Close call for North Wales runners in Inter-Counties match

The North Wales men’s and women’s teams with manager Paul Brooks (furthest right). Photo: Spectrum Striders

It turned out to be a very close contest for the North Wales athletics team at the Inter-Counties match with Cheshire and Staffordshire staged within the Birchwood 10k last weekend.

Just two points separated the top and third placings in both the male and female sections with the North Wales men’s team finishing on 26 points in 2nd spot, just a point behind Staffs, and one ahead of Cheshire.

The ladies competition was equally close with North Wales eventually 3rd with 27 points, just two behind the winners Cheshire and one adrift of Staffs.

Final results: Men: Staffs 25, N. Wales 26, Cheshire 27. Women: Cheshire 25, Staffs 26, N. Wales 27.

Times and individual race positions: Eddy Paddy (Edd Flynn) 32:53 (5); Dave Bennett 33:14 (7); Steven Hayes 34:24 (14); Martin Green 34:24 (14); Chris Yorke 39:02 (63); Leon Bagnall 39:53 (74). Amie Bagnall 39:40 (13); Gemma Brown 40:54 (17); Sarah Livett 41:06 (18); Ceri Cook 42:19 (21) and Rachel Shipley 44:24 (29). Ceri Cook was first F50, almost 6 minutes ahead of the next woman in her category and Steven Hayes was 4th M40.

Team manager Paul Brooks was pleased with the overall performances and confirmed: “My thanks to all our athletes, but special mentions to Chris, Ceri and Steven, who all came into the team after very late withdrawals.”