Woodbank Park, Stockport
15th January 2006
This was another great turnout and impressive result for the Wilmslow men.
Woodbank Park appears at first sight to be rather flat and pleasantly dry for cross country. The illusion doesn’t last as you plough across the muddy fields, plummet down to towards the river and crawl back up the other side. Three times.
Tom and Stuart got off to flying starts leaving Malcolm revving on the line. The natural order was however soon re-established and Malcolm powered through the field to finish an excellent 3rd. Behind him Tom, Rob, Stuart and Bill packed in well to secure the points. The cross country converts Colin and Ray Eagle finished strongly close behind.
It was the first run in a Wilmslow vest for Steve Dempsey and Mark Bale. Both the new recruits looked considerably less knackered and muddy than I did after my first cross country. Ray Hunt confessed that it was his first race in 5 years so let’s hope he too has now got the race bug.
All this effort did not go unrewarded as we managed to win gold in the very tightly contested Senior Men team (beating Trafford, Macclesfield and West Cheshire) and silver in the Veterans.
Kate A was first vet and Tom was 2nd vet in the series overall. Malcolm had the novelty of leaving a cross country fixture empty handed. Meanwhile team captain Nick was unfortunately laid up with the sort of mystery flu like virus that only afflicts the super-fit athlete. Get well soon Nick (and see you for reps on Tuesday!).
Thanks to Mike C, Tony, Kate, Sally and Nicky for the vocal support.
Rob Downs
3 Malcolm Fowler
11 Tom McGaff
13 Rob Downs
17 Stuart Parrot
26 Bill Heaton
30 Colin Fray
31 Ray Eagle
40 Steve Dempsey
44 Ian Smallwood
56 Mark Bale
57 Ray Hunt
78 Trevor Faulkner
Full results will appear later this week on http://www.cheshireaa.com