1st March 2025, Skelmersdale
In the final fixture of the Mid Lancs CC League the results of which would determine the overall standings in the League with both the Preston Harriers Mens and Ladies teams in with a chance of winning Division 1.
The Ladies raced first, with a good turnout of 13 Harriers taking the line. A team win in this final race would mean an overall League victory and the squad didn’t disappoint. Emma McColm continued her amazing form to finish first for the Harriers (2nd overall), followed by Charlotte Gregory in 7th and Katie Littlefair in 12th – which was enough to take 1st team on the day and secure the League victory (just 12 months after being promoted to Division 1).
Furthermore, the next 3 Ladies home Hannah Bruce (F35), Kate Lakeland and Liz Horne (F45) made up our B team, taking 2nd spot in Division 3, and promotion to Division 2, in the final League standings!
In addition, supporting the squad were Cathy Flitcroft (F60), Catherine Mitchell (F45), Zowie Purnell (F40) and Rachel Gelder (F50). With Julie Tyrer (F45), Agnieska Kowalczyk (F35) and Sue Wickham (F60) deserving a special mention after completing all 4 of the races in the series along with Katie Littlefair and Charlotte Gregory. This victory was a squad effort which benefitted from these Ladies turning out on a regular basis.
Also having the advantage of such a wide age range in the squad of Preston Harriers Ladies finished the League with strong age group positions: 2nd F35+, 2nd F45+ and 3rd F55+. On an individual note, Emma McColm took the overall League victory in the Ladies competition with Katie Littlefair taking 3rd overall and Cathy Flitcroft (F60) taking 2nd in the F55+ category.
Next it was the turn of the Men, with 11 Harriers on the start line for this final fixture. Similar to the Ladies, this race would be vital in determining the final League standings with the head-to-head battle with Southport and Waterloo being an important factor in the final positions.
First home for the Harriers was Wes Wilkinson in 5th overall, followed by Jenson Warren 18th, Simon Collins 23rd, Billy Reid 26th, Gareth Morris 49th and Chris McCarthy 63rd making up the A team and bringing them home in 2nd place in Div 1, behind Southport and Waterloo. Next home for the Men were: David Lea (V60), Paul Jeffries (V50), Robert Worsey and Joseph Sharples. Individual successes in the final season results were Jenson Warren 2nd (U20), Billy Reid 3rd (U20), David Lea 1st (V60) and Alan Appleby 1st (V70).
Whilst unable to beat Southport and Waterloo in this final fixture, the points calculation was going to be very close. However, it soon became apparent that this squad of Men had fought hard enough across the series of races to earn the necessary points to gain overall victory in the League for Preston Harriers Men.
All in all a great season of cross country racing, climaxing in this final fixture with both Preston Harriers Mens and Ladies taking away the League titles.
Cathy Flitcroft