7 November 2009	NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE - PARKHALL
	Unfortunately due to a clash with the Schools Years 7, 8 and 9 races at Stafford junior numbers were down and unfortunately caused some incomplete teams, but there were never the less some excellent performances from those present, and a first team win of the winter for the senior men's squad. There were no individual winners on the day but Megan Cogan (U13 Girls), Michael Harding (U17 Men) and Seb Duffy (Senior men) all had great runs finishing second in their races. The senior men produced another committed display of packing from a tiny squad. Behind another strong run from Seb, Steve Bazell showed that his fitness is returning as he easily managed a top 10 finish this time. Brian Cole has just had 2 weeks off after the Washington Marine Corps Marathon, but put in a typically gutsy effort to gain a top 10 finish too.  17 year old Liam Hendricken was our next counter with his best performance so far at senior level. After a steady start Liam moved strongly through the field for 21st, a massive improvement on Lyme Valley. Keep it going Liam, and put the old dogs like me permanently into retirement! Still not finding form in 25th despite some consistent training, I really struggled for two and three quarter laps, but when I put my foot down at the end there was actually plenty there - so who knows! Experience suggests that a big improvement may be just a round the corner... Close behind me fellow master Andy Allen was our 6th counter and showed that he is definitely on the mend as he headed me for more than a lap. Hopefully it will be even closer next time, but a bit further up the field! 7th man Junior Rob Cook made the long trip from Bath University worthwhile with an excellent run in 46th. Shows those Bath Hills are working Rob! 8th man, and probably preferring not to be mentioned was Gary Castrey in 74th who has just started to train again... We should have had 9 finishers, but unlucky Dave Lee was man-handled off the course on the first lap by another competitor and never really recovered from the back strain that resulted. Dave has the potential to be a quality athlete and is usually a counter every race these days, and we hope he recovers quickly from this setback. It was also great to see Team Manager Steve Shubotham out and about after illness. Hopefully the team can now keep the pressure on for the title this year. Next race is next Saturday 14th November at Stafford Common. Please do everything you can support us, even if you cannot run. If you are unattached or running for another club and wonder how we achieve such strong team performances from a small squad of competitors please call in at Northwood Stadium on a Tuesday or Thursday evening from 6pm onwards and ask for Dave Hindley, or email him. We are really keen to recruit male and female runners and other athletes who can put The City of Stoke-on-Trent back on the map nationally! John Danahay Full results on the North Staffs Cross Country League Website: www.nsccl.co.uk Great photos courtesy of Brian Dale and Mick Hall U11 Girls Team 6th - 65 points 16. Georgia Murphy 22. Caitlan Dimick 27. Laura Cogan 29. Roisin Nolan 34. Georgia Harper  U13 Girls - Team 1st - 14 points 2. Megan Cogan 5. Jessica Heath 7. Tasha Stone.  8. Sarah Griffiths  20. Maread Nolan 22. Olivia Barnett U15 Girls - Team 2nd - 24 points 6. Melissa Harding 8. Jessica Griffiths 11. Jade Heath 12. Chloe Heath U11 Boys - Team 5th - 48 points  9. Edward Smith 15. Reese Clowes 25. Lucas Jones 29. Ethan Wemyss 31. Alex Lightfoot U13 Boys  15. Robroy Gregory 19. George Steventon U15 Boys 8. Kris Washington 18. Greg Smalley U17 Men - Team 1st - 11 Points 2. Michael Harding 4. Joe Broome 5. Alex Brecker 13. Rob Wilson 14. George Mellor 16. James Astbury 17. Alistair Heath Jun, Sen & Vet Men - Team 1st - 95 pts  2. Seb Duffy 8. Steve Bazell 9. Brian Cole 21. Liam Hendricken (U20) 25. John Danahay (M45) 30. Andy Allen (M40) 46. Rob Cook (U20) 74. Gary Castrey (M40) 8.51 9.16 9.33 9.42 10.14 8.32 8.51 8.56 9.04 10.17 10.23 10.07 10.16 10.58 11.03 9.04 9.15 10.07 10.22 10.42 10.55 11.32 10.19 11.28 20.07 20.46 21.23 23.59 24.50 24.56 26.04 35.54 37.17 37.21 38.30 38.46 39.10 40.52 42.40