Glasgow Cross Country Championships

22/1/2000

Another Westies cross-country triumph at the weekend, with cash prizes abounding. Only 4 men and 1 woman braved the Glasgow Cross Country Champs at Pollok Park on Sunday, in extremely wet conditions. Of course, our intrepid competitors relished the conditions, particularly noting how the additional mud would turn the race to our advantage. And so it turned out. Ronnie Gallacher led the Westies charge in his debut league event this year. His 6th place, finishing behind the likes of Tommy Murray and Bobby Quinn, would have been an excellent demonstration of how to run cross-country...had anyone been foolish enough to turn out and spectate. 6th place was good enough for a cash prize, as would have been the 8th place in which Damon lay with 1 mile to go, had he not been suddenly and inextricably laid low with an 'upset stomach'. Damon lost about 20 places while he scurried nervously into the woods. As he jogged into the finish, he must have been contemplating the financial loss resulting from his pit stop. Spend a penny lose twenty quid! Never mind, for all was not lost. Gibson and Brian both were looking good, the latter in particular starting to regain some of his early season form. So it was that the team ended up in 3rd place, repeating last year's performance. Suggestions for the prize money include a year's supply of Diacalm for Damon.

In the Ladies' 6000m race, Chris Menhennet started off well for about 300 metres, before realising that it wasn't going to be her race. Obviously off form at the end of the first lap, her face said it all as she dropped out. The league organiser took pity on Chris for a fleeting second and almost considered giving her discretionary points...but no! A stiffened resolve brought him back to his senses. Just think of the precedent...people will be wanting points next for spectating!

There are a few changes at the top of the Men's League. Damon is now firmly established in the top slot and must now be favourite for the honours at the end of the season. Both Brian and Gibson have moved up the table. Roll on the Nationals!

Posted by Dave Calder on Wed 30 Nov -0001 | comments are closed

Category cross country