The Yorkshire Championships returned to Lightwater Valley for the second year running, and once again the weather was fairly kind, though underfoot conditions were in places very tricky.
Only 8 Juniors took part, but there were some fine performances, with Emile Cairess providing the highlight of the afternoon for the small band of supporters whose contribution to the event was also outstanding.
In the U13 Girls Lucy Miller and Katie Smith both worked their way through the field after a steady start and showed real determination, as did Vicki Merrick and Anna Whitehead in the U15 Girls, though neither enjoyed the heavy going.
Matthew Merrick set off in a more positive manner than in some of his races this season and should be encouraged by his result, as should Sarah Dewhirst in the U17 Women and Thomas Potter in the Junior Men.
Pride of place, however, must be given to Emile Cairess, who won his first Yorkshire title, having led more or less from the gun : a performance all the more laudable since this is his first year in the age-group. Perhaps Club historians could let me know who was the last Bingley junior to win a Yorkshire title?
Results:
U13 Girls: 37th Lucy Miller; 39th Katie Smith
U15 Girls: 15th Vicki Merrick; 54th Anna Whitehead
U15 Boys: 28th Matthew Merrick
U17 Women: 29th Sarah Dewhirst
U17 Men: 1st Emile Cairess
Junior Men: 16th Thomas Potter
Well done to all of the runners, but a particular thank you to parents and supporters for creating a wonderful atmosphere that carried right through to the end of the meeting – I can’t wait for the Northerns!
Tony Kingham