Bury athletic club, Christmas handicap, Market Street track.

The warmest place at the track was the clubhouse, where the drinks and mince pies seemed a much better attraction than outside.

By the time of the first race, the youngsters had all been warmed up by coach Ged Campbell and his dynamic stretch routine.

It certainly worked well for the three Dawson girls, who once again were all competing, and did very well.

However this time they managed to persuade their dad Barry to also compete, well Christmas does come but once a year!

In the under-9s the girl's trophy was retained by Zoe D'Arcy.

The under-11s was won by Natalie Dawson, in the girls' race, and by Harry in the boys'.

Under-13s saw the girls' race won by Gabby Dawson, the boys' winner was Joe Jackson.

Following the under-15s' race, the bragging rights in the McDermott household all belong this Christmas to Alix, after she won the girls' race.

The senior race was the final event and the women were away first, Eileen Ingham, then Janine Hope followed by the youngsters, Natasha McDonald, Lizzie Cheshire and finally the sun tanned Cheryl Sullivan.

The two lap course had Cheryl running hard to pull back the handicap, and at the end of the first lap she still had plenty of work to do to catch Eileen and Janine.

However, despite her claims to a late night the previous evening, Cheryl did not fade and crossed the line to win her first senior handicap.

Janine Hope was second, just ahead of Eileen, with Natasha and Lizzie following.

The senior men had four competitors, Jerry Peach, the volunteered Barry Dawson, last year's winner Kevin McDermott and Terry Ratcliffe.

After the performances of his daughters, Barry Dawson had a tough reputation to maintain in what was his debut for the club.

He finished third, ahead of Terry Ratcliffe and just behind last year's winner, Kev McDermott, with Jerry Peach 12 seconds ahead of the 2006 winner. The presentation was hosted by Kev McDermott and included prizes for all, as well as a presentation to Lawson Duerdin.

Greater Manchester

Cross Country

Championships

Moses Gate

Country Park, Bolton

DESPITE a late change of venue the Greater Manchester Cross Country Championships had a strong turn out from Bury A.C.

The championship was switched from Moss Bank Park to a new testing course at Moses Gate that was found to be heavy going on the day.

Under 13 Girls

As always this season, it was Nicola Quick that was first counter home for the club.

Nicola has had a very good cross country season and is looking to maintain her form in championship events.

Nicola floated over the seriously muddy sections of the course and her 15th place in a time of 13.07 was a good performance. The rest of the team comprised the two younger Dawson girls, Gabby and Natalie.

These two only came into cross country mid-season, and they have progressed very well indeed.

They finished 19th and 20th respectively in what was their first ever championship. The team finished fifth.

Under 15 Girls

Only Brooke Dawson in this age category, but Brooke worked hard on a course that was getting heavier by the race, and must be pleased with her 29th place in a time of 17-32.

Under 15 Boys

The return of Scott Evans gave the club their strongest team, but they had to work hard for the finishing position of 4th team. Scott was never far away from the leaders, but his lack of fitness finally caught up with him in the closing stages, and he had to be pleased with 5th position. Louis Szymanski was 14th whilst Ross Little found the pace a little quick, and finished in 21st position.

Under 17 Boys

Only two members in this age group, but Josh Cole and Nick Lamont ran strong races. Josh finished 14th, 21-01, and Nick 21st 22-02.

Under 17 Women

It was a strong performance from Laura Evans that produced the club's highest position of the day. Her 2nd place, 16-31 was evidence of her ability and application as the course continued to get muddier and muddier. Cheryl Sullivan has returned to her best form recently, and 14th place, in 19-00, was a solid performance. Without the absent Jessica Simons, Mel Monks was again the third counter, her 19th position in 19-59 a well deserved return for her commitment. The team finished 6th overall.

Senior Women

Making their cross country championship debuts were Bev Scholes and Jane Antrobus. Both enjoyed the challenge of the difficult course, but were able to apply themselves well. Bev was always ahead of Jane, but she knew that any lapse in concentration and Jane would be past her. For Jane the course was a delight, the clinging mud slowing down the less determined, and always giving her a chance to catch another competitor. One of those that Jane did pass, was Rochdale's popular Brenda Robinson.

Bev meanwhile was finishing strongly in 32nd place, 34-03, with Jane just behind in 33rd, 34-43.