The penultimate cross country took place at Acklam on Sunday 7th February and the men's team came in first comfortably ahead of Richmond & Zetland who are still leading the league.

HBR could tie for first place at the final race at Richmond but only if Richmond are well beaten by us and NYMAC.The course was over four laps and just over 6 miles for the men with heavy going throughout but in favourable weather conditions. Only Tracy Waller ran in the ladies race finishing in 6th in a good time of 21.06. In the mens race of 99 competitors, HBR had 10 runners with Vaughan "Lenny" Godber first home in 9th position in a great time of 37.50, just holding off Andy Minister by two seconds with Andy stating he was  fair and squarely beaten by the better man on the day. Behind these two, another titanic battle  was taking place between Andy Kelly, Barry Coulter and  Paul Wilson. The order was maintained with the older Barry splitting the two young guns to the end with positions of 16th, 17th and 19th in respective times of 39.04, 39.05 and 39.26, though Paul stated he was slightly disappointed with his run.

Vet 2 Karl Edwards gained sweet revenge on Vet 1 Keith Galbraith with positions of 33rd and 37th in times of 41.06 and 41.17. Next home in 59th was David Kirk in a time of 45.07, David stating that he had a good run, feeling very strong over the last of the four laps. Peter Johnson was equally pleased having taking a couple of scalps in a time of 49.32 and finishing in 82nd position. Finally home for HBR was Steve Armstrong in a very good time of 54.03 and in 94th position. Steve regularly turns out for the club and epitomises the true club spirit, many more should take his lead.