Cross Country No. 4 at Allestree Park 04/12/2011
Hatton Darts came into their own on Sunday 4th with a visit to probably the first winter run of the year as CURRENT Derby Runner Cross Country League Champions.
Having had an unseasonably mild start to the season the Darts were pleased to finally see a tough Cross Country course, courtesy of Allestree in Derby, encompassing all of Hattons favourite terrains/conditions including mud, gravel, long grass, a solid heavy downpour of hail, steps, several severe inclines and well; more energy sapping mud, all in one tough 6.2 mile route finished by 304 tired yet accomplished runners.
Putting out a strong team the Darts finished up striding to Team glory- Top honours going to Naomi Warr for crossing the line in First place, by a considerable margin, for the ladies. Engine room performances then came from ever dependable top ten finisher Claire Calladine 10th, fast finishing Jane Godfrey 22nd, Pam Chamberlain 26th, next in came Carol Sharratt,top 60, followed by an improving Jane Wade- who’s track sessions seem to be doing the trick, Karen Jackson, Ruth Matthews,Fok Siu-Foon and Emma Carruthers, all giving essential back up.
The men went out with usual enthusiasm and exuberance as a swarm of red vests swarmed the leading group. Relative new comer, teenager Alex Benfield, shone bright as he headed the Darts men home for a fine 5th place overall, his slight frame taking many experienced country running athletes by surprise with his strength over such a muscle sapping course. Gordy Smith,despite having raced the previous day, made easy work of the hills to take a commendable top 10 place, keeping his younger teammate Jamie Fletcher at bay. Fletcher more than pleased with 14th, being more used to sprinting 400meters round a smooth flat track. Next in was Tony Caulton,18th overall yet showing all over 50’s a clean pair of heals! Nigel Elson took the steady start approach finding form during the second lap surging through the field for 36th. Meanwhile Jim Londesborough paced himself well for a solid 58th whilst Jason Tilley also finished strongly for 60th having raced for the first time since February, Paul Mellor followed home for 68th.Andy Crockford 82nd and Tim Matthews 92nd, were pleased to made top 100. Crossing the line having shown effort and determination were Chris Matthews 109th, Mark Slade 122nd, John Gregson 131st, Paul Smith 17th followed home by our over 70’s representative Colin Scattergood in a pleasing 200th place.
With just two races left Hatton are gaining momentum and have a real chance of racing their way into the national finals.
Results for Cross Country No. 4
