GREENOCK Glenpark Harriers’ veterans were in superb form as the four local men stormed to national silver in the mud and hills of Cumbernauld Park.

Hopes had been high after securing silver at the West Districts two weeks earlier, but it was going to take everyone to be at their very best to repeat that result in the much tougher Scottish National Championships.

David Tamburini had set off in the blistering opening leg, and with his best run of the season kept them well in contention in fourth place. But with Cambuslang the red hot favourites and their team packed with internationalists already building a sizeable lead, for the rest of the competing field the battle was for the silver and bronze.

After stage two the Greenock club were facing a serious threat from Kirkintilloch, who had built on their lead over the Harriers, even so Steven Campbell had matched David’s time to pass Shettleston, and put the team into bronze position.

With the ground now getting heavier, up stepped Andrew White on the penultimate leg, and just as he did at the West District, he closed the gap and passed Kirkintilloch to leave the Harriers in second, but only by a few seconds.

On the anchor leg, Paul Monaghan, with all the pressure piled on him, rose to the occasion, and not only did he hold on, but he increased his lead, running the second fastest final lap of the day on the churned-up course to the delight of the travelling supporters and club mates.

The top senior men’s quartet of Andrew Harkins, Stephen Trainer, Shaun Lyon and typified by David Henderson and his never-give-in commitment, were also in fine form, giving their all to improve from last year’s 23rd to finish 11th best team in Scotland.

It was a tremendous performance from the club, with a demonstration of strength in depth right throughout all the teams.

Suzanne Harkins was quickest woman, as she led her team of Donna Clark and Gillian Forrest to a top 40 placing, but they were pushed close by the club’s B team of Liz McAuslan, Marion Monk and Rhonda White, who took 11th place in the veterans’ competition.

In the young athletes relay Zoe Renfrew in her national debut set up the more experienced Shelby Morrison and Nicola Doohan to come storming through the field to finish in 22nd overall.

Meanwhile the boys’ A team of Alan Mollins, Ryan Brown and Nathan Robinson continue to show steady progression. There were encouraging signs too from the boys and girls in the B and C teams with all showing marked improvement in recent weeks.

Results — Sen A: Andrew Harkins 14.10, Stephen Trainer 13.32, Shaun Lyon 14.22, David Henderson 14.15 Sen B: Brian Harkins 16.10, Kevin O’Donoghue 15.22, Duncan Anderson 17.15, Alan Henderson 15.24 Sen C: Paul Beaton 16.27, Ross Neilson 17.51, David Roberts 16.47, Alan O’Rourke 17.30.

Vets A: David Tamburini 15.01, Steven Campbell 15.01, Andrew White 15.28 Paul Monaghan 15.26 Vets B: Sam McVicar 15.33, Robert Adams 16.47, Kevan McCartney 16.11, Alan O’Rourke 17.30.

Vets C: Mick Harrington 18.04, Ross Slater 18.41, Robin McAuslan 18.32, Kevin Gill 19.35.

Vets O50s: Stephen McLoone 16.22, Mick McLoone 15.58, Graham McGrattan 16.40.

Ladies A: Suzanne Harkins 19.51, Donna Clark 20.20, Gillian Forrest 20.33.

Ladies B: Liz McAuslan 20.49, Marion Monk 20.04, Rhonda White 20.16 Ladies C: Kirstin Arthur 22.05, Viki Wilkinson 22.09, Lisa Ruddy 22.39.

Boys A: Alan Mollins 11.44, Ryan Brown 11.51, Nathan Robinson 10.38 Boys B: Jack McDaid 12.44, Joshua Ruddy 1 2.04.

Boys C: Ewan Ferguson 12.38, Jonathan Slater 13.11.

Girls A: Zoe Renfrew 13.17, Shelby Morrison 11.00, Nicola Doohan 12.04 Girls B: Beth McKenna 13.39, Megan Rodgers 13.00, Lauren Mulaghton 13.10.

Girls C: Brooke Gallacher 16.00.