News Report 20th November 2005

A trip to Dublin as part of the Welsh team competing in the 2005 British Masters Home Countries Cross Country International saw Brenda Jones of Llanelltyd return home with gold as she formed one of the Welsh team of three triumphant in the female over-60 category at the event. Finishing in a time of 28.51mins, the Llanelltyd athlete was the second Welsh finisher in her age group at the Santry Park based event as Wales pipped England by a mere 2 points to take overall gold in the female over-60 category. To celebrate her achievement, the 2005 Meirionnydd Sports Person of the Year is off to Lanzarote this week with a group of 25 or so athletes from Bro Dysynni A.C. to take part in the 4 race La Santa Challenge.

A further seven athletes from Dysynni were in action in Llandudno recently as part of the field of around 1500 for the towns 10 mile road race. The magnificent seven were led home by Llanelltyd veteran Tony Hodgson in a time of 1hr 03.54mins which claimed a morale boosting victory over team mate Jos Jones of Tywyn who finished in 1hr 04.34mins. Next home was Malcolm Taylor of Criccieth in 1hr 11.34mins whilst Sheila Jones of Pwllheli turned in another impressive display as she finished in 1hr 16.40mins. Marit Evans of Dolgellau was next home in 1hr 25.31mins whilst Rob Thomas of Llanelltyd warmed up for Lanzarote by finishing in 1hr 29.52mins. The team were completed by Aberystwyth-based Marj Griffiths in an excellent time of 1hr 40.34.

A little further afield, Harlech athlete Andy Unwin recently represented Bro Dysynni at the Watford Autumn Challenge 5 mile cross country event. In a race held in the Hertfordshire towns Cassiobury Park, the sole Dysynni entrant was beaming as he crossed the finishing line of the tough event in 53.46mins.

Finally, one of the clubs distant members, Owen Rees of Hereford was also in action recently. The chosen event was the 10 mile Moel Fammau fell race which also included 3,100 feet of climbing. In the race which was based in Cilcain, near Mold, a time of 1hr 29.30mins ensured a highly satisfactory 37th place finish for one of the small band of Bro Dysynni's long distance members.

A.Unwin