Sun Shines As Eprc Take Borders Honours

Yet another fantastic turnout saw 21 club members compete in the 4th round of the Borders League on 4.2.07.The race was run in bright sunshine over a gently undulating scenic route on the outskirts of Christleton, and measured just a shade under 6 miles.

A number of excellent performances helped the mens team bolster their position of 3rd overall in Division 1, whilst remaining within sprinting distance of the top spot. The first of the club’s two outstanding efforts on the day saw highly tuned race machine Steve Crowe speed home in 1st place in a time of 31m35s, which also put him atop the senior male individual rankings. The second outstanding effort saw Madelaine Bird soar home in 44m55s to be first placed LV50 on the day and first in the LV50 ranking.

Returning to form after a blip in the recent 4 Villages Half Marathon, Mark Dodd powered home in 34m13s just ahead of Denis ‘the French Connection’ Duret in 34m34s. The battle for dominance between these two, and Simon Jeffs who finished in 34m50s, looks sure to hot up over the coming weeks. Another runner returning to fitness is Paul Robertson who finished in 35m36s, with Nicky Bird close behind in 36m35s, which was good enough to keep her at the top of the individual senior lady rankings. Matt Whitfield was again able to keep some of his younger rivals in the shade when finishing in 36m42s, notably Danny Legg 38m6s, Tony Hyland 38m39s. Although he may have retired from the Royal Mail, Dave Nalder can still deliver the goods and romped home in 38m57s, with the charging John Hawker in 39m3s and John Jennings in 39m40s not too far behind. The second post was delivered by Brian Griffiths in 40m5s who just managed to keep ahead of Keith Musson, 40m39s and Alison Macdonald, 40m 52s. Dave Roberts, putting some useful quick miles in the bank as part of his London Marathon training, cruised home in 41m35s, with Alan Durston ambulating to a time of 42m36s to hold off the late challenges of Roy Traynor, 43m23s, and Nigel Crieri, 46m22s. Completing the scoring for the Ladies team was Natasha Hadley who drove herself across the finish line in 49m18s.

Although the Ladies team remain closer to the bottom than the top of Division 1 provided we continue to put out a full team, and those runners compete to the high level achieved to date, any thoughts of relegation should be banished after the next two rounds.

Winning Division 1 remains the target of the senior mens team. A deficit of 451 points may at first seem daunting but things can and no doubt will change quickly over the course of the next 3 rounds of races, particularly with some quick runners to return to the team. The veteran men’s team, currently lying in 3rd place and 395 points off the pace, retain an outside but realistic chance of hitting the top spot when in matters in the final race if recent performances are maintained.