By Jamie Strudley
Yarra Ranges Athletics athletes made the journey to Ravenswood, near Bendigo on Saturday for Round 3 of the Athletics Victoria XCR’23 season. Open Athletes completed 8km over two laps, the U20s and U14s 4km over one lap, and 3km for U16s and U18s.
The course at St Anne’s Winery was a challenging one, featuring several short and sharp climbs, along with some picturesque (albeit, rabbit-hole laden) runs through the vines. It was slippery in some spots, rocky in others, and made for a hard race.
Our Open teams came out ready to race, with the Open Men securing their first podium finish in Div 2, claiming 3rd place. Harry Norman and Max Savill-Bentley lead the men out strongly, claiming some strong points for the team, both placing in the top 30.
Open Women continued to display team spirit, claiming second place in Div 2. Olivia Twining rallied the troops and got everyone fired up, with the top 4 scoring athletes all placing in the top 80. Congratulations to Harry Norman and Liv Twining for being the first Open athletes across the line in 22nd and 16th respectively.
As always, the Juniors showed up and gave it their all with plenty of strong performances. Shoutout to Brigette Rice for taking home second place in the U18 women. We also saw Zoe Clarke, Maddie Laven and little Bri Coffey placing in the top 5 for their age groups. Special mention to Finn Rossthorn on his debut run in the U14s for this season.
Results are:
Women Open 8km: Olivia Twining 16th 31:19; Abi Hyndman 50th 34:42; Katrina Winger 54th 35:12; Georgia Laven 80th 37:42; Elisabeth Coffey 118th 42:21;
Women Under 20 4km: Madeline Laven 4th 16:07; Rori Jones 10th 18:20;
Women Under 18 3km: Brigitte Rice 2nd 11:26;
Women Under 16 3km: Zoe Clarke 4th 11:52; Kristina Nackovski 27th 14:33;
Women Under 14 4km: Brienna Coffey 5th 18:58;
Men Open 8km: Harry Norman 22nd 26:05; Max Savill-Bentley 29th 26:27; James Laven 44th 27:02; Chris Grundy 180th 31:26; Ashley Bennett 181st 31:29; Jared Byrne 190th 31:52; Michael Clarke 220th 33:14; Logan Dutton 282nd 36:12; Graham Coutts 294th 36:52; Craig Hewitson 351 st 44:49;
Male 20 4km: Angus Norman 9th 14:16;
Male 16 3km: Mitchell Pointon 22nd 11:47;
Male 14 4km: Finn Rossthorn 13th 17:11;
Another great turnout for the weekly Saturday morning cross country. This week we were at Margaret Lewis Reserve in Coldstream. A tough course, especially after the recent rain, made course PBs tough. Always good seeing athletes have to earn their PB choccie frog.
Next week, athletes head to Elizabeth Bridge, Kilsyth. More choccie frogs on offer for course PBs. Get there early to warm up and prepare to run fast.
Training continues for all club members on Tuesday from 5.30pm at Morrison Reserve and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm at Victoria Road Primary School gym with an emphasis on preparing for cross country. Yarra Ranges Athletics welcomes and encourages all athletes of any age or ability.
If you, or someone you know, wants to join in the fun of cross country email info@yarrarangesathletics.org.au for information about events and registration.
For information on training, how to join or trial, photos, results and updated news, visit the website at yarrarangesathletics.org.au or check the club out on Facebook.
