It's bronze for battling Victoria at Wakefield (From Craven Herald)

It's bronze for battling Victoria at Wakefield

9:03am Thursday 12th January 2012 in Sport

Hebden’s Victoria Wilkinson made a brave bid to repeat her 2010 victory in the Yorkshire and Humberside Cross-Country Champion- ships at Thornes Park, Wakefield on Saturday.

She produced a strong run but had to settle for the bronze medal this time after taking third place with a time of 21min 04sec.

Wilkinson was beaten up the finishing straight by Spenborough’s Jenny Walsh (21;04) and Bingley’s Emma Clayton (21:22).

Wilkinson’s efforts did help her club Bingley Harriers to to take the team prize.

There was also a worthy effort in the same event by Wilkinson’s old Skipton team.

Despite being under strength they battled hard and took 13th position.

The team was well led by Claire Pearson who was 25th in 23:13.

Sarah Dugdale – despite struggling for much of the race with a quadricep injury – was 37th in 24:01.

Jane Butterworth, 67th in 25:55 and Emma Newbould 108th in 30:18 completed the team.

The men’s race was won by world triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee of Bingley Harriers in 34:51. His brother Jonathan, the world sprint triathlon champion, was four seconds back in second place.

Keighley & Craven’s Jorge Thomas came home third in 35:56.

Jonathan Bradshaw was the first Wharfedale Harrier to cross the line. His time of 41:50 earned him 59th place.