ATHLETICS — Scottish Schools Cross Country Success For Inverclyde RunnersLOCAL athletes Ryan Gray and Cameron Watson excelled at the Scottish Schools Cross Country Championships held at Hopetoun House, West Lothian.
Working to a race plan, Ryan, Port Glasgow High, and Cameron, Clydeview Academy, were happy to sit in the pack during the early stages of the six-kilometre race which took place on a tough undulating course in very blustery conditions.
As the race progressed both boys used their wealth of experience to gradually reduce the pack with a progressive increase in pace. Entering the final 1.5 kilometres, the pack was reduced to four or five and both of the lightly-framed Inverclyde athletes made a determined effort to ensure they would be coming home with medals.
As the lead changed back and forth, the finishing order was anybody’s guess, making for one of the most exciting finishes of all the eight races held.
Eventually they had to settle right on the line for silver — Ryan — and bronze — Cameron.
The boys had also done enough to be selected once again to represent Scottish schools at the Schools International to be held on 24 March in Nottingham against the top athletes from the around the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Both athletes thank their coaches at Inverclyde Athletics Club for helping them reach these high standards, along with assistance given by their respective schools.
Photo: Ryan Gray, left and Cameron Watson, right, with their medals.
