Saturday the 10th of February saw the Birmingham & District Cross Country League come to a close, with the Halesowen Mens team giving it their all in the fields surrounding the National Star College in Cheltenham, for the 4th and final race of the season in division 2.
Going into the last race over 140 points behind the last promotion position to division 1, we’d have been asking for more than a miracle to make it through! However, with a substantial lead over 5th place, pressure to perform was taken from us and we were able to run freely and enjoy what was a ‘’good classical cross country course’’ (so I’ve heard from all the old blokes!) albeit confusing for many athletes, myself included; well done to everyone who didn’t put their all into a sprint finish on the penultimate lap!!
A strong run from Adam Cross, leading us back home in 22nd position, Roger Mallard following in 34th, Marc Turner in 37th, Mateusz Sliwinski – 39th, Dave Turvey – 40th, and Kristian Bayley rounding out our scoring 6, coming through in 50th. Jonathan Lewis was 60th & Team Captain Peter Dear was 61st followed by an out-of-retirement Mark Hadley in 97th. The rest of the team coming in as follows: David Lewis – 129th, James Hoult – 132nd, Alex Morgan – 170th, John Hill – 174th, Bill Nock – 192nd, Andy Nock – 201st, Paul Allen – 236th, Club Chairman Steve Millington was 243rd and Steve Horton was through in 254th.
Stand out League performers:
- Mateusz Sliwinski being 21st overall in the series, leading Marc Turner, Roger Mallard & Adam cross, all showing great consistency throughout the season, finishing in 26th, 27th and 31st
- Kristian Bayley, scoring 2nd overall in the Junior Mens series…. 2nd by just 1 point!
- James Hoult, showing brilliant progress throughout the season, working his way up the rankings.
- Everyone for turning out to the races, giving Halesowen a chance to take over with regular teams of 20+ in size.
With Both A & B teams finishing 4th & 2nd respectively on the day; matching our final league positions. It’s safe to say that we’ve laid down a good foundation of consistency throughout the season, a foundation we will rise from to greatness.
WATCH OUT! HALESOWEN’S GLOVES ARE OFF NEXT SEASON!
Until next time,
Over & out – Captain Pete
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