Aussie Olympian inspires Harriers to outstanding performance

HIGHGATE Harriers men had an outstanding day on Saturday when they won the 76th Fraternity Cross-Country Cup at Trent Park, Cockfosters, with Harrier Peter Nowill the first to cross the line. Nowill, a former Olympian, clocked 25 minutes 24 seconds to hel

HIGHGATE Harriers men had an outstanding day on Saturday when they won the 76th Fraternity Cross-Country Cup at Trent Park, Cockfosters, with Harrier Peter Nowill the first to cross the line.

Nowill, a former Olympian, clocked 25 minutes 24 seconds to help Harriers to their third win in the competition in the past six years.

Highgate last won the competition in 2004, having also won it 2003.

The Australian finished ahead of fellow Harriers Henry Dodwell (26mins 59secs) fourth, John Laybourne (28mins 26secs) eighth, Richard Stewart (30mins 4secs) 23rd, Andrew Aitken (30mins 51secs) 32nd, Thierry Lebreton (31mins 30secs) 41st and seventh man Nick Stockman (34mins 40secs) 68th.

Highgate racked up 106 points to finish first of the 11 teams that took part. Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers (108) were second and Enfield & Harringey AC (117) third and Barnet & District AC (118) fourth.

Meanwhile, Highgate claimed the first two runners home in the women's Sorority Cup at the same venue - but it was not good enough for the team success.

Svenja Abel was first home in 31 minutes exactly, ahead of team-mate Astrid Wingler (31mins 33secs).

The team event was won by Barnet & District.