Harriers miles ahead again

FORRES Harriers are looking good going into the last stretch of the Cross Country League.

There is just one race left in the league, at the event which Forres are due to host on February 15; good results are already sealed for several of the Harriers.

Ben Cameron will again be boys under 11 winner, Moira Davie will be senior ladies winner and Gordon Lennox will be senior men’s winner. Anna MacFayden is a very strong contender to take the girls under 15 title. Several of the ladies and men are looking at the possibility of finishing within top three for age group. It is very close for some of the team prizes too. The under 11 boys and the men’s team are currently lying second with it all to run for at Forres.

For the first time in the history of the league, the Forres Harriers ladies team go into the final race with a comfortable lead. If the ladies can hold on to this lead, this will be the first time that a ladies team other than Inverness Harriers will have taken the team prize.

The Forres team’s progress has been steady during Janury.

They travelled to Inverness on Saturday (Jan 18) where the local club were hosting the 4th North District Cross Country League fixture.

A new course, in the stunning location of Dores proved to be a hit, and provided a hilly challenge.

Running in the under 11 boys race; Ben Cameron, continued his winning form to finish first.

He was well supported by Rob Bichen and Oliver Watson. In the under 13 girls race; Lily Carmichael finished 7th overall, supported by Emma Rogan and Lauren McLeod. Anna MacFayden has continued to grow in strength throughout the season to finish 2nd in the under 15 girls race. Aidan Ferry ran well to finish 4th in the under 15 boys. The under 17 girls were represented by Eliza Bonsall who finished 5th overall.

In the senior ladies race, Moira Davie led from the start in another commanding performance to finish 1st lady. She was supported by Kirstie Rogan 5th and Susan McRitchie 12th, to take first ladies team. Also running were Jackie Nicol, Elizabeth Watson and Ros Wright.

In the senior men’s race, Gordon Lennox finished 1st. With Robbie Paterson 6th, Paul Rogan 13th and Graham Jervis 35th, the mens team finished 2nd team overall. Also running were Fraser Scott, James Ward, Lindsay Grant, Ted Collins, Tim Pott, Gary MacFayden, John Holloway and Jamie Watson.

Last weekend, East Sutherland Athletics Club hosted the 5th North District Cross Country League fixture at Edderton, near Tain. Another fantastic course, a beautiful location and great views over the Dornach Firth. The wet weather prior to race day led to a muddy course, making the hilly parts of the course even more of a challenge.

Running in the under 11 boys race; Ben Cameron took the challenging course in his stride and easily finished 1st. Supporting were Oliver Watson 8th, Rob Bichan 12th and David Spencer 13th. In the under 13 girls race, Lily Carmichael finished 7th, Anya Hayward 11th, Emma Donald 12th, Lauren Cameron 15th, Emma Rogan DNF due to a fall. Anna MacFayden finished 2nd overall in another strong performance in the under 15 girls race. Aidan Ferry finished 4th overall in a competive field in the under 15 boys race.

In the senior ladies race, Moira was unchallenged and led from the start to seal her 4th win of the league. Kirstie Rogan ran extremely well in the challenging conditions to finish 3rd and with Susan McRitchie finishing 8th, Forres Harrier ladies took first team. Also running Hilary Cameron, Jackie Nicol, Elizabeth Watson, Ros Wright, Hannah Rogan and Shona Spencer.

In the senior men’s race, Gordon Lennox finished 1st and claimed his 4th win of the league. With Robbie Paterson finishing 3rd, Stan McKenzie 9th and Paul Rogan 12th, the men’s team finished 2nd overall. Also running Graham Jervis, Steven Hayward, Gary MacFayden, Jamie Watson, John Holloway and Colin Knox.