Sunderland Harriers face a conundrum when they select their teams for the annual Durham City Harriers senior men’s and veterans cross country relays at Durham on Sunday.
Team Manager Albert James and veterans’ captain Dean Phillips have to decide whether they should go with a possible stronger senior team or do they ensure their veterans’ team are strong enough to retain their title. Michael Barker is the athlete to emerge on the scene after the Ashbrooke man showed a rich vein of form when leading the medium pack home in the North Eastern Harrier League at Herrington Country Park on Saturday.
He is an Over-35 so qualifies for the veterans’ team, although he could still run for the senior A team. The other athlete who could be considered for the senior team is Andy Powell. James said: “I’m thinking of going against the grain and pulling a veteran into the senior team with the rejuvenated Mick Barker. “He would then team up with Barry Maskell and Kevin Calvert.” That would leave the veterans’ with the same team to defend their title.