A really good race produced some tight finishes. I watched ahead of me as Kate closed-in on Nicky who was herself catching Chris. As they approached the road the two girls had moved ahead but Chris must have fought back to the front in the latter stages. Further ahead Sue edged Don by two seconds. The real excitement, however, was in Group 5. Four Wilmslow runners; Angela, Steffi, Penny and Sally came-in within 8 seconds with Rod only 8 seconds behind them.
The loser from this Wilmslow cluster was a tiring Roy who saw Series points disappear late in the race as this Wilmslow cluster swept past.
Roy, however, took solace in beating Simon and a satisfactory time. This contradicted my experience, I was very happy where I had finished against Wilmslow colleagues but then disappointed to see my time well down on last year. This is partly explained by the course running about 20 seconds slower than last year; ground conditions were good, there was no wind so it must have been the temperature, although I found it warm rather than stifling.
The ladies 1:2:3 was Sue, Kate Nicky who were respectively 1st.L35, 1st.L45 and 1st. L50. The result strengthens Kate’s leadership overall but three wins in the remaining 7 races could see Sue overhauling her, although she may need to stop Kate winning too many of the others. Also last year’s winner, Vicky, can’t be ruled-out, she’s only run two races but has 50 points from each, is she going to be able to manage 5 from the 7 remaining? Nicky is second overall and Angela third.
Mick, 1st. M60, took the 50 points in 3/4 with Tony, 2nd. M60, picking-up 49 and Sue 48. Past results suggested Mick would beat Tony on this course, overall they are tied, both on 348 points and Sunday may hand the advantage back to Tony. Don retains third but Sue is a threat here as well as in the Ladies.
Last year Catriona, with a blistering finished, roared past friend Penny only to collapse once she was over the line. This year was different, her early efforts resulting in a Jim Peter’s finish (though perhaps not all of you remember the 1956? Olympics) staggering, ashen over the line and collapsing. Steve Russell initially held the fort whilst others sought Dr. Kate. Somewhat lost in this was Cat’s first-ever 5/6 50 points, perhaps the best race she’s ever run. I hope the last few yards does not put her off giving her all in future races. Angela finished at the front of the ‘cluster’, scoring critical points in her contest with Penny, they are first and second overall. Sunday will suit Penny better but remember Angela won at Shady Oak though Penny gained revenge at Bollington. What would add spice to Sunday would be Amanda, who has not raced since her brilliant Bollington and who, when she is on-song, is better than all of us. Steffi is quietly moving through Group 5, following-up her 47 points at Moonraker with 48 here. Overall John remains third, every year John wins one race, you’ve got seven left, John, and some tough competition.
Rob Gilbert, James Wheeler, Gareth Trimble, Steve Russell, Andy Watts and Sally Price make it 24 names on the 2009 mug and T-shirt.
Meerbrook on Sunday will be a new and, I suspect, testing experience for most of us. Great Warford, the following Sunday was billed last year as a PB course, even without the introductory bonus Malcolm gave us last year, it won’t be that.
Ian
Ian – I can’t afford to bribe you anymore – thanks for the encouragement though! Bollington – I think was down to a big juicy steak the night before, a bit of retail therapy and lots of wine with Nina – the hangover came after the race!
Well done everyone on the Pie and Peas – I can’t make Sunday but good luck and have fun 😉 see you at Great Warford. (I’m nervous already, I have a real challenge ahead if I’m to get near any of you!)