Despite some impressive packing, with six finishers in the first twenty, Sunderland’s seniors were powerless against the might of Morpeth at Saturday’s Sherman Cup cross-country event in South Shields.

On a crisp, cold wintry day, with conditions underfoot more or less perfect, Carl Avery and Sam Hancox dominated the men’s individual event, Avery finally breaking clear of his young club mate on the third lap of three to win comfortably in 29:10.

After his international exploits in Glasgow last weekend, Kev Jeffress led the Harriers home at Temple Park, moving smoothly through the pack to place 10th. Having been a little disappointed with his effort in the England vest, Kev will be much happier with his performance here against a strong north-east contingent.

Rallying well on the last lap after a mid-race bad patch, Barry Maskell chased Jeffress home in 15th place, followed by a phalanx of royal blue vests in Sparrow Morley (16th), Andy Powell (17th, thanks to a Farah-esque closing sprint!), Steve McMahon (19th) and Michael Barker (20th).

In all 11 Harriers cracked the top 50 with solid efforts from Steve Potts (28th), Stephen Duffy (35th), Jason Waite (41st), Jake Jansen (42nd) and Craig Harriman (46th). Overall, 25 Sunderland men contested the men’s race, with both seniors and vets placing second in their team events behind Morpeth and North Shields Poly respectively.

In the women’s race Alice Smith led the way home for the Wearsiders, in a highly creditable 15th place, hopefully showing she is on the road to full recovery following recent problems with illness.

With a sterling captain’s performance, Colleen Compson was next across the line, confirming her terrific recent form with an impressive 29th place finish. Nicola Woodward closed in 34th place with Vicky Younger not far behind in 38th, earning the trio 3rd place in the Vets team event.

In total 13 Harriets completed the 2-lap course.

On the day, rising star Jess Fox was once again the standout individual in Royal Blue, placing second in the Women’s U-17/U-20 event behind Gosforth’s promising youngster Rhian Purves who looked mightily impressive in a gun-to-tape victory.

With Sarah Knight (9th) and Eve Quinn (13th) admirably backing Jess, the girls took silver medals in the ream race.

Turnout in the younger age groups was a down a little on what was hoped for, but there were some impressive individual performances nonetheless, notably from 8th placed Connor Prior in the U-13 Boys event, Josh Bland who was 17th in the Boys U-11 race, and Evie Compson, who cracked the top 20 in the U-13 girls race, finishing 18th.