THERE was a new trail to explore for the district’s cross-country runners on Saturday - and they quickly got into their collective stride.

A small team from Tynedale Harriers made the trip to the Lambton Estate in County Durham for a rescheduled fixture in the North East Harrier League.

A mixture of parkland, woodland trails, mud and lung-busting hill proved a popular combination with the Harriers, who put in some impressive performances.

First to run were the U11 boys, and amongst the 58 runners there was a fierce contest between two young Tynedale athletes. Morgan Vincent crossed the line in 29th, just managing to stay ahead of teammate Wilfred Pugh, who finished two seconds and two places later.

The U13 girls once again turned out a full team and had a good race to finish fourth team on the day in their category. All three Tynedale scorers ran from the fast pack, with Maria Gaines having a superb run to cross the line in fourth place, and Poppy Watson next in 19th.

Kate Terry managed to overtake Esme Pugh in the final stages of the race to finish in 25th, one place ahead of her Tynedale Harriers’ teammate.

In the senior women’s race, Tynedale finished seventh, which was enough to pull them up off the bottom of the Division One league table.

Kirstie Anderson stormed through the field from the fast pack to finish in 24th, with the fastest V45 time of the day.

Elizabeth Earle, also from the fast pack, was next scorer for the club, in 70th. The final two counters for the club were Kate Lowe (72nd) and Kim Bluck (115th), both running from the medium pack. Sarah Davidson completed the team.

Despite being promoted to the medium pack in his last race, Will Lloyd made light work of his 2m 25s handicap to be first across the line for Tynedale in the senior men’s race. He finished in 65th.

Joe Green, running from the slow pack, just managed to hold off his dad Andy, who was catching him from the fast pack. Joe crossed the line in 85th with Andy just a few seconds behind in 89th. Phil Vincent was next in 104th from the medium pack. Lewis Balfour (104th) and Pete Watson (187th) were the final scorers for Tynedale, with Paul Edwin completing the team. Tynedale’s senior men finished fourth in Division 3.

Tynedale have one fixture remaining in the North-East Harrier League season, but with so many sporting events being cancelled due to the Coronavirus, the trip to Lambton may well be remembered as the final day of the season.

The venue proved popular with the Tynedale runners, who would be keen on a return next year.