Susan Goodfellow reports
"Second meet of the 2008 Winter League season is Firbank Fell.
It's wet and windy, turbines are turning and sheep sheltering - its waterproofs and wellies to walk the course again.
Under 12's set off at a cracking pace. James Hall of Bingley was first back with Meg Stuart 1st again for the girl's. Stoically striding the boggy field in 10th came Wilf Goodfellow (Dallam) - bare footed and Walshs in hand. Thomas Drinkall came 18th boy, and Megan Drinkall 10th girl both new runners for our club.
Under 14's were next up the hill with Rory Addison out in front and the brilliant young James Knox on his tail. Our own Dale Sutton put in another brave run coming in 3rd. Flying down the slope with arms windmilling and ponytail bouncing came Robin Goodfellow - first girl for Dallam. 2nd came new girl Beth Dutson, 3rd Lauren Monroe Bennet with Jane Gill, for Dallam, close on her shoulder, only a mere 8 seconds between them. Always smiling and much improving Reanne Harvey (Dallam) finished 5th.
First back in the under 17 is was Ashley Kay for Rossendale, 2nd for Dallam was the consistently strong Alex Till with Scott Thwaite on his shoulder - always a brilliant finisher. Younger brother Sam Till came a commendable ninth. Moving up age groups hasn't stopped Melanie Hyder leading the girls home with Cathy Gill (Dallam) a good 3rd for Dallam.
It it must be noted that most of these youngsters had been in action at the Cumbria Cross-Country championship at Kirkby Stephen just the day before! -- tough kids these.
Three Dallam adults braved the weather, and the mud, David Crayston and Dennis Nelson ran in the senior mens race (placed 13th and 18th respectively) and Dawn Gill followed in her daughters footsteps around the quagmire to finish 8th lady."
