St Helens Sutton A.C. members travelled to Yorkshire for the Northern Cross Country Championships held at Pontefract Racecourse in Pontefract Park.

The conditions were muddy and cold if flat, and there were 13 athletes representing the club.

First for the club was the U20s ladies, this saw Rachel McGoldrick finish the 5.6km race in 40th in 22 min.50 secs and also Maria McGoldrick who finished 51st in a time of 24 min.15 secs.

Next was the U13s boys, both representatives competed in their first ever northern competition, Charlie Roberts finished the 3.1km race in 139th place in 13 min.06 secs. while Michael Brussels finished 168th 13 min.51 secs.

One U15s girl, Samantha Price, competed, racing over 4km. she finished 105th in a time of 18 min.47 secs.

Gemma Connolly competed in the senior ladies 8km race, she finished 47th in a time of 33 min.16 secs. Finally, there were seven senior men.

This race saw Tom Griffiths lead the team covering the distance of 12km in 133rd in 44 min.18 secs, John Greenall finished in 283rd in 48 min.30 secs. and Barry Graney finished 409th in a time of 51 min.50 secs.

In addition to these, Andy O’Connor completed the race in 564th place in 58 min.00 secs, Peter Johnson finished 490th in 55 min.19 secs and Tony Doyle 679th in 70 min.43 secs. Steve Anders also started this event but was unable to complete the race. The senior men’s team finished 47th overall.