Hawke's Bay's two harrier clubs combined to produce some intriguing battles in the first interclub races of the season, on the challenging Mission Estate course on Saturday.
Although the school holidays accounted for many absences the ideal autumn conditions attracted 91 competitors for the three-race programme at the Smith's Shoe Store-sponsored
event.
The vastly improved Michael Murray (8.06) won the opening 2km race after a seesaw battle with Brendan Speakman (8.13) through the forest section. Tom Biss (8.24) run solidly for third. Annie Creagh (9.12) outclassed her opposition to be first girl home ahead of Rachel Town (10.08) and Jade Hopkins (10.55).
Creagh won a pair of running shoes for the most meritorious performance.
Ben Biss (16.51) outstayed the opposition to be first home in the two lap second event. He was made to work hard by Hastings teammates Michael Muller (16.58) and the early pacesetter Brent Pulford (17.42).
Simone Morris (17.50) made a welcome return to the local running scene to win the senior women's grade. Runner-up Jenna Fitch(19.28) received a lesson about the rigors of cross-country racing but will be stronger prepared next week. Gina Finlayson (24.37) finished in third place.
The most interesting contest came in the girls 16 years and under group. Laura Mohi (18.42) proved superior in the latter stages after stifling the strong challenges of Julia Trautvetter (18.51) and Katie Harris (18.52).
In winning the girls 14 years and under division, Laura Nagel (18.54) showed she is a star on the rise. Nikki Powell (19.13) and Denise Tryon (20.50) filled the minor placings.
In the masters women race, Marilyn Brown (18.55) seemed to have the field at her mercy until Claire Burnard (18.53) stormed home over the last 400m, announcing she is still not ready to relinquish her provincial masters crown. Cheryl Simpson (19.36) was rewarded with third placing after producing her normal consistent effort. In the weak field, Sarah Morton (19.24), Sonia Grant (20.03) and Shayna Heywood (20.08) were the only three finishers in the women's 19 years and under grade.
With the non-appearance of Matt Holder for the final event over 6km, it was left to Neville Smith (20.43) to display plenty of purpose to win the senior men's contest. He was forced to work hard by the winner of the men's 19 and under grade, Daniel Wallis (20.55).
It took until after the 4km mark before Smith gained any superiority over Wallis. Josh Barber (21.28) was third overall but runner-up in the seniors, ahead of teammate Richard Potts (22.04). Steven Smith (21.34) was rewarded with a fourth placing overall among illustrious company and second in his grade ahead of Caleb Milne (24.45).
Top veteran cyclist Darryl Strachan (23.01) cleaned up top master runners Shane McCormack (23.19) and Iain Murray (23.57). Ryan Smith (24.04) displayed plenty of grit to win the boys 16 years and under section from a tiring Cameron Poole-Smith (24.49) and Eric Speakman (25.46).
Jenna Fitch and a surprised Tim Creagh were the successful recipients of the women's and men's Novice Cups.
Hawke's Bay's two harrier clubs combined to produce some intriguing battles in the first interclub races of the season, on the challenging Mission Estate course on Saturday.
Although the school holidays accounted for many absences the ideal autumn conditions attracted 91 competitors for the three-race programme at the Smith's Shoe Store-sponsored
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