PHILLIPS CONFIDENT OF SUNDERLAND HARRIERS OVER-35S SUCCESS IN BRITISH MASTERS’ CHAMPIONSHIPS

Sunderland Harriers travel to Sutton Coldfield on Saturday with medal hopes in the British Masters’ Road Relay Championships at Sutton Park.

The Over-35s contest the 6x3 mile relay with a strong team that captain Dean Phillips believes is good enough to contest for a place in the frame.

He said: “We have a team that has won the North East Championship and the Elswick Harriers Road relay recently.

Phillips Confident Of Sunderland Harriers Over-35s Success In British Masters’ Championships.

“It is solid throughout and if they all run up to form there are medal possibilities.”

The team had a scare when Steve McMahon pulled up while contesting the North East Championship 400m at Gateshead on Saturday.

McMahon said: “It was cramp rather than a pull. I had physio on it in the stadium immediately afterwards and they confirmed cramp.”

“I decided against racing in the 800m so as not to cause any more problems and risk not making Saturday.”

“I did a short run on Sunday and it was a little tight at first, but then eased. I’m sure all will be ok with plenty of stretching and hydration this week.”

Sunderland are one of four North East teams that travel to the Midlands and the others are Morpeth Harriers, who defend their title, North Shields Polytechnic and Tyne Bridge Harriers. A total of 50 teams are down to compete.

The Sunderland team in running order is: Michael Thompson, Michael Barker, Ian Ritchie, Kevin Jeffress, Ian Dixon and Steve McMahon.

The Morpeth team that won last year, with their positions during the relay, was: 1 Chris Smith (1) 15:05, 2 Michael Morris (2) 16:06, 3 Peter Newton (1) 14:31, 4 John Butters (1) 16:06, 5 Ian Hudspith (1). 14:40 6, Adrian Whitwam (1) 15:27.

Sunderland Harriers have also a strong Over-35 women’s team entered for there four-stage relay and they are: Jacqueline Etherington, Colleen Compson, Vicky Younger and Nikki Woodward....

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