Report by Jo Daniels
Todmorden Harriers took top spot in both the ladies and men’s veteran team competitions in the second Red Rose Cross Country League fixture at Chorley. Having achieved 4th and 2nd places in the 1st race of the series the two teams have cut the lead of their rivals and closed in on their aim of securing the overall team titles.
Todmorden’s ladies continued their run of fine performances. Melanie Blackhurst secured an impressive first place in the LV50 category, finishing in 23.14. Moyra Parfitt secured an equally impressive first position in the LV70 category, finishing in 31.57. Pauline May was 2nd in the Open category, in 21.17. Rebecca Patrick (LV45) and Kath Brierley (LV50) were both 3rd in their age groups, finishing in 23.13 and 23.41 respectively. Sarah Glyde was 4th LV40 in 23.31. Pauline, Rebecca and Melanie secured 1st place in the Ladies’ Veteran competition and also 2nd place in the Ladies’ Open Team Competition.
The other Todmorden Ladies’ results were: Nerys Rolinson 5th LV50 (25.50), Kate Mansell 6th LV40 (24.27), Louise Stunnell 8th LV45 (27.53), Claire Duffield 13th LV40 (26.47).
Todmorden’s men also continued their cross country successes with a range of impressive performances at Hyndburn. Andrew Wrench secured 2nd in the V50 category in 39.19. Nick Barber finished 3rd in the V40 age group in 40.17. Robin Tuddenham also secured 3rd in his age group (V45) in a time of 42.10.
The other Todmorden Men’s results were: Dwane Dixon 6th V40 (40.45), Graeme Brown 30th overall (41.27), Ben Crowther 14th V40 (42.56), Craig Stansfield 6th V45 (43.24), Paul Brannigan 6th V50 (44.22), Matthew Flannigan 20th V40 (46.00), Darren Tweed 89th overall (47.00), Michael Harper 16th V45 (47.40), Simon Galloway 27th V50 (52.08). The Veteran Men (Andrew, Nick, Dwane, Robin) took first place in the team competition in their age category. The Senior Men (Andrew, Nick, Dwane, Graeme, Robin, Ben) secured 3rd place in the Men’s Senior Team competition.