Laval Runner Captures UNB/STU Invitational

(FREDERICTON, NB) Jean-Simon Desgagnes, of the Laval Rouge et Or, won Saturday's AUS/RSEQ interlock men's cross country race, through Fredericton's Odell Park.

Desgagnes covered the eight kilometre course in a time of 25:14, beating Angus Rawlings, of the St FX X-Men, by just four seconds.

Andrew Peverill, of the Saint Mary's Huskies, finished third in 25:28.

The X-Men's Alex Neuffer was fourth.

Peverill set a fast early pace, leading through the first four kilometres.

"We let him go a bit but we kept him in sight," said Desgagnes. "At four K, with the St FX guy, we caught him, then raced together. For the kick at the end, I knew they were there, but I just let it go."

"When we started going up the hill on the second lap, the Laval guy and I started chasing him down," said Rawlings. "After that it was kind of all on the gas for the next four kilometres."

Desgagnes and Rawlings traded the lead throughout the final two kilometres, with the Quebec runner winning a sprint to the finish line.

"I knew he had those wheels at the end, so I was trying to get rid of him before, and once he made that move past me I knew I wasn't going to catch him so I said to myself let's just hold on," said Rawlings.

Isaac Cull was the top UNB Reds finisher, running 24^th overall. Cull finished in 27:05, 1:51 behind the winner.

"I think we could definitely have had a better performance than what we had today," said Cull. "We need to have a little bit more confidence in ourselves. It seemed like it wasn't there today. When it comes time for AUS, our confidence levels will be much better."

The Atlantic University Sport season continues next weekend, with the Universite de Moncton Invitational, on October 13^th.

The Subway AUS Championship meet is October 27^th, in Halifax.

RECAP AND PHOTOS: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics