Juniors shine for west

Published 13 Jan 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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GOLDEN BOYS: Jonathan Glen and Ross Gray were counting runners in the winning under-13 west team.

SIX of Inverclyde Athletic Club's junior members were in action at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, on Saturday. They were representing the West District in the annual Inter-District Cross Country Championships.

Part of the Bupa Great Winter Run Festival, it is to the credit of the organisers that the event went ahead with all possible safety procedures in place, despite the recent weather which caused most events over the Christmas period to be cancelled and also made training extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Emma Mitchell, representing the west for the first time, was initially hindered by the travelling conditions which saw her just arriving on time to join the start line.

Nevertheless, the young athlete composed herself and completed the course in a creditable 20th place.

Next off were the under-13 boys, with two Inverclyde athletes - Ross Gray and Jonathan Glen - wearing the west vest.

This was a very competitive race, and both should be proud of their performances, finishing in seventh and eighth places respectively.

They were counting members for the west team which took the gold team medal.

Under-15 boy Greg Williams was also competing for the first time at this level and was unlucky to finish just out of the team postions, with the west taking gold again.

Nynke Mulholland, who has represented the West District at all age groups, was taking part in he under-17 women's event for the second time, and progressed well through the field over the three-lap course to finish in a creditable 14th place overall.

She was fourth counter for the silver team medallists.

Emma Rice was the final Inverclyde junior to take part, and was involved in the junior/senior women's event which also incorporated the international race.

Over the longer distance, Emma, one of the youngest in the race, performed admirably, and was sixth counter for the west team which took silver position.

Chloe Simpson was taking part in the Great Winter Run over the roads in Holyrood Park, finishing a creditable 10th in the U-13 girls' age group.

Results: U-13 girls - 20, E Mitchell 13.14. U-13 Boys - 7, R Gray 10.56; 8, J Glen 11.02. U-15 boys - 14, G Williams 10.39. U-17 women - 14, N Mulholland 18.17. Junior/Senior women - 41, E Rice 26.31.

Many thanks go to parents and coaches for transport and vocal support, which was greatly appreciated.

Inverclyde juniors' training is now, hopefully, back to normal with Tuesday sessions as follows: U-11s meet at Ravenscraig Sports Centre at 5pm, U-13s at Inverclyde Academy at 5pm.

Both these sessions move out to Ravenscraig Stadium at 6pm, finishing at approximately 6.30pm.

The sprint group and Ian's middle distance groups meet at 5pm in Ravnscraig Stadium with the U-15, 17 and 20 girls' middle distance groups starting at 6pm.

Thursday training for all groups starts at 5pm in the Battery Park.

Juniors from age eight interested in taster sessions are always welcome to attend.

● Inverclyde junior AC are supported by National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd.

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 13 Jan 10

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