Bolton Harriers kicked off the Red Rose cross country season with a visit to Leigh on Saturday 2nd October. Despite the rain the very flat course remained predominantly mud free and was a great introduction to CrossCountry running.
The under 11 boys team finished 5th led home by Leo Moreton Derain finishing a superb 3rd. His team mates were Joshua Grundy (21st), Benjamin Davies (25th), Matthew Wood (29th), Maximilian Preston (36th) and Ted Radcliffe (45th).
The Under 11 girls were next out on the 2km course. Emily Wood came storming home in 10th followed by cross country debutant Freya Lombard (32nd) and Jasmine Greenhalgh (59th). Jasmine was making her cross Country debut under the proud eye of Grandad and Coach Gwylim Jones , who did a sterling job as ever supporting and cheering on the athletes.
In the Under 13s Nathaniel Knowles ran brilliantly breaking into the top 10 for the first time. Alexander Preston finished 14th and Micheal Ratchford in 28th brought the boys team home in 6th.
Scarlett Thompson produced a wonderful run in the under 13 girls finishing 10th with team mate Cerys Jones in 48th.
Ruby Erzan-Essien ran strongly in the Under 17 womens race finishing in 2nd and cheered on by proud Dad Atto. Lily Philbin enjoyed a return to cross country running finishing 9th with great family support.
In the Ladies race Bolton’s Women impressively all finished in the top 11 with Laura Lombard placing 2nd, Rachel Bailey 8th and Katie Percival in 11th. Unfortunately with no fourth counter they were unable to field a team.
The Bolton men ran solidly in their race many of them new to cross country and finished 6th team. Robert Short ( Running Mayor of Bolton) was first home in 36th. Joe Grisdale and Jordan Brophy packed nicely in 39th and 41st. Thomas Gore finished 50th with Joshua Lee in 54th, Richard Scaife 82nd and Mark Garner 104th.
Bolton Harriers host the next fixture at Leverhulme park on Oct 16th where conditions are sure to be muddier and more cross country like, not to mention the infamous river crossing!
