Markfield XC

Cross Country is back!!!
In conditions that are unlikely to be the norm the Derby Runner XC League got off to a great start for most of the Club’s 27 runners who lined up on the start line with over 500 others at Markfield on Sunday. In terrific conditions, over probably the most forgiving course on the circuit, Dominic Sharman showed he is right back to form as he led the Club’s runners home in the men’s race with a superb 16^th place finish in a time of 34.34. Chris Pearson, over what is probably his favourite discipline, ran strongly for 21^st place in 35.03 with season long rival, Andy Hawtin not far behind in 29^th in 35.39. Shane Chapman, emphasised his strength over the country, with a 34^th place finish before Mark Harriott & Andy Windle had a really tight battle as finishing positions of 78^th & 79^th confirm. Simon Reynolds also had a good day as he finished in 100^th place with Jon Mayman, making a welcome return to competitive action, not far behind in 104^th. The ever consistent Andy Orme was next home in 131^st place before a really close battle between the returning Christian Glover, Tom Eyre & Glenn Smith who finished in 145^th, 148^th & 149^th places respectively. Team wise Adrian Middleton was slightly isolated in a very respectable 174^th position before closer order was restored as Paul Glover (263^rd) just held off the battling Richard Ward (264^th). Steve Fowler in 284^th edged out cross country debutant Stuart Reeves in 290^th with Dave Renshaw completing the Club’s finishers in the men’s race.
After a great series last year all of the Club’s teams are now in the top division & the Club’s women got off to a great start with Christina Hawtin-Cooper confirming her status as one of the best senior women in the area by completing the approximate 5.5 mile course in 39.03 for an excellent 5^th place. Making their competitive debuts for the Club, Caley Parnell & Jenny Winter, performed superbly to finish in 38^th & 82^nd places in times of 45.11 & 49.32. Also earning really valuable team points was Nikki Reeves in 93^rd before Kerry Ward, Linda Mason & Heidi Elliott gave everything in finishing in 144^th, 195^th & 196^th places respectively. Less fortunate was Club stalwart Tracey Glover, who after a really bad fall, was left battered & bruised & unable to complete the course. She’ll be back!!!