Gala Harriers opened their Cross Country league campaign at an extremely wet Stirling University on Saturday. With the junior harriers once again making up part of the successful Team Borders franchise, it was down to the seniors to pull on the green and white vest.
With a busy start to the season, the senior ladies didn’t field a full team on the day, perhaps with one eye on the defence of their national relay title next weekend in Cumbernauld. There were however strong runs from Kate Jenkins (26th, 26.25) who almost missed the starting gun, and Rachel Fagan (35th, 27.11).
The senior men’s race was dominated by Rio Olympic 5000m finalist Andrew Butchart but importantly, Gala did manage to field a full team of six and as usual, were led home by Darrell Hastie (21st, 31.04) who had a typically strong run. The next 4 harriers packed well with Fergus Johnston (71st, 34.38), Wayne McIntosh (80th, 34.59), Andrew Lawrie (88th, 35.23), and debutant Gary Trewartha (89th, 35.23) all running strongly. Completing the team was Derrick Brydon who worked his way through the mud and puddles for 215th pace (43.23).
All eyes next week turn to the National Cross Country Relays at Cumbernauld, and with record entries across all fields, it’s sure to be an excellent event with high hopes of silverware from the ladies masters team.”