ATHLETICS: Archer is Northern champ (From Bicester Advertiser)

ATHLETICS: Archer is Northern champ

11:00am Thursday 31st January 2013 in Sport By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

HATTI Archer shone for a second successive week to claim the North of England Cross Country Championship at a snowy Knowsley Safari Park.

The 30-year-year-old former Radley athlete regained the senior ladies’ title she last won in 2010.

Having finished third in the Cardiff Cross Challenge six days previously, Archer gave what organisers described as a “faultless performance”.

The Hallamshire Harrier clocked 30mins 29secs for the 8km course, coming home 15 seconds clear of second-placed Elle Baker (Stockport).

Archer tweeted: “Thanks to the northern cross-country organisers for keeping the faith and a memorable race!”

Oxfordshire cross country champion Frances Briscoe finished third in the Midlands event on Stafford Common.

The 29-year-old, from Wantage, produced her best performance to date in the regional championship.

Running for her first-claim club Coventry Godiva Harriers, Briscoe completed a shortened 8km course in 25.27.

Winner Juliet Doyle (Charnwood) recorded 24.43, with Sarah Hood (Tipton) second in 25.18.