Newton Aycliffe: Young Lewis Moses did the North-East proud at the English schools national championships at Brighton on the March 1.

Lewis, already the Durham County schools champion, came home in 17th place in a time of 18.22. A field of 350 elite young runners from all over the country took part in the cross country race. Lewis just missed out on a top ten placing by 11 seconds, which would have seen him get a very coveted England vest.

Lewis, who attends Longfield School in Darlington, can now look forward to the up and coming track season after an amazing cross country campaign.

As a member of the Newton Aycliffe club Lewis is under the watchful eye of ex-top North East runner Paul Harker, who now uses his vast experience to coach the youngsters.

Three senior runners took on the Dent 14 mile road race on March 8, in terrible conditions in which the course had to be lengthened due to flooding the three battled the course admirably. First back was Mick Beadle using the race as part of his London marathon preparations in a time of 1.46, Peter Milburn next in 1.50 followed Sue Milburn in 1.52.

In the Redcar half marathon on March 9 Michael 'O Sullivan produced a scintillating run to record a time of 1.26 and in 92nd place, producing a personal best performance. Ann McLoughlin next home in the wind swept conditions in 2.28 followed in by Diane Caine in 2.29.

Crook and District

The club surpassed all expectations at the penultimate six-mile Harrier League event at Consett. A fine turn-out by members resulted in a magnificent team victory overall against many bigger clubs.

John Nunn celebrated his return to competition after several years out of the sport with a brilliant second place in the race in a time of 34.58, closely followed by Kevin Archer who roared round in 33.52 from the medium pack to finish sixth overall. Ably supporting team scorers were Geoff Hewitson 37.42, Ian Sumler-Hutchinson 37.53, John Dennis 35.30 and Mike Mallen 36.07.

Other times: Malcolm Ingram 36.07, Percy Parkin 38.51, Phil Carter 36.38, Colin Everson 39.29, Ray Partridge 39.49, Dennis Brown 40.00, Ken Norman 38.10, Kevin Allen 38.33, Ray Fell 45.18.

Gerry Hehir and Colin Everson made London Matathon preparations with two weekends of 20 mile road races running 2 hrs. 26 mins and 2 hrs. 24 mins. respectively at Hull and Gerry also ran the Morecambe 20 last weekend in 2 hrs. 22 mins.