Gwent League

Newport Harriers Gwent League

Gwent League Cross-Country
University of Bath, 9th November 2008

Senior Men – 288 starters, Newport suffer from poor turnout

Our eleven runners at Bridgend were reduced to five at Bath and when Dave Proffitt pulled out after lap 1 with a sore calf it meant we were one short a full scoring complement. Neil Hardee was 33rd as he now prepares for next weekend when he represents Wales in the Masters International Cross-Country Championship. Dave Goodger improved a few places to 77th and was pleased with his run. Dave Griffiths set off at a quick pace and finished well in 140th position. Darryn McAtee paid the price for trying to keep up with Dave Griffiths and slipped to a lowish 173rd but at least beat his arch-rival from Lliswerry Martin Davies.

In Division 1 we have a nice cushion over Sarn Helen but the danger team is University of Bath. They scored zero in Bridgend because they didn’t turn up, but if they amass points at the same rate as today then they will overhaul us after race 4 in Brecon. On the other hand the final race of the season is in Carmarthen so there’s every chance they’ll do another no show which would make us safe.

After the race Assistant Team Manager Colin Bradley said, “The boys did great. I’m gutted for Dave Proffitt having to pull up short and I was disappointed we didn’t have a full scoring squad. In future if anyone says they can’t run because they have a virus will have to show me a doctor’s note”.

Senior Men Division 1

Senior women (169 starters) – Ceria Rice boosts squad

With Kirsten Waring and Becky Ingleton both unavailable it was great to see Ceria Rice turn up at Bath and grab some points. With our current lack of female middle- and long-distance athletes Ceria could be a real asset for us on track and country. Ahead of Ceria (100th) were Rhian Loudon (92nd) and Anne Saxena (58th) to complete a solid team performance. In Division 2 Newport dropped two places to 4th although this was partly due to an administrative technicality as Team Bath were accidentally put in the wrong division after race 1 and have now been reinstated.

Senior Women Division 2