Top duel in cross–fire

8:31am Wednesday 28th November 2007

CITY of York Athletics Club are poised for their best-ever results in the West Yorkshire Cross Country League.

A number of athletes are in a position to claim a medal after performing well in the third event of the four-race series on Knavesmire.

Team captain Andy Hilton led from the front in the senior men's race over ten kilometres, finishing ten seconds behind winner Alistair Brownlee, of Bingley.

The result leaves Hilton well-placed to take the title, although he faces a duel with local rival Kim Critchley, of Knavesmire Harriers, in the last race at Wakefield on Sunday.

Behind Hilton, the City of York men had their best result of the series, finishing third after Bingley and Leeds City.

Other counters were Mark Metcalf, in 14th who is also in with a chance of taking an overall medal - Piran White (21st), Paul Goble (26th), Don McMillan (39th) and Andy Normandale (47th).

Jim Shemilt has already won the Over-60s title, as he was first in the age group in the third event and also in the first two races.

Andy Normandale was first in the O50s and, with two wins under his belt, is in with a chance of taking the title.

Defending women's champion Becky Penty finished fourth and is guaranteed a top three place overall.

Vicky Graves was sixth overall and the first Under-20 athlete home. With two wins, she should win overall if she runs the last race.

The team was completed by Karen Wood (30th) and Angela Peace (40th).

The City of York team were in contention to win the team title before the York race, but a third place meant they lost ground to Holmfirth. Knavesmire Harriers also beat City of York, though City of York should still claim second spot overall.

Dawn Gibbs is well placed to take the O50s title, although she did not run at York, and Karen Wood could win a medal in the O35s.

The best junior result came in the U17s with Ingeborg Lind fifth and Jenny Parker sixth, and both are in contention for overall medals.

In the U13s, Saffron Botterill was sixth, Katy Wood eighth and Lauren Bird 24th to claim third place as a team.

In the boys' races, Kieran Smith was second in the U17s, just ahead of Iain Lynn (third). The team, completed by Sam Baker, was second.

Oliver Dixon was seventh in the U15 boys, leading the City of York team to fifth place, while Jamie Proctor led the U11 boys to third team.