Stretton Hills – 5.75/2500ft Sat 6th June.
English Championship Counter.
Not the sort of day that you would put the cat out, it poured down from start to finish, which was a pity, as the location and the race route were super. Run of the day was undoubtedly Suzanne Budgett’s, (61.21) who having had a bad cold for several days ran just to make up the team and finished a very impressive first 0/45 and 12th overall on a pretty tough course – brilliant effort. I don’t think Geraldine Walkington (68.09) – our second counter – was feeling much better, even so once again pulled out all the stops to finish 2nd 0/50 in 32nd. Making up the team – and feeling fine at the start! was Rachel Metcalfe, who still had a smile on her race at the end, finishing in 55th in a time of 75.22. The ladies race was won by Philippa Jackson in 54.12.
In the men’s race James Logue (50.31) had a flyer as our first counter, finishing in 19th place. Our other James (Kevan) did what he came for and finished first U/23 clocking 51.25 for 27th overall. I didn’t have a chance to talk to our third counter Dave Milliken who finished in 41st place in 54.14, so not sure how he went on, but he was not in his usual pecking order. Brian Walton came next for us taking the third 0/55 in 60.09 for 96th overall, so he must be pleased with that. Steve Jackson I am sure was just pleased to be running – with his current injury problems, his 5th counter for us was invaluable, so well done Steve, who finished in 126th place for 64.22. This just left our two 0/60’s, with the effervescent Mick Crook running 67.05 for 145th and Pete Walkington braving the elements and taking third 0/65 in 67.39.
Well done to everyone today for supporting the club on this long trip down to Church Stretton in such bad weather conditions.