The League tables at this stage of the Series allow the also-rans a few moments in the bright lights before ability overwhelms enthusiasm. That, however, is unfair on our new leader, Matt, who, last year, only narrowly missed promotion to the top table and with 5 wins in 5 races is dominating League 2 and already looks likely to succeed in winning promotion this year.
Promotion in 2015 and 2014 worked out as 2 up, 2 down. However, injuries and people not completing 7 races made it sensible, at the end of the Series, to review the tables and not be driven blindly by the arithmetic. The same will apply in 2016.
2016 sees the creation of League X for runners new to the club and those who did not complete the 7 qualifying races in 2015.
Remember 7 races win the mug and gains qualification, but for the running-shirt you need 12 of which at least 5 must be on-road and 5 off-road.
With the creation of League X, it may be, at the end of the Series, that it makes sense to consolidate the ability leagues down from 5 to 4. You need therefore to carefully watch the Main Table for, were the decision to be to go down to 4, then your position in it is likely to be an important determinant as to your league in 2017.
Those who have run all the races are now down to three; behind Matt are Alan and Ian.
The 12 who have run 4 races are led by Sharon, followed by Tim and Gareth.
The 16 who have run 3 races are led by Jim, Tom and Jarrod.
Sharon, despite not running Mow Cop, retains her lead in the Ladies from Huma and Sally Gilliver
League 1: Sharon, Jim, Tom.
League 2: Matt, Tim, Andy Watts.
League 3: Alan, Gareth, Tony
League 4: Ian, Carolyn, Sue.
League 5: Jan, Trevor, Elspeth
League X: Pete
12 have run two races, 9 one. 52 in total.
Ian