ON a busy weekend of cross-country racing, athletes from Blackheath Harriers, Bromley were in action at four different venues across Britain and Europe.

Former Southern Cross-Country champion Tim Dickinson returned to international competition in Ghent in the latest round of the Belgian Cross Cup. He was the first of the England team to finish in 16th place.

The English equivalent of the Belgian series took place at Senneleys Park, Birmingham, where four Heathens were among the 800 who toed the start-line. First home was Dan Ayrton in 24th place timing 35mins 50secs, after being around 12th for most of the race.

Junior Andrew Rayner followed in 65th, which made him 14th under-20 athlete overall, with Scott McDonald 104th and Neil Ayrton 301st.

Meanwhile, at Capston Park, the Senior Men were finishing fourth in the latest Kent League fixture.

Roy Smith continued his recent good form finishing in fourth place and was backed up by Anthony Draper (12th), Con Griffin (32nd) and Steve Cooper (35th).

There was an outstanding team performance from the club's youngsters at the Parkwood League at Canterbury, where they won their second match of the season.

The club had two individual winners with Rebecca Taylor taking the under-13 girl's race and Robert Evans winning the under 11's competition.

Best of the age-group performances came from the under-20 runners where William Bolton was second, Matt Hill third and Joe Godsell, who was fifth, combined for an emphatic team victory.

Ray Perkins led home the under-17 boys in fifth place, while Tom Beech was 12th in the under-15 boys.

Bryony Proctor finished 13th in the same age group for the girls.

Tom Corbett was eighth in the under-13s race and there was an encouraging run from Richard Bolton, who finished 15th.

For further information on the club, visit the website at www.blackheath-harriers.org.uk

November 6, 2001 10:39