Double Top at Haigh Relays. Sat 21st March

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A successful days racing at Haigh Hall saw both the men and ladies teams winning in style. The ladies team was five minutes clear of second team Wigan with Katie Ingram (21.13) Lisa Heyes (23.00) Suzanne Budgett (24.23) and Angela Allen (24.24) taking the four fastest times of the day, and were never headed throughout the race – which bodes well for the Northern 6 Stage. To top it off Katie also broke the course record.

The men’s team had to work hard for their first place, but won comfortably in the end by over a minute. Gary Priestley (20.40) ran ace to bring us in third, handing over to Alastair Murray (20.28) who flew round to take us into a lead that we never relinquished, with Andy Neary (21.33) and Steve Nolan (21.47) giving us excellent back up we landed a super double.

Our ‘B’ Team finished in an excellent 9th overall – from 45 teams – with Glyn Kay running the fastest of the team in 21.27 with great support from Karl Ward (22.15) Simon Parkinson (22.43) and Nick White (23.51).

We also had a ‘C’ team with Nigel Clementson (22.56) back after a four year lay off! Running the fastest time – not a bad come back! With Keith Tyrer (24.52) sporting a Horwich vest (hint hint!) running well for 24.52. Pete Bland (26.54) managed an unexpectedly faster time than team mate Steve Jackson (27.21), who has been well clear of late, but sorry to say Pete, Steve’s hamstring pulled.

And just to show what we can do – team wise – when we try, we also managed a mixed team of Caroline Scholes (26.40) Christine Boardman (27.37) Gary Chadderton (23.42) and Carl Balshaw (25.31) who did great for a two and two mixed. As opposed to other mixed teams with three men and one woman, not what I usually associate with a mixed team formula.

A great days racing was had by all, even if it was Raynauds day!

Results at: http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/haigh.htm

Haigh relay