Match Four Race Report

Track specialist Max Wharton was a classy winner of the men’s race, run over 8k, in decent weather

conditions at Kenworthy Woods, Stephen Green Reports.

Sale Harrier Wharton, who has run 3:39 for 1500m, held a slight lead on the first short ‘parade lap’ with teammate Ryan Worland and Peter Taylor-Bray prominent from host club Chorlton Runners. Through the tricky wooded sections and the ‘Chorlton Alps’ Hill section at the back of the three-lap course,

Wharton pushed on and was able to enjoy a nine second margin of victory from the fast-finishing Worland. Sebastian Poma, of Manchester Met University, moved in third, just two seconds clear of Taylor – Bray. First U20 home was Caleb Winfield from Buxton (11th) with Michael Holness of East Cheshire first V40(13th). Wharton also led Sale Harriers to a convincing team win, ahead of East Cheshire.

Emily Kearney, winner of two previous matches at Heaton Park and Wythenshawe, wasted no time in asserting herself in the women’s race. The Warriors athlete held a significant lead on lap one of the 8k race, the same course as the men, with Katherine Fitzpatrick of Chorlton prominent, alongside Kate Moulds and Amy Wyers.Kearney made light work of the trails, sharp hills and playing fields to come home just over eighty seconds

to the good from Fitzpatrick with Tracy Rogers, third around 120m down. Taylor Massey (18th ) of St Helens was the first U20 finisher and First V40 was Salford’s Laura Lombard in eighth. Chorlton Runners’ were able to celebrate a team win, with Vale Royal AC in second place.

Tommy Calland, Warrior’s club emerged victorious in the U11 boys’ section, ahead of Loxley Schofield and Bobby Hughes. Fellow Warrior Daisy McVicar pushed ahead of Lucy O’Brien and Cicely Coldwell in the girl’s counterpart.

Liverpool’s Bobby McEvoy enjoyed a seven second win over Bobby Birkett in the U13 boys’ race, with Peter Herring, third. In the girls event Warrior’s Eve Beddow was around 70m ahead of Beatrix Soper, with Isla Yorke third.

Isla Pastor of Warrior’s enjoyed 17 seconds of daylight over Izzy Hall with Rebecca Murphy third in the U15 girls’ race. Pio Aron of Trafford finished top of the U15 boys’ only Zach Rose of Stockport, could separate a phalanx of Trafford runners lead by Finlay Dobson Emmas and taking the next six places.

Liam Johnson of St Helens was almost thirty seconds to the good, in the U17 boys’ section, from Rhys Bowden with Jack Heap third. Stockport’s Freya Murdoch again dominated affairs in the U17 girls’ event, the best part of 400m clear of Nia Griffin, with Rosie Philbin third.