On a cool and very blustery day, Birtley was home to some great performances from the younger athletes in the region (some fresh from their inter-counties experience the day before). Although Birtley had the home advantage, that didn't stop some of the other clubs from stealing their thunder in a couple of the races, and special mention has to be made for Allerton Junior AC athletes, who not only came the furthest to compete but bagged an amazing number of medals too! There were some cracking performances, too many to mention - well done to everyone who ran, you are all superstars!
Full results are on the following links:- Boys Results and Girls Results, with some great team photos of the winning teams shown below, taken by Steve Haywood (apologies to the missing athletes, think they were too keen to get home and warm up!).

Our AGM is scheduled for Tuesday 12th April, straight after training finishes (venue TBC). All welcome. Any items you wish to be considered for the agenda can be emailed (must be received by 4th April), and a list will be posted on the noticeboard page shortly asking for nominations for key committee posts. 
Please step up and volunteer if you would like to get involved, either taking on a role on the committee (no experience necessary), or perhaps offering to train as a coach. Our club (like every other) is run entirely by volunteers, almost all of whom also have full time jobs, so any offer of help, however small, is very welcome

Chris Perkins finished the latest league fixture at Alnwick in great style, winning both the race and the Grand Prix. This win now means Chris has won his age group Grand Prix every year since 2016, starting as an U13 in the 2016-17 season, then moving to U15 in 2018-19. Covid threw a spanner in the works in 2020, resulting in no real harrier league season at all, but he was back with a vengeance in 2021 to take the crown in his second season as an U17. Huge congratulations to Chris, an amazing achievement! 

Great running from everyone today at the final NEHL XC Fixture at Alnwick Castle. Apologies from myself for not being able to race - I tweaked my right calf at The Signals Relays and I didn't dare risk it.
Conditions were ideal considering the recent weather and the fabulous "Castle" backdrop was magnificent as ever.
Performance of the day goes to Kirstin finishing 28th and earning promotion to the Medium Pack for next year. Most of you will know that XC isn't Kirstin's favourite surface and she had a unfortunate mishap at Druridge Bay in twisting her ankle resulting in a DNF. Hopefully this performance will boost her confidence for next season. She was admirably backed up by Hannah, Lisa, Lorna, Julie, Kay, Claire M, Sara and Claire B to finish 6th Team in Div 2. Well Done Ladies.
Our Senior Men whilst lacking in numbers more than made up for it in effort and determination. Lewis was first man home with another fantastic run from the Fast Pack leading the team in 38th position. Considering he is ONLY 20 - Lewis has had an amazing XC season and we look forward to monitoring his progress over the next few years. Andrew chased Lewis all the way yet again as has been the case at every Fixture which could result in an individual Grand Prix Vet Medal for Andrew. Craig D ran a cracking race to record his best finishing position of the season - Craig is another who prefers "The Tarmac" but is more than prepared to do his bit for the team when it counts. Next man home was Robbie who as a first year Senior has performed superbly over the winter months and can be suitably proud of his achievements. Making his Birtley AC XC Debut was Steve Brownless who ran a solid race and promises he will be "Back for More" next season. Club Stalwarts Paul Agnew and Dave Francis completed our Team - these two lads 'Never let you Down' and as a Captain I really appreciate their commitment to the cause.
Overall I am delighted with the whole XC Season and as a Club I'm sure we can ALL take pride in our performances and results over the NEHL League season.
Everyone who has 'pulled on' their club vest and represented Birtley AC this season has contributed to the overall success for the club - take a step back, reflect on a Job Well Done and look forward to signing up for the 2022/23 instalment in the summer.
Cheers
PJB
​Match results HERE
League results HERE
Individual Grand Prix results HERE

As you all (hopefully!) know, our very own Birtley Junior XC Relays will be taking place at Lord Lawson on the 13th of March. We are asking you to help by providing the following items:-

1. Yourselves! We need people to act as marshals on the day, doing this will not stop you seeing your child race, as you'll get a great view of them running around the course! Don't have a child running? Doesn't matter - please consider stepping up to help the club run this popular and successful event, which also helps to bring money into the club to help us further develop our athletes. We also need volunteers to help man the refreshments, a very important role which is much appreciated by all involved! A sign up sheet is available on the noticeboard page, please get yourselves signed up as soon as possible.

2. Items to sell for the refreshments mentioned above - homemade or shop bought (we don't mind which!), cakes, biscuits, pies, pizza slices, sweets, scones, whatever you would like to bring us will be very welcome.

3. Maggie Pavlou, who is a member of our Birtley Joggers group, volunteers in the People's Kitchen in Newcastle, and we would like to help out this very worthwhile charity by collecting adult clothing donations at the relays. Please bring any unwanted clothing (bet you have a drawer full of race tops that never see the light of day, like most runners!), and in particular trainers if they are past their running best (but still serviceable), as the charity is always in need of these items. Any outdoor clothing, such as jackets, trousers, or waterproofs, would also be very appreciated. Thank you!