Midland Womens XC League Race 4
Plock Court, Gloucester
Saturday 9th February 2008

Today was not cross country weather; it was 25 Celsius in the shade; well maybe a bit less, but not much.

Senior management and I got there so early the only thing on the Park was seagulls and Rob Whitehouse.

The girls arrived in dribs and drabs, sadly no one doing anything remotely daft enough to gain a mention. Come back Louise and Claire. One actually started to ask the number on the front question, then realised and choked back the words. She was safe; I would have never told you it was Debbie anyway.

There was much muttering about the flatness of the course, in about the same proportion as when it's hilly, there's no pleasing a true cross country runner.

Plock Court is so flat that if I lay down on the course my belly would provide a major elevation. The course was laid out in reverse order so that the start line was revealed to us about fifteen minutes prior to the start time, between a set of goal posts!

Shortly after the start I was lucky to escape with my life after being savaged by a huge black dog. I was finally rescued by fellow spectators, one of whom managed to capture the terrible event on camera as you will see following. Litigation will ensue!



I digress :-

THE RACE

Debbie Walters managed to split The Telford girls Claire Martin and Kim Fawke in the early stages with International Laura Kenney away in the lead... Kim proved to be too strong and Debbie finished a fine 4th taking the overall master's title.

Emma Philips "I hate cross country, I'm no good at it, and I'm not fit" finished next in 6th.

Becky Sanders is having a difficult time juggling work and training but still closed the team scoring in 10th

Amanda Dalkins doesn't particularly like flat courses but wasn't far behind in 13th, second scorer in the Masters race.

Super Cath Mijovic had her best race of the season to close the masters team score with 20th.

Rachel Cook was next in 30th. Lindsey Baker our only junior was 33rd

Lisa Dimbleby in 68th, Michelle Tanner 83rd.


RESULTS

SENIOR WOMEN; Second on the day and Second overall.

MASTERS; First on the day and First overall.



Thanks to all the girls who took part over the season and thanks to all who helped me makes it one of our best seasons.

Eddie Cockayne.
Senior Women's Team Manager,
Road & XC