RUNNERS at Sunday's Broadland Half Marathon had rain and strong winds to contend with throughout the race, with the emphasis on getting the job done rather than enjoying the scenic route through Ranworth, Woodbastwick and Salhouse.

RUNNERS at Sunday's Broadland Half Marathon had rain and strong winds to contend with throughout the race, with the emphasis on getting the job done rather than enjoying the scenic route through Ranworth, Woodbastwick and Salhouse. Among the more than 200 finishers were nine of the Great Yarmouth Road Runners.

First clubman home was Phil Quantrill, once again a little disappointed with his time, as he was two weeks ago after the Ridon Valley event.

However, he can take comfort from the fact that all times seemed to be down on this occasion as a result of the weather conditions and the

great deal of standing water on the course.

Next to finish was Richard Blake, holding off Andy Peck right to the wire, the latter getting a personal best while Blake won his age division.

So too did next to finish Mike Spragg, though he was some three minutes down on his time of the previous year.

Another pb went to Paul Brookshaw, while Stephen Etherington and Tony Anderson, the latter also with a pb, both ran well.

For the ladies it was Carole Spong who again led the way home while newcomer Angela Pacey was pleased with her run and the personal best she obtained.

Race director Mike Powell and his team of marshals and other helpers did well to organise such a successful race in such inclement conditions.

There was quite a contrast the previous Wednesday at RAF Barnham for the final event in this year's East Anglian Cross- Country League, a friendly, informal relay followed by the presentation of the awards for the whole season.

On this occasion it was simply the strong winds to contend with, though much of the course was sheltered.

A team from the East Norfolk College were third in the relay, while individual winners for the whole series included Ryan Seakins, Mike Spragg, Emma Leeves and Paul Westgate.

The biggest success, however, was in the team events where GYRR were second in the A League and first in the B League against some formidable opposition.

Broadland Half Marathon: 13 Phil Quantrill 1-26:38, 16 Richard Blake 1-27: 32 (1st over 55), 19 Andy Peck 1-27:47 (pb), 27 Mike Spragg 1-30:49 (1st over 60), 37 Paul Brookshaw 1-32:45 (pb), 52 Stephen Etherington 1-36:27, 61 Tony Anderson 1-38:14 (pb), 94 Carole Spong 1-45:15, 196 Angela Pacey 2-07:29 (pb).