Round 3 of Nowra Athletics cross country competition was held at Timberhills on Saturday 27th April in conjunction with Match 1 of the McCaffrey Challenge against Kembla Joggers. Unfortunately, Kembla were too strong for the home club and the bragging rights went to the visitors.
There were 12 competitors representing Nowra in the 1km event. First home for Nowra, based on sealed handicaps was Finn Goddard who clocked 4:26. Next home was Miller Balzke in 5:01 and then Hannah Vonk in 5:17 followed by Alba Vaughan, Halle Wallis, Malachy Martin, Aiden McLaren, Ruby Vaughan, Laxi Balke, Winter Bell, Maggie Vaughan, and Hugh Sproule.
In the 2km event the victor for Nowra was Trae Yenne in 8:49 followed by Taj Goddard and Samuel Vonk. In fourth place was Karly Goddard who clocked the fastest time of 8.22 followed by Lily Sproule. Division 2 was taken out by Brendan Goddard in front of Scott McLaren then next home was Dylan Cox, then Noah Dyball, Josie Sproule and Heidi McLaren.
Winning the 3km event was Will Dyball who clocked 10:20. Taking second was Jacob Pepper then third was Kalani Hay. Division 2 was claimed by Tennille Wallis with Christine Anderson taking second and Levi Wallis taking third.
Medium course was taken out by Jack Hay in 25:27 however it was Bradley Sawyers who was the fastest, stopping the clock at 20:50. Third was Nash Hay followed by Club President Scott Johnson.
Division 2 winner was Janeen Hay whilst second was short cut king Dean Bryce and third was Phil Duncan. In Division 3 the winner was Lisa Carroll in front of Andrew Havadjia and Di Court.
Damian Smith claimed victory in long course, finishing in 41:18. Matt Lewis was second and Matthew Schofield third. Robin Vonk crossed in fifth place but was fastest across this distance finishing in 38.55.
In Division 2 the winner was Hannah Vaughan followed by Gavin Dyball then Sue Strand.
Thank you to everyone who competed in the first round of the McCaffrey Challenge. Kembla Joggers reportedly were happy with the venue change this year; enjoying the challenging undulations of Timberhills. We will travel to West Dapto for the return match later in the season.