NEHL Sherman Cup and Davison Shield Cross Country Championship, 31 January 2026

The Sherman Cup and Davison Shield is always one of the highlights of the winter season, and this year’s event at Temple Park, South Shields on 31 January 2026 was no exception. Unlike the usual Harrier League fixtures, every race set off from scratch with no packs, which meant fast, open and exciting racing right from the start.

The weather was unusually kind for late January, with bright skies, calm air and a crisp chill. Even so, the course delivered all the classic Temple Park challenges. Several sections were muddy, slippery and well churned up by earlier races, so runners had plenty to think about with every stride. A big thank you goes to South Shields Harriers for hosting another well organised fixture, and also to all Blaydon coaches, parents and volunteers who supported our athletes throughout the day.

Blaydon had runners in almost every age group, and everyone showed fantastic determination, attitude and teamwork. Here is how our athletes got on.

Our youngest boys started the day brilliantly. Sebastian Sharpe led the Under Eleven team with a superb top ten finish. He was followed by strong and determined runs from Ethan Close, Joseph Kennedy, James Aspden and Samuel Richards, all giving their best on a fast but muddy route. The boys showed real confidence and great team spirit and it was a very promising display for the future.

The Under Eleven Girls continued the great start. Avoria Graham had an excellent race and finished inside the top ten. Close behind came Abby Gascoigne, Brylee Ridley and Felicity Richards, all running strongly and keeping their pace right to the finish. It was wonderful to see such committed racing from such a young squad.

In the Under Thirteen Boys, Elijah Richards produced a very assured performance. He handled the longer course well, kept a steady rhythm throughout and finished strongly.

The Under Fifteen Boys included a standout display from Jacob Hendry, who delivered a fantastic top ten finish. He showed real strength and focus on what is one of the most technical junior courses on the day.

For the Under Fifteen Girls, Lois Richards ran a clever and composed race. She managed the muddier sections well and finished comfortably inside the top twenty, an excellent effort.

The older juniors continued the strong performances. In the Under Seventeen Boys, Jacob Richards ran incredibly well to secure a top ten finish. The course at this age is long and demanding, and he coped with it brilliantly. In the Under Seventeen Girls, Hannah Carradice also finished in the top ten with a powerful and steady performance, a race to be proud of.

Four senior Blaydon women took on the challenging senior course. Abbie Lewis led the team with a confident and strong run. Not far behind were Letha Whitham and Sarah Batsford, both pacing their races well and finishing strongly in a busy field. Emma Johns completed the team with a determined display and kept pushing all the way to the line.

The senior men also impressed. James Gray had an excellent run and finished well up the field with a powerful performance. John Richardson and Michael Friberg both ran solid and determined races on a tough senior route. Barry Champion rounded off the team with a gritty effort, staying strong all the way to the finish.

Overall, it was a fantastic day for Blaydon Harriers. From the Under Elevens through to the seniors, every runner showed real effort, commitment and club pride. Well done to every single person who pulled on a Blaydon vest.