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| Press Releases - Monday 13 April 2009 |
| 16 year old Joe Clayton was the surprise winner of the David Cummings Trophy at the weekend when he won the Kilbarchan Athletic Club’s annual 7mile handicap Road race staged over a tough figure of eight course around the Renfrewshire hills.
Former winner John Simpson was first off on handicap from the Park Gates in New Street, followed by Robert Connell and then 2007 winner Richard Beall. Another former winner, Dougie Biggart set off four minutes behind the first man and then a group of runners including Joe Clayton. Stevie Hards and John Kynaston , both strong endurance runners, were off at 9.45 and 10 minutes with Leanne Hamilton, the only woman in the race, going at 11 minutes and James Snodgrass, the back marker off at 14 minutes and a lot to do.
Richard Beall was looking strong up the Dampton Brae and through the crossroads with Joe Clayton starting fast in the middle group and progressing through the field to start closing on the front runners. Stevie Hards was getting away from ultra runner John Kynaston, and Leanne Hamilton, one of Kilbarchans winning National Road Relay Championships winning quartet, was beginning to make her challenge.
Round by the Clochoderick Stone, down the Howwood Road and then the turn up the Crossflats Hill, saw all the gaps closing up and the heat of the day was also having an effect on some runners more than others. Back through the crossroads again and most runners were taking advantage of the Water station. Robert Snodgrass was making a move but so was Joe while Richard was showing signs of fatigue. Leanne was still coming through and James Snodgrass was closing on everybody, though still a long way back.
Past Meikle Burntshields farm, through the Big Dipper, round the turn at Lawmarnock Farm and Joe was moving to the front but Leanne was also coming and only 250metres behind with 2 miles to go . Stevie Hards had been passed by Leanne but was hanging on down passed the gas station.
Turning into Shuttle Street, Joe flew down the hill, still 100metres in front, round the Cross and back to the finish at the Park Gate, maintaining his lead for a fine win with Leanne a valiant second and Stevie just holding on to third place ahead of a fast closing James Snodgrass with Robert Snodgrass 5th and Gordon Gallacher 6th.
Fastest scratch times were James Snodgrass 40.53, Leanne Hamilton 45.05, Stevie Hards 44.39, Joe Clayton 45.15, John Kynaston 45.45 and Gordon Gallacher 46.31.
Martin Lipton made a good early start to his track season when he won the Scottish Universities 400 metres Hurdles title at Grangemouth at the weekend. The 20 year old , who is studying PE at Edinburgh University, was happy with his time if 55.0 seconds and also with his 4th place in the 200m in 22.88 seconds.
Paul Leck, a student at Strathclyde University and like Martin, a member of Kilbarchan Athletic Club, also had a useful early season track outing, 2nd in the 1500m in 4 minutes 2 seconds and Claire McNicol (Edinburgh University), was second in the 100m Hurdles and the 400m Hurdles.
Arthur M Smith Monday 13 April 2009 |
