Richmond and Zetland Harriers started their tenth season in the Harrogate & District Summer Road Race League on Tuesday, May 4 with a first-ever race at Skipton.

In the previous nine seasons, the Club has always come away with a trophy, either team or individual. But, given that all five scoring races count and there is no allowance for injury, illness, holidays or other commitments, and with only seven Harriers, five Men and two Women, making the journey - this year might be a battle! The race was approximately five miles from Engine Shed Lane, adjacent to Skipton RUFC, out to Carleton and back, with a finishing loop around the sports fields. Ian Fisher of Otley made his customary blistering start and proceeded to take first place for the umpteenth time in as many outings, over a minute ahead of the field. Jon Orange finished in second place, his red and white Peacocks of Richmond vest always at the head of the chasing pack, and this puts him at the top of the individual Veteran list but the teams are well down.

RZH results: 2nd (& 1st MVO40) Jon Orange 27:29, 31st (& 2nd MVO50) Mike Brooks 32:06, 36th Phil Hill 32:22, 39th Taff Rogers 32:30, 92nd (& 15th Woman) Kerrie Foxall 37:42, 111th Sarah Gregory 38:30 & 114th Ian Hepworth 38:38. Teams: Open (10 to score) 982 points = 8th, 672 behind leaders Harrogate; Women (5 to score) 118 = 9th, 207 behind Ilkley; Veterans (5 to score) 228 = 6th, 110 behind Ripon & Elite (best 3 times) 91:57 = 7th, 10:01 behind Otley.

The Young Athletes opened their T&F season in North Division One East of the eponymous League on Sunday 9 at Princess Mary Stadium, Cleckheaton. Having won promotion last season, this was always going to be a big step and in their first fixture they were up against Bingley and Morpeth, two clubs with "National pedigree" (and very well turned-out in Club kit) plus Grimsby. The match hinged largely on numbers. Despite great management from Fiona Hughes with most athletes competing in three events through the afternoon, and encouragement from parents and coaches working as officials, there were only 19 athletes across three age groups and both genders that meant sizeable gaps in the results. There were also some pleasing and possibly PB performances - notably two sprint doubles with A & B-string wins for Sophie Broadway (including a 27.2 for 200m, her third PB this summer) and Leanne Shaw, another A & B double for Jo Adams and Jane Thornton in the 800m and similar success for Jo with Katie Roberts in the discus plus wins for Ruth Hill in the 70m hurdles, Nick Outhwaite in the pole-vault.