North Wales Cross-Country League meeting at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay.

GRAND PRIX EXPRESS: “David Alun Williams” NORTH WALES CROSS COUNTRY SENIOR LEAGUE. 

Special report courtesy of Bernie Jones, the secretary/referee from the meeting at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay on Saturday 21st January 2023. (*Bernie Jones is pictured below).  

 

A big thank you to Russell Godwin, Crispin Backshall, and to all of the Colwyn Bay marshalls and volunteers who helped set up the course in difficult conditions, and put on a great penultimate David Alun Williams North Wales Senior Cross Country League for 2022/23. 

Whilst the youngsters were back at Eirias Park last year, it was fantastic to see the senior league back in Eirias Park, and I have a few special memories of my own running on the fantastic course. 

Yes, it may have been a slightly different course (and a bit longer than indicated on the course maps!!) but for those with good memories the senior league was last at Eirias Park on 10th October 2010, but Eirias Park will always be a testing course regardless of the conditions. 

As far as I can see from the record books the only woman to win all five races in a season is Ali Whitelaw, Wrexham, and she achieved that feat back in the 1997/98 season. With yet another emphatic win Sara Willhoit, Shrewsbury has sown up the women’s individual title and was on course to emulate Ali. However, sadly Sara will be otherwise engaged on the last day, but she has had a fantastic season dominating the Women’s races.

The Division 1 Women’s Team race is really hotting-up and there is only 23 points between the first 3 teams after West Cheshire had won on the day for the first time. In Division 2, Shrewsbury are well clear but it’s good to see Aberystwyth Uni still in second place. Oswestry seem to have settled the Women’s Masters title although it’s going to be tight for second place. 

There was a great Men’s race with Rhodri Owen, Meirionydd finally getting away on the last lap, whilst West Cheshire youngster Jamie Richardson had another terrific run. Shrewsbury have all but retained their title, whilst Meirionydd and Aberystwyth Uni look certain for promotion from Division 2. In the masters Shrewsbury retain the upper hand but in the M65+ team category it’s good to see Shropshire Shufflers leading the way. 

*Bernie later added: Apologies for the distances at Colwyn Bay which were longer than displayed. However, it was great to be back at Eirias Park on a true cross country course. I'm sure you all; found it challenging.
The usual thanks to the host club Colwyn Bay, they were out late on Friday and early Saturday to set things up for you. A special mention should also go to Claire Wynne-Jones, Deeside, who supported John Tipping, Wrexham all the way round his last lap after he had fallen a couple of times. Thanks Claire. 

*The next and final race of the season will be as usual at the Marches School, Oswestry, SY11 2AP on Saturday 11th February 2023. 

 

Please can clubs ensure that all the perpetual trophies are returned to the clubhouse BEFORE the race. We will try to produce the results as quickly as possible after the two races, but as usual Oswestry will have their fantastic array of cakes to keep you occupied whilst we sort the results out 

 

Bernie Jones - Secretary/Referee.

*This is the link to the provisional results from the Colwyn Bay meeting:

https://www.northwalesxc.com/.../Eirias-Park-DRAFT-21-1...