Athletics league titles set to be decided in Forres

Inverness Harriers and Moray Road Runners look set to exchange senior team titles after tomorrow’s final North cross country league match at Forres.

Inverness are already guaranteed the women’s award, which their rivals won last year.

While the Moray men look almost certain winners tomorrow, ousting the title holders.

But on the women’s side there is set to be a big battle for the individual title which looks set to go to one of three Inverness athletes.

Catriona Fraser, whose season appears to have been ended by injury, already has her four counting races in the bag.

However her points total could be overhauled by Emily Andrew and Gemma Cormack if they run.

The big issue on the men’s side is the fixtures clash with the following day’s Kinloss to Lossiemouth Half Marathon which will affect both Inverness and Moray.

However it will affect Inverness far more so.

Moray’s Kenny Wilson has decided not to complete the league series in favour of Sunday’s road outing but Moray can comfortably absorb the disadvantage to their team.

However Inverness, who are already chasing the game, are expecting all of their top four runners to be absent from Forres.

John Newsom will be out due to injury.

Donnie MacDonald, Michael O’Donnell and Graham Bee have all opted to compete in the half marathon.

These top level absences also leave the men’s individual title fairly open.

Highland Hill Runners could yet overhaul Inverness for second place in the men’s team contest.

Of the eight young athletes’ individual titles, four have already been decided in favour of Inverness runners who could perhaps add one more.

Inverness Harriers are also strongly placed to lift five of the junior team titles.

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