Mid Lancs XC – Witton Park

Mid Lancs XC League Match 5
Witton Park
Saturday 8th February 2014

Going into this penultimate race of the Mid Lancs league the requirement for the men’s team was straight forward. WIN. Anything less and the possibility of Horwich taking the league title for the first time since joining the league would all but disappear.

The lads did not disappoint. A strong turnout meant that not only did we have a strong team, but also the internal competition was fierce.

Leading the way, and setting the foundations for the team were Chris Farrell and Joe Mercer with fantastic individual performances in 2nd and 3rd. Next, and turning out for the team despite many niggles was Martyn Bell in 8th. David Jackson and Alastair Murray fought all the way, with Ali just coming out on top for 19th and 20th. The final counter for the team was to be Dave Milliken in 27th but only after a sprint with Andy Lloyd.

These seven were ably support by Andy Townsend, Mick Green, Gary Chadderton, Doug Fleming and Tony Hesketh, all of whom took vital points away from the opposition.

This result meant that Horwich took first team on the day and maximum points for the match in the league, with the vets team equaling this feat. This, along with the results of other clubs means a win at the final match in three weeks time at Kendal will clinch the league title.

With other clubs still in the running, it’s sure to be quite a showdown requiring all of Horwich’s big guns to fire.

In the ladies race we were represented by Debbie Campbell in 7th and Christa Whatmough in 65th.

As usual, I should mention the mud. However, this will not be what I remember of this race. It will be the five climbs of The Saucer.

Results : http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2014/ml135.htm

Tables : http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2014/mldivisions135.pdf

Ali