethan Havadjia, then Scott Johnson and Holly Bond.
Division 2 of Medium Course was taken out by Geoff Crook in front of Bill Turnbull and young Darcy Arnold. Annette Sampson, Angela Bond and Alison Havadjia followed. Next home was Alex Arnold followed by Lisa Carroll and Donna Johnson. Crossing in tenth place was Sharon Bryce who has demonstrated ongoing grit and determination this season and has consistently improved whilst John Price, another runner who demonstrates ongoing persistence brought the field home.
Claiming victory in long course was Matthew Schofield from a field of twelve. Will Dyball stepped up to long course and finished second in 42:18. Jasper Arnold was third in 43:44. Clocking the fastest time was Scott Martin who crossed fourth in 40:10.
Long course Division 2 had ten competitors. David Hughes took the win in front of Michael Brodnick and Michael Duncan. Rebecca Cooper ploughed home to take fourth whilst Dean Bryce was fifth. Newcomer Amy Manton crossed in sixth place whilst Milton Cox was seventh. Another newcomer Dan O’Connor finished eighth with our smiling duo of Natasha Toms and Sky Martin completing the field.
Next week cross country will be at Hollyhill again, in preparation for an exciting event on September 5th where Hollyhill will play host to Nowra Athletics Club inaugural COVID Cross Country Championships.
Hollyhill is an ideal cross country course with its sharp turns, steep hills, long cambered sections, cowpats to jump and sometimes mud to negotiate; all under the magnificent backdrop of Cambewarra Mountain.
So, what better place to hold our Cross Country Championships! More details to follow!
