Adam excels in UK trials

CROSS COUNTRY: OLDHAM and Royton Harrier Adam Howard produced a superb display to finish second in the under-15s race in the UK Cross-Country trials at Sefton Park, Liverpool.

Despite taking on some of the country’s top young runners, Adam (pictured) covered himself in glory, coping well on the muddy stretch for home.

The other Oldham and Royton athletes headed to Clayton Vale, Manchester, for the third race in the South-East Lancashire Cross-Country League.

Christopher Brown produced another good performance to take second place in the under-13 boys race in 11 mins, 50 sec, leading the Harriers team to first place.

Connor Colleavey chased Christopher all the way for third place in 12:18, and he was followed by Bradley Healy (fifth in 12:28), Luke Brierley (11th in 13:49) and Nathan Hilditch (13th in 14:43).

Not to be outdone, the club’s under-13 girls also took top spot.

They were led home by Jade Pearlman, who was an excellent sixth in 13:40.

Next came Lucy Kershaw (eighth in 14:15), Rachel Emmott (ninth) in 14:32, Megan Whitworth (11th in 15:17) and Amy Hall (12th in 15:38).

Joe Kershaw ran well for fifth in the under-11s’ race, clocking 8:48.

He was followed by Alex Taylor (eighth in 9:06), while Leah McDonald ran well to be sixth in the girls’ race in 9:43, ahead of Elle Morrison (eighth in 10:04).

There were also good runs from Scott Healy and Steven Heanue (seventh and ninth in the under-15s race in 16:02 and 16:21), while Katie Frost was seventh in the girls’ race in 18:53.

Jane Augsburger had a great run in the under-17s’ event, taking second place in 23:27. She was followed by Emma Hook (sixth in 32:22).

Pam Hudson ran well in the women’s race to clock 40:08, while the men’s event saw Mike Mannings finish an excellent seventh in 37:07, with David Smith 44th in 44:08, Darren Mannings 68th in 47:31 and Brian Schofield 71st in 47:48.