BLACKBURN Harrier Michael Green just failed in his bid to win the Hot Toddy 5.8M at his first attempt when he lost ground on a downhill stretch.

After a flat start the course climbs steeply after 1.5 miles and although Michael was with the leaders after the climb, eventual winner John Brown (Salford) galloped away on the descent leaving Green in third.

But Michael picked up the pace in the closing stages to overtake Tipton Harrier Mick Hill, but Brown held on to win by 20 seconds. Rossendale's Martin Lee just pipped Sean Willis and Karl Smith from host club Todmorden Harriers as the trio battled for ninth place.

Nev Rickard of Darwen Dashers recorded a pleasing top 20 finish ahead of Clayton's John Wieczorek and Blackburn Harrier Eric Wilson who was second M45, Ross Jaques representing Clayton Harriers was second M60.

Todmorden Harrier Sue Becconsall won a narrow victory in the ladies race over Louise Cooper from Rossendale while Pendle AC's Katie Trickett was the winning junior.

Results - Men: 1 John Brown (Salford) 27.50, 2 Michael Green (Blackburn Harriers) 28.10, 3 Mick Hill (Tipton) 28.25, 9 Martin Lee (Rossendale) 30.27, 10 Sean Willis (Todmorden) 30.31, 11 Karl Smith (Todmorden) 30.39, 19 Nev Rickard (Darwen Dashers) 32.23, 22 John Wieczorek (Clayton) 32.55, 24 (2nd M45) Eric Wilson (Blackburn Harriers) 32.56, 29 Will Sullivan (Clayton) 33.40.

Ladies: 1 (39th overall) Sue Becconsall (Todmorden) 35.06, 2 (42nd) Louise Cooper (Rossendale) 35.37.

East Lancs (top 120 finishers) - Darwen Dashers: 41 Pete O'Callaghan 35.18, 105 Dave Shorrock 40.53.

Accrington RR: 49 Martin King 36.08. Todmorden Harriers: 51 Mark Anderton 36.18, 90 Simon Bartram 39.57, 91 Bohuslav Barlow 39.57, 100 Matthew Edwards 40.19, 102 Eric Wrathall 40.26, 104 Mark Wilson 40.37, 107 Helen Allcock 40.57, 109 Peter Ehrhardt 41.07.

Rossendale Harriers: 56 Rod Graham 36.32, 70 Jim Bibby 38.23, 89 Trevor McCoy 39.55.

Clayton Harriers: 60 Frank Siddington 36.43, 63 Dave Hindle 37.23, 74 (2nd M60) Ross Jaques 38.37, 80 Richard Bellaries 39.00, 93 Judith Hindle 40.01, 101 Robert Hirst 40.20, 103 Richard Wilkinson 40.34, 106 Vincent Broderick 40.54, 119 Lee Passco 41.40.

Pendle AC: 84 (1st Junior) Katie Trickett 39.15.

Michael Green tells me that his university, Troy State in Alabama, is interested in recruiting British athletes. Michael would like to hear from students who have A-levels, or are taking them this summer, who are interested in taking a Sports Management degree course starting next September. Although he is personally interested in streng thening the men's athletics team, ladies would also be welcome. Michael can be contacted until January 7 at his parents on 01254 886812.

Just after returning to America for the autumn term, Michael won a 5K road race in Manchester, New Hampshire. Unfortunately, the rules did not permit him to take the prize of 250 dollars and two round trip tickets to anywhere in the USA, and he was obliged to donate them to the university.

The cross country season comes early over there, and it is already over. Michael won three races in seven starts, mostly run over golf courses.

In the pre-NCAA meeting (a preview for the National Championships) he had a splendid run to place 42nd, but then ran below his best form in the National Trials and failed to qualify.

Next term he will run in a few indoor meetings in preparation for the track season which starts in mid-March.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.