Euan beats frosty conditions to win opener

The first race in Central AC’s 2019/20 CrossCountry Series was held on Saturday in frosty conditions on a flat course of some 2k at Airthrey Castle, Stirling University.

A field of 27 runners braved the cold conditions and Under 15 Euan Docherty’s strong running brought him home in first place in 7.22 leading home fellow Under 15 Ross Lawrie who showed continued improvement with 7.56.

Joshua Kennedy also looked in good form as he led home the Under 13 Boys with 7.32 ahead of Aaron Middleton’s fine effort of 7.48. There were further noteworthy performances from the Under 13 Boys through Alex Dunlop (8.12), Fergus Young (8.18), Jamie Connor (8.50), Conall Paterson (9.40) and Scott Hill (10.05).

Finlay MacGregor (9.10) proved to be the class of the Under 11 Boys race with Oscar Underwood (10.48), Arthur Carrie (10.57) and Gabriel Stewart (11.40) all laying down targets for the future.

Among the girls it was Under 15 runner Amy Cully who led the pack home with a gutsy 7.45 performance ahead of further strong runs from Summer MacLean (7.53), Leona Melville (8.23), Zosia Paddon (8.42), Tara Mathewson (9.05) and Scarlett Roy (9.17).

Loren Stewart’s fine effort (8.47) saw her at the head of the Under 13 Girls with Niamh McKinlay (8.52) producing another strong challenge in this age group, as did Emma Anderson (9.18). Dara Clark should be pleased with her 9.24 effort to lead the Under 11 Girls to the finish ahead of another fine effort by Ciara Middleton (10.10).

The three Under 9 Girls were not daunted by the cold weather or their older opponents and finished closely together with Eilidh Connor (11.25) taking the honours ahead of Hannah Cowley (11.36) and Jessica Walker (11.56).

Thanks are due to Derek Easton, Raymond Milne and all the helpers who made this a successful event.