Hutchinson takes top spot in veteran category at Masters

Larne AC were well represented with 40 -plus members taking part in various events over the weekend.

On Saturday 25 club members travelled to Lurgan to compete in the NI and Ulster Junior / Intermediate and Masters Cross Country Championships, joining a record number of over 490 competitors.

In the Masters’ Men 8km, Craig Hutchinson finished in 18th place (32:06) - enough to guarantee him first place in the MV50 category. Bernard Brady was next home (26th, 32:50), followed closely by Billy Thompson (58th, 34:43). Andy Gregg, returning from injury, placed 64th in 36:14. Other results: David Nobel(74th, 35:35); Michael Anderson (93rd, 36:34); Paul Gaskell (100th, 36:52); Nigel Kane (104th, 37:00); Raymond Bannon (123rd, 38:18) and Paul Tilson (130th 38:50); Dan Magill (152nd, 40:25); Alan Poag (175th, 45:04); Eddie Finn (181st, 46:50). The team results: A team 8th and B team 14th.

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In deteriorating weather conditions the Junior Intermediate and Masters’ women 4km were next to toe the line. Geraldine Quigley was first home for the club (15th 19:34), quickly followed by Rhonda Brady (23rd, 20:41). Third club member to finish was Roberta Barham (73rd, 23:37) who representing the club for the first time in her first cross country race. Heather Baxter was next to finish in 77th place (23:55), followed by Bernie Regan (99th 25:20), Lindsey Dillon (95th, 26:39) and Emily Boal (98th, 27:08) who all ran strong races. The Larne AC Masters ladies team were placed ninth overall.

In the Junior Intermediate race Clare McGuinness was first to finish for the club in 80th place (26:18). She was chased to the finish line by Kellie Connor (81st 26:22), Charlene Robinson (82nd, 26:22) and Emily Boal (86th 27:08). The Larne AC juniors placed 11th overall. All of the girls in the Junior race were all taking part in their first cross country.

The last race of the day was the Junior Men 10km and two Larne AC runners competed. First home for Larne was Michael McCambridge, making his club debut, (87th, 47:03). He was followed home by Bobby Boal (101st, 56:36).