The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A weakened Nene Valley Harriers team still performed admirably at the latest Frostbite League meet at Nene Park.
With the Harriers under-strength, Yaxley Runners, Werrington Joggers and Eye Community Runners took full advantage of the late change in venue from March, finishing as second, third and fourth teams respectively in what was effectively a home race.
The race was due to take place at March, but because of the unavailability of the course the venue was switched to Ferry Meadows, a bonus for the Peterborough clubs.
PACTRAC’s Paul Vernon is rarely beaten in the Frostbite League, and Sunday proved no exception as he covered the challenging 6.25 mile course in 28.28mins.
Vernon had the company of Nene Valley’s Lloyd Kempson for the first four miles, but having raced the previous day the Harrier sensibly dropped out when he felt a twinge in his calf.
The Nene Valley team finished sixth, but were missing many key athletes.
Suzy West, of Eye, won the ladies’ race, finishing an excellent 43rd in 33.08mins – a full minute and a half clear of Ramsey’s Lisa Marriott in second place.
Caroline Woods of Yaxley finished third with her teammate Gina Crane also making the top ten.
Owen Wilkinson, of Nene Valley, had a fine run to win the junior race, but he was the only local to feature towards the front of the field.
Nene Valley are currently occupying fifth place in the junior standings, just behind Oundle-based PACTRAC.
With two races to go, the senior league is hotting up with Hunts AC and a resurgent Werrington Joggers clear of the pack.
Werrington could yet pip Hunts AC for the league title, but to have any chance of doing so they will have to win the remaining races.
Nene Valley are third with Yaxley two places further back.
