Stubbington Green Runners

WHAT a pain! Stubbington Green's cross country team suffered in the mud at Prospect Park in Reading for the latest round of the Hampshire Cross Country League.

Ladies captain Chris Haskell was forced to pull out of the race after getting a thorn stuck in her knee. The other casualty in Berkshire for the fourth round of the races was Steve Marshall. He slipped down a steep hill, injuring his groin, and was forced to pull out of the 10km men's race after the first lap.

However, as far as highlights go, the talking point after the race was Mike Harper. With a better finishing kick than one of his beloved Pompey defenders, the Harp-meister produced one of his legendary sprint finishes to take two guys on the line for 58th place.

The senior men's team finished sixth on the day, and now lie eighth in the table, just out of the relegation zone.

Mark Le Gassick was the top Stubby in eighth place, and currently lies fifth overall in the individual standings. He was followed home by Tor Duffin in 23rd who holds 25th position in the individual positions.

Ray Gunner continues to run well, and was the third scorer in 51st. He is in 52nd position overall, but in the veteran age group sits in tenth spot. Mike Harper and Andy Simpson in 70th completed the scoring.

The Veteran men's team finished third overall, but slipped down a place to third in the team rankings. Ray's 51st place gave him 9th vet, with Mike Harper and Chris Vernon in 75th making up the wrinklies' squad.

Chris Haskell's injury meant the ladies were unable to score as a team, with Lesley Harding the best placed female in 45th place.

The final round of the Hampshire Cross Country League takes place at Canford Park, Wimborne in Dorset on February 11th. Before then are the Southern Cross Country Championships in Exmouth, Devon on January 28th.

Individual Results

Ladies

45 Lesley Harding 27.03 22nd Vet
51 Geraldine Perrier 27.27

Men

8 Mark Le Gassick 28.38 5th Overall
23 Tor Duffin 30.33 25th Overall
51 Ray Gunner 32.18 52nd Overall and 10th Vet Overall
58 Mike Harper 32.38 64th Overall and 15th Vet Overall
70 Andy Simpson 33.20 58th Overall
75 Chris Vernon 33.44 69th Overall and 17th Vet Overall
110 Graham Bell 36.06 74th Overall
123 Phil May 37.03 97th Overall and 33rd Vet Overall
133 Mike Bell 37.33 105th Overall and 44th Vet Overall
158 Nick Crane 39.45 116th Overall and 50th Vet Overall
171 Gordon Westley 42.10

For comprehensive results please click here. Results can also be found here.