TWO Tavistock athletes were among those who took part in the British Masters' Cross Country Championships were held at Berry Park in Mansfield in Nottinghamshire on Saturday. The chance of national team selection for top age group finishers ensured a top quality entry of more than 300 athletes from all over the UK. The conditions were perfect for a fast race, with it being dry and cool together with a gently undulating parkland course. The men's race was won by Medway's Barry Royden, a former winner of the South of England Senior cross country championships. Two Tavistock athletes made the long journey north to compete. Richard Drage of Tavistock Athletic Club, liking the good conditions, had his best race of the season to finish in the top 25 overall and fifth in his M45 age group. This performance was a significant improvement on his ninth place of last year. In the same race Bob Chapman representing the Royal Navy, despite being hampered by an injury in recent weeks, had an excellent run to finish eighth in his M60 age category. This was the last cross-country race of the season. Tavistock athletes are now looking forward to the approaching track and field season and also to the spring road racing scene, in particular the London Marathon in April.
