SYAL Cross Country Newport - Report

Excitement and nerves were evident at the SYAL XC season opener this weekend at Adams Grammar School as our young athletes lined up to compete against their local rivals.
Many of the SAC competitors moved up an age group this season, with it, they would be racing over longer distances for the first time.
The organisers also revamped the race timetable in an attempt to attract more athletes as they, and parents juggle other sporting commitments.

A smaller than expected turn out of Shrewsbury athletes meant we were unable to field full teams in many of the races, which is a shame on the great efforts put in by all who turned out.

In the first of the days races, Abbie Lavis was our sole runner in the U15Girls competition. The 2 lap course was ran at a quick pace which split the field from the start. Abbie was in touch with a small group until an increase in pace toward the end left her in 21st place.

Next up, Ben Ashcroft and Dan Lucas competed strongly in a small u15's field. The step up in distance didnt appear to bother either runner with Ben running a strong even paced race to finish 3rd, with Dan finishing strongly in a superb 7th place. Despite only fielding 2 runners, the lads have put themselves in 3rd place overall in the team standings too!

Our strongest showing on the day was in the U11s categories. Katherine Smith overcame a bout pre race jitters to finish a stunning 2nd place with a quite brilliant run given her nervous condition moments before. She will no doubt be in the reckoning come the end of the season if this performance is backed up in the remaining fixtures.

In the only race to feature a full team from SAC the U11 boys, equitted themsleves really well. Eddi Brittleton led the team home in 6th place, with debutant Hamish McCartney leading home Tom Turner in 10th and 11th respectively. Freddie Turner was 18th to complete the scoring for the team, which leaves them strongly placed in 3rd.

Becky Peet found herself to again be the sole SAC competitor in the U13G field, and her hard training of late was rewarded with a strong run throughout to finish 13th. A top 10 finish is easily achievable this season for Becky after this showing.

Another debutant, Stuart Duff, joined two of our more experienced runners, Luke Howes and Ross Kirby, in the U13's race over 3000m. The 2 lap course was a big step up in distance for the lads who bunched as team for the majority of the 1st lap, before Ross and Luke pulled away. Luke continued his steady progression through the field to come home well
in 13th, while Ross had a more combative race, eventually being handed 18th place, while Stuart was closing in on him in 19th. Despite only 3 runners, they boys have positioned themselves nicely in 4th place in the team standings.


A tough baptism for the debutants, and for those movingup the distances too, but all of our athletes conducted themselves superbly well, and there were a number of really strong performances. The Club really would encourage those who are interested to turn out and support your team-mates in this competition as the core of the team is strong enough to earn
silverware this season, there is no doubt.
Many thanks to Athletes, parents, and Coaching staff for help and support yesterday!

Lets hope for continued success at the next fixture at Oswestry on 18th October where we are hoping for a really good turn out of athletes.

Full details will be posted here shortly.

North Wales Cross Country Fixtures

Shrewsbury's Senior Men team will aim to win the title for the 3rd consecutive season.

Colwyn Bay 26th September
Lilleshall 10th October
Bangor 21st November
Wrexham 16th January
Oswestry 2nd February