Ayr Seaforth’s Kirstin Oakley stars at cross country relays

Oct 29 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AN under strength Ayr Seaforth contingent travelled to Cumbernauld for the national cross country relay championships.

A number of late call-offs meant that Seaforth were without some key junior and senior athletes. However, those who made trip all gave an excellent account.

Once again, it was under 13 female junior athlete, Kirstin Oakley, who was turning heads on a national stage. The 12-year-old from Prestwick produced another stunning opening leg over the tough 2.5k course to finish 17 seconds clear of the second placed athlete and produce the third fastest time of the day of all female junior athletes.

Team mates Emma Vallely (under 15) and Sarah Cassells (under 17) fought hard but slipped to 20th place in the closing stages.

The ‘B’ team produced a very solid performance to take 25th place. Lisa Rennie showed her continuing improving form and fitness to take 13th place on the first leg.

She handed over to Troon athlete Louisa Kelly who, competing in only her second major cross country race, put in an excellent performance and looks an exciting prospect for the future. The team was anchored by Katie Sprang who ran a strong under 17 leg to bring them home in the top half of the field.

In the boys’ race, there were debuts at the national relays for under 13 athletes Jonathon Hendry and Nathan McAllister who put in creditable shifts to finish 65th and 76th respectively.

They handed over to Andrew Black and Shaun Rennie who pulled the teams up to 57th and 66th. The under 17 leg saw Finlay Rae claw back an incredible 24 places to bring the ‘A’ team home in 33rd and record the fourth fastest time of the day. Euan Webster, anchored the ‘B’ team to 60th with a strong run and took a minute off of his time from 2009.

In the women's race, Louise Hill Stirling was the sole Seaforth athlete. She ran the opening leg of the 4k course and finished in a commendable 17th place. She was also the eighth fastest under 20 athlete.

The senior men's race saw another strong opening leg from Neil Burnside. The 800m athlete continued his return to fitness to finish an excellent 22nd. Team mates Mayeul Ducrot, and Seaforth stalwarts Laurence Baker and Tom McCulloch all had good runs to bring the team home in 58th.

At the Strathclyde Park run at the weekend, Toni McIntosh was the first woman home in a time of 19.57 for the 5k course.