2018 Inter Counties Cross Country Championships Preview

Jane Hodgson in action in the 2017 Inter Counties XC Championships

Hopefully, weather conditions will have improved somewhat for the North East athletes
who travel to Prestwold Hall, near Loughborough, Leicestershire on Saturday 10th March 2018.
for the annual UK Inter Counties Cross Country Championships,
which also incorporates the final of the UK Cross Challenge Series.

Several Morpeth Harriers are included in the ten squads,
and the club wish everyone best of luck in the quest for medals.

The North East Senior Men have won their trophy for the last seven years in succession,
​and have won twelve times in all, and are hoping to retain their hold on the trophy.
No doubt recent snowfall if thawed sufficiently, will leave courses very heavy underfoot.

A total of fourteen athletes from the ranks of Morpeth Harriers have won selection to compete for the region

Ten of the fourteen selected are competing in the Male events, with four due to line up in the Female events.
In addition, three athletes from the club are named as possible reserves in the Male events.

The selectors were faced with some very tight decision making, following some excellent performances
achieved by many, at both the Regional and Northern Championships, held in early December 2017
and at the end of January 2018.

No less than four from the club are named for the Senior Men’s event,
they are Carl Avery, Lewis Timmins, Sam Hancox, and Chris Smith.

North East Champion Kieran Hedley, and Jake Masterman have won selection to the Junior Men’s squad.

Rory Leonard, who won both the Regional and Northern Championships heads the Under 17 Men’s squad,
and is accompanied by club colleagues Daniel Dixon, who was regional Bronze medallist, and Daniel Melling.

Youngster Sam Tate has also won selection to the Under 13 Boys squad, however may have to miss out
because of an already booked skiing trip, however the honour of being selected will remain with him.

In the Senior Women’s event, both Emma Holt and Jane Hodgson are named at the head of the squad.

Having an absolutely superb Cross-Country campaign, has deservedly resulted in Gracie Hufton being selected for the Under 17 Women’s squad, and the same applies to Holly Peck, who will line up in the Under 15 Girls squad.

The three Morpeth athletes who are named at present as reserves are Taylor Glover and Ross Charlton
for the Under 17 Men, and Euan Duffin for the Under 15 Boys squad.

Well Done to all athletes named, in the sincere hope that they will give their all in performing on the day.

The respective North East teams will once again be managed by Stewy Bell
​(Blackhill Bounders) (Male), and Lynn Cooper (Houghton Harriers) (Female).