Runners step up trophy chase

Oct 19 2007 by David Triggs, Ches Chron Country

TATTENHALL Runners had a bumper entry in the Sandstone Trail races and came away with the team trophy.

The A race, across 17.1 miles with 1,750ft of climb, started from Duckington and joined the B race – 10.6 miles with 950ft of climb – just before Beeston, following the Sandstone Trial to Barnes Bridge Gates car park in Delamere Forest.

Tattenhall’s Simon Ellis finished second in two hours and 22 seconds and was soon followed in sixth by Peter Taylor (2:03.15).

Other Tattenhall athletes to secure top-50 places in the A race were: Ian Lancaster (10th in 2:05.50), Andrew Gooda (17th in 2:11.32), Dave Skyes (19th in 2:14.40 – 30 minutes faster than last year), Nick Holmes (31st in 2:20.18), Justin Realff (33rd in 2:22.38) and Mike McCorkell (43rd in 2:31.08).

In the B race, Tattenhall were led home by Mike Whiteside, who finished 11th in 1:18.54.

Richard Edwards spearheaded West Cheshire AC’s charge at the opening round of the Borders Road Running League.

He completed the course at Prestatyn to secure 16th position, ahead of Graham Earlam (30th), Andy Starkey (31st), Graham Jenkins (36th) and Louis Humphreys (39th).

Other counting members of the men’s team included Gary Withers (43rd), Paul Price (78th), Matt Gibbs (100th), Andy Hickmott (121st) and Chris Rhodes (135th).

Brian Hastings headed the remainder of West Cheshire’s representatives in 157th position, ahead of Dave Hough (160th), Alan Cooper (177th), Alan Littler (178th), Kerry Riley (238th), Steve Armstrong (247th), Geoff Harvey (255th) and Ian Cook (258th).

Fixtures this weekend include the second round of the North Wales Cross Country League tomorrow at Lilleshall (2pm start), while the Deestriders 5k Road Race takes place at Corus Sports and Social Club on Sunday (11.30am start).