CAMBUSLANG HARRIERS “MASTER” THE MUDDY CONDITIONS AT AYR.

Cambuslang Harriers masters women and men added the West District Masters Cross Country team titles to the West District Cross Country Relay titles they had won previously in October.  Jennifer Reid, Bernie O’Neil and Claire Mennie were the female counters with Robert Gilroy, the individual winner, Kenny Campbell and Justin Carter making up the men’s team.  While the club has been accustomed over the years to success in the men’s masters category it was refreshing and welcoming to have the women emulate them.  While there were no individual medals for competitors over 60 Erica Christie and Paul Thompson were both first in this age group with Frank Hurley 2nd M60.  In the M55 age group Des Dickson, Alick Walkinshaw and Dave Thom were 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. 

There was gold medal success too for the under 20 men’s team thanks to Craig Jardine and Gavin Smith who were 2nd and 3rd and Scott Sommerville 10th  thus retaining their title from last year.  Christopher McLew in 3rd place led Ruairidh MacGregor and Keir Crawford to team silver in the under 15 boys race.  It was pleasing to see Keir pick up his first district team medal which was a just reward for his consistency in training at the club.

The senior men team of Robert Gilroy, Iain Reid, Ben Hukins, Al Campbell, Gordon Robertson and Kenny Campbell gained team bronze behind Shettleston and Inverclyde.  Considering the number of pre race call offs due to illness the sextet battled well to be among the team medals.  Club captain Iain Reid made a late call to run having been unwell in the lead up to the race and in spite of the lingering effects of his illness made a significant contribution to the team.  The senior ladies quartet of Alex Lamond, Kirsty O’Brien, Jennifer Reid and Bernie O’Neil finished a very creditable 4th.  Cambuslang had their best ever turn out in this event with 9 lady finishers.  Erica and Claire already mentioned along with Lesley McArdle, Julie Dell and Lyn Angley all acquitted themselves well over a hilly and muddy energy sapping course. 

The under 13 boys team of Fearghus MacGregor, Robbie Woods and Mark Cassidy finished 8th while their female counterparts of Niamh Riggins, Shona Carey and Millie Nicholl went one better in 7th place.  Eamon Carr, Drew Pollock and James Hannaway running in the under 17 age group were 6th team.  Carla Fay and Susie McLaughlin represented the club in the under 15 girls race and Ruth Kelly in the under 17 event.

(C)Bobby Gavin

(C)Bobby Gavin

Once again the important contribution made by the back up team of coaches, officials, parents, supporters and club photographer Colin Stephen deserves to be acknowledged.

David Cooney.

PS Dont forget to enter the Down By The River 10k