GREENOCK Glenpark Harriers’ Andrew Harkins was the men’s stand-out performer at Falkirk in the National Cross Country Championships.

In the slippy, muddy conditions, his improvement over the last year saw him cut his time by three minutes to lead the team to 13th. With a number of call-offs due to injury and illness, the depleted men’s team stepped up to the challenge with Steven Campbell, and Shaun Lyon both finishing in the top 100, and with Mick McLoone, Paul Monaghan and Sam McVicar battling hard to remain high up in the top quality field, these made up the counting six.

In the veteran categories the Greenock men continue to impress, with Steven Campbell finishing 10th fastest in the over-40s and Mick McLoone third in the over-50s.

Robert Wilson also performed well and had been holding on to the final counting position for the most of the race, but a late surge by McVicar, running a three-minute personal best, edged him back to seventh.

Rhonda White, running strongly, producing a personal best over the course, was first home for the Orangefield club, heading Donna Clark and Marian Monk.

First up were the under-13s, Alan Mollins and Jonathan Slater, who acquitted themselves well in their first National XC.

Beth McKenna was the leading girl just a second in front of Sarah Pugh.

Shelby Morrison’s turnaround in form over the last two months has been remarkable.

The under-13 Scottish champion moving up to the under-15s this year had been struggling in training and little was expected of her for this championship. But an increase in the intensity of her sessions saw her hard work rewarded with a magnificent top 10 finish, with team-mates Nicola Doohan and Catriona Daisley supporting her well.

Dunoon boy Nathan Robinson continues to improve, going 30 seconds quicker on his time last year.

RESULTS: Under-13s/3.2km: Alan Mollins 15.03, Johnathan Slater 16.59, Beth McKenna 17.48, Sarah Pugh 17.49, Emily Pugh 19.29, Rachel Mulaghton 19.41, Christie Mulaghton 21.58.

Under-15s/4km: Nathan Robinson 15.37, Shelby Morrison 16.19, Nicola Doohan 18.17, Catriona Daisley 21.26.

Women 8km: Rhonda White 38.33, Donna Clark 39.37, Marian Monk 42.03.

Men 12km: Andrew Harkins 44.29, Steven Campbell 45.09, Shaun Lyon 45.26, Mick McLoone 47.05, Paul Monaghan 47.26, Sam McVicar 49.33, Robert Wilson 49.46, Danny McLaughlin 50.53, Graham McGrattan 52.30, Ross Neilson 52.52, Scott Forrest 57.49, Alan O’Rourke, 58.02, Kevin Gill 61.33.

Meanwhile, Greenock Glenpark Harriers host their Willow Bowl 7.5-mile conceding handicap race around the Greenock Cut on Saturday at the earlier start time of noon.

This will be the 32nd year the race will be held and again the race is sponsored by the Willow Bar, the longest sponsorship of any race in Scotland.

The trophy was donated in 1983 by the then manager and former Harrier Ronnie Arthur.

An exciting climax to the race always ensues as the fastest runners pursue the early starters, with the first runners expected back at the long dam at approximate 1pm.