SUNDERLAND HARRIERS TRIO GET CALL-UP FOR BRITISH & IRISH MASTERS

Three Sunderland Harriers have been selected for the British and Irish Masters’ Cross Country international at Swansea a week on Saturday.

Kevin Jeffress and Paul Merrison compete for England, while Jacqueline Etherington is in the Scotland team.

Jeffress goes in the Over-35 event as does Etherington in the women’s race, while Merrison makes his Over-60 debut.

Sunderland Harriers Trio Get Call-up For British & Irish Masters.

The three athletes have enjoyed previous selections, with Merrison winning his seventh England vest through the age groups and for Jeffress, this will be his fourth honour in the Over-35 category.

Etherington competes for Scotland for the second time.

Jeffress, the North East Masters’ cross country champion, said: “I’m over the moon to have been selected again, especially with it being my last year in this age group and with such strong competition to gain a place in team. I have had a great year and continue to improve.”

The Seaham man’s best performance was in 2014 when the championship was held at Wollaton Hall, Nottingham.

He was 11th overall and sixth in his age group and second counter for the England team.

He helped England Over-35s win the team title for the first time since the Over-35 category was introduced.

Merrison, who turned 60 last month, said: “I’m delighted to win my seventh international cross country vest after injuring my Achilles’ competing in the North East Masters’ Championships at Darlington back in February.

“This forced me to miss the end of the cross country championship season, including the British Masters’ Championship at Forres in Scotland....

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