Summer Series, Race 16 – Sutton 10k

 

 

A sad end to a glorious match but that was the afternoon, at Guilden Sutton, the Men came first, the Ladies came first, the Men retained the Cheshire Grand Prix, the Ladies regained the Cheshire Grand Prix. A triumph for everyone at Wilmslow but particularly Tony and Kate.

 

The Men had already taken the title at Great Warford but our team of Damian 2^nd.., Jim 3^rd., Trevor (2V45) 10^th. and Laclan 24^th. emphasised the Wilmslow supremacy. In the Summer Series it strengthened Jim’s hold on second place with 5^th. Wilmslow runner home Rob, making a useful addition to his score. 

 

The Cheshire statistician felt that the odds favoured Vale Royal. What is more, Kate had lost two of her team between Thursday and Sunday. However, also doing Saturday’s road relays, inflicted even heavier damage on Vale Royal and Wilmslow were able to win both the day and the title. Ian Smallwood pointed out, with a smile, that the result clearly vindicated the committee’s decision to keep the place and date of future Summer Series races a club secret.

 

A key factor in our 2009 victory has been the consistent availability of Sally Gilliver (1V45), who has kept clear of injury and Katy (3V35) who has kept clear of pregnancy. However our greatest debt is undoubtedly to Kate (2V45) who has, from January to September, always ensured the best available team has made it to the start line, often in trying circumstances. Fourth counter was returning mum, Sally Price, who ran well without quite matching her Meerbrook magic. Support, not only here but through the season, came from Christine, Angela, Steffi, Catriona and Nina. Absent, but regular counters during the year, were Nicky and Penny.

 

Sally took another 50 points which moves her up to second and keeps her in contention for the Ladies’ title but Kate, with 49, further strengthened her position. Nicky is pushed down to third and Angela to fourth. Katy’s 48 makes a podium finish more likely, although an outright win becomes more difficult but still possible.

 

In the past Sutton was a race when a great time was usually rewarded with a measly points score but that was when you needed to get your 7 races out of 11 or 12. Increasing to 19 races has taken the pressure off. I’m going through one of those frustrating periods when, for no apparent reason, your form, as if by osmosis, slowly seeps away but this was like the spring again; disappointing time, good points. Macclesfield is a demanding half but holds the prospect of similar goodies.

 

Tony’s role for the day was limited to returning one trophy but taking two home with him. This should have taken the pressure off Mick but Ian pushed him all the way although in the end Mick re-inforced his place at the top of Group 3/4. He now has the maximum 350, however, victory is not ensured, it may yet go to the eighth best result. Ian took 49 points. James took 48 and may make a late surge for a podium place. Andy’s 47 means he is pushing-up his total and is now level with Geoff. Sally jumped above Ian, Nicky and Chris and is closing on Richard and Steve.

 

Tony and Don, who was struggling to retain his 100% record despite an injured knee, held their 3/4 second and third places in the table. At the other end Owen pushed the Ian to the bottom of the pile on the day but looks unlikely to avoid it himself for the season as a whole.

 

For the second race in succession, none of the top three in 5/6; Angie, Penny and Catriona added to their score. And, for the second week in succession, John took 50 points, catching a tiring Sally just before the end, but Sally’s 49 means she cruised past Roy in the table but Christine, who almost caught me on the line, leapfrogged both of them. Rod and Roy both made bold starts and recorded times that underlined their improving form but neither could prevent Angie and Steffi moving through into fourth and fifth on the day. Steffi jumps to 9^th. in the table. Cat had a dog day and Martin’s PB still left him behind Nina and Trevor.

 

John now has 343 points, level with Penny. Angie retains the lead on 347. Catriona drops to fourth. Tradition has it that this league is only decided on the hill at Langley and the odds are shortening of a long summer being determined in the November mist.

 

The names of Sally Giliver, Christine Geraghty, Steffi Sperring and Martin Wheeldon bring to 36 those on the 2009 t-shirt and mug. 58 could still complete the Series but Trevor Morris, Mark Bale, Jamie Smith and Bill Staniard will have to complete all three remaining races.

 

I again write from distance with limited access to the results and tables. Please use ‘comments’ below to correct errors of fact, judgement or opinion. I hope to file age/sex times before the end of the week and let Don have the updated table – neither of the top two; Tom and Tony ran Sutton.

 

Much then yet to be decided in the Series but, with the Grand Prix season over, time to be thinking cross-country. Nick, again helped by Kate, has done for our cross-country teams what Kate has achieved in the Ladies’ Grand Prix. If you’ve not done it before, or are unsure, try the opening race; Heaton Park Saturday October 24^th., in my view the best in the calendar. To get the real flavour of cross-country, however, you need to be at Boggart Hole Clough on Saturday December 12^th.; just about enough time to get the mud off before the Christmas Party in the evening.

 

Ian