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| Press Releases - Monday 22nd February 2010 - Part 1 |
| Callum Hawkins confirmed his role as favourite when he won the Scottish under 20s Cross Country Championship at Falkirk last Saturday. Callendar Park is a superb venue and the sunny though cold weather added to create a magnificent colourful spectacle. Callum was made to work all the way by Shettleston's Matthew Gillespie, these two pulling away from the chasing pack and providing an exciting finish with Callum just 15 metres clear at the end. The Kilbarchan of Callum, Scott Hawkins, Paul Leck and Stephen Fleming, finished 2nd to Central AC.
The Senior race, 3 laps of 4K, also produced high drama. Around 500 runners lined up at the start and right away, Derek Hawkins was in contention. Going into the last lap, Derek was still in the leading group and despite a fall just 1000m from the finish, he rallied to finish a clear third behind winner and defending champion Alistair Hay of Central AC. This was a fine achievement for the 20 year old and there was also an excellent 9th place for team-mate Conor McNulty.
Freya Murray of Edinburgh AC dominated the Women's 8K race though Elspeth Curran, 5th in the under 20s race last year was always in contention and showed great maturity to finish in 4th place though understandably disappointed to just miss a medal. There was also a good 16th place from around 200 runners, by Cara Sloss.
Euan Gillham, the West champion, was the star in the younger age groups .. winning the under 13 boys race over 3.2K, in convincing style with Gavin McArdle just missing a medal finishing 5th. Good support from Scott McLardie and Kane O’Neil meant Silver team medals for the Kilbarchan club. For the under 15 boys, there was a fine run from Callum Matthews, just first year in the age group and finishing in 11th place.
There was disappointment for the under 13 girls. Gwen Gillham 4th individual and the team including Katie Turnbull, Caitlin McStay and Kathryn Lee, missing Bronze medals by just one point. Better news for the under 15 girls, despite losing West runner up Kate Gillies through illness, they rallied well, led by Kirsty Harper, also just first year in the age group and finishing in a superb 9th place, Kirsty was supported by Jenny Eadie, Erin Campbell and Cleo Jackson to win Bronze team medals.
There were also well earned Silver medals for Kilbarchan’s under 20 women's team of Natalie Sharp, Christina Rankin and Jessica Martin.
Arthur M Smith Monday 22nd February 2010 |
