EVANTON CROSS COUNTRY

With the proposed Edderton course unavailable due to farming commitments, race 5 in the North District XC league was staged around the Black Rock woods above Evanton.  With tricky underfoot conditions and fallen trees to contend with, Ross County AC managed to produce a great course which tested every athletes endurance and ability to withstand Arctic temperatures.

The hard work and dedication of athletes and coaches through the winter continues to prove invaluable as the club produced a string of individual and team winners.  The Under 13 girls again proved dominant with Megan Keith leading home with IH girls occupying 7 of the top 10 places including places 1-5.

Other individual winners were Aiden Ferry (u15 boys) who helped consolidate the u15 teams lead in the team event, Luke Shaw (u17), Helen Gertig (Senior Women) and John Newsom (Senior Men).

In the senior ranks both mens and ladies teams go into the final race in Nairn with healthy leads following the performances of club newcomers Helen Gertig and John Newsom, who have been pivotal in the push towards the senior team titles.  The performances of Cat Fraser and Caroline Marwick at Evanton (2nd and 5th respectively) looks to have put the club in an unassailable lead assuming a good run in the remaining fixture in Nairn on 14th February.  Helen also has a chance of a share of the overall title if she can win the individual race in Nairn.  The mens senior team also leads the standings with 1 race to go and will be hoping for another strong run from Newsom to lead not only the team home but also his own bid to win the overall title. Credit goes to all the other team members who have secured points along the way in particular Alison Wilson in the ladies and Paul Miller who has only missed 1 of the last 22 XC league fixtures.

Full results are available at http://www.northleague.co.uk/NDCCL-CLOUDNEXT-14-15/14-15-RCAC.htm

Many thanks to Phil Hindell of Highland Hill Runners for the extensive photo gallery which is available through the clubs Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/112007745495323/

Well done to everyone involved in the club for the continued success and good spirit.