Athletics: Scots win cross country title after 109 years

Published on 19/03/2012 02:28

SCOTLAND claimed the Home Countries International Cross Country senior men’s title for the first time since the event started in 1903.

Derek Hawkins won the individual gold and good places for Ross Houston and Alex Hendry edged out England.

“It is brilliant to have achieved that and we are all absolutely delighted,” said Kilbarchan AC’s Hawkins. “I was not quite sure what was happening behind me. It is great for Scotland to win against England at anything, so it means a lot to the boys.”

Houston was equally thrilled with the team gold medal, which he’ll show one day to his new arrival – a son called Fraser. “It is less than a fortnight since I became a dad so this feels even more special,” said Houston, who was 7th with Hendry in 10th.

Scotland’s Rosie Smith took an individual silver medal in the senior women’s event, Rhona Auckland won the women’s under-20s race with Laura Muir in third. England took the team title in senior women, women’s under-20s and men’s under-20s.