After the success of our teams last year , there has been eager anticipation in the build up to race one of the 2007/2008 XC season . Last year the men finished third senior team and for the second year running won the "veterans" category.The ladies had an excellent first seaon in the M&D XC League but were hoping to be in the mix for medals this year : and with every chance.Come on ladies !
Heaton Park was resplendent in autumn colours and we were blessed with mild weather with prospects of rain not materialising .
There was certainly excitement and a real buzz in the air as our runners massed close to the start line .Normal pre race activities etc !
We were delighted to have the support of Dave Read , a spare vest could not be found ! Thanks also to the Downs and Pendrill families ,Junior Dempsey and the Bishop Boys : All support is much appreciated .Rob , Jim and Steve , please pass on our thanks to your repective families and to John .
On time at 1.50pm the gun sounded and the ladies were off charging down hill before the undulations of the course kicked in . Cheered on by the men all seven of our runners had excellent performances .Kates growing talents were evidenced by the strength in her team despite some regulars being absent ( Nicki , Cat , Penny ). Sally like Mike is now in London .
Results will be found within a couple of days thus positions are best guestimates .
Sue in her first race finished in the top twelve with Sally G a couple of places behind. Our next debutante , Claire also had a fine race , coming in the late teens with Captain Kate bringing home the team in the mid twenties . We await the results with eager anticipation for the senior team. Sally G has been a stalwart of the team for many years and good to see her looking fit and strong . Well done Sue and Claire : both admitting to not counting XC as their strength , what super efforts !
Our strength was highlighted as Sally Price pushed other club runners further down the field to boost our team performance and Angela M and Julie L completing the vets team who have a real good chance of being in a medal position come February . Congratulations to you all. Thanks ladies for staying to support the men : great to round a bend and see a cheering face !
As soon as the ladies were home and the eagerly awaited mens race were away . We were without a number of regulars , Mike now in the big city , Damian working and Jeff and Mike C under the weather with flu . Ian S was hitting the peaks of the Snowdonia marathon . With the momentun building for XC and the strength in depth that we now enjoy , we still had 14 runners : Great to see Gareth making his XC debut and Mark Bale appear .
Malcolm ran a fine race bringing the team home in 6th place .
Senior team counters were then : Tom , Rob , Jim , Stuart and Bill . Well done Bill : that last counter spot could be crucial ,(Malc , Tom , Rob and Stuart all counting for the vets also) .
Placings were then (from memory ): Nick ( first XC for 12 months) , Ray ( welcome back !) , Steve ( rock solid as ever ) , Peter ( good to see you at the XC !) , Mark ( looking fresh as ever ) , Gavin ( missed the start by taking his time over final race preparations in a bush !) , Geoff ( fine hill finish , taking two places) and Gareth ( Mr Smiler : hope you enjoyed !)
So both teams now await the first round of results : Normally on line by Tuesday .Some of us retired to a nearby hostelry to replenish and chew the fat : the perfect end to the day .
Dont forget to retain race numbers and those that did not race , I have your numbers and Kate the ladies .
Next race Boggart Hole Clough : 17th November : All welcome , runners , spectators alike : You will be met with a great team spirit , smiles , mud and more …….and a pub after ! Perfect .
See you there,
Nick.