DECEMBER 2002 ISSUE 305

FRANNY’S BITS.

The last fixture at Reading saw an improvement in the mens results in the cross country league. Unfortunately the teams around us also made improvements as the current table shows us languishing in 9^th place and several points away from safety. In recent years however we have scored good points in our home fixture so a similar result on January 11^th would help us greatly.

The women’s team is doing well with the Vets. Topping the table, this should be maintained through the next fixture. The other bright spot is our U15 boys squad who currently lie second but who have all re-written their Foxdown PB’S in recent weeks and could challenge the all conquering Aldershot come our home fixture.

With regards to our home fixture, if anyone wishes to offer their services either the day before for course marking or to help with marshalling/ refreshments etc. on the day then please see Paul or Geoff.

The club Xmas dinner was held at the Test Valley Golf Course following the cyclist’s race. Most of the people there seem to have enjoyed the occasion and thanks are due to John Hoare for organising it.

Thanks also to Liz and her helpers for arranging the food for the after handicap Xmas party. Thanks also to Ken for the musical accompaniment to some very dodgy carol singing.

An up to date Consistency league table should be on the notice board shortly

FINALLY:

Whilst not many club members have taken part in Hampshire road race league fixtures this winter I need to point out the following warning from the league organisers following runners taking part in events whilst wearing another runners numbers.

Following a runner being taking ill at an event the organisers contacted his relatives only to find he was not at the event and there was some confusion with the emergency services as to the casualty’s identity. Therefore in future clubs will be given one warning then, if anyone is caught wearing another runners number, the entire team will be disqualified. PLEASE BE WARNED, and try not to put the club in an embarrassing situation

SOUTHERN VETS. X-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS. 14th DECEMBER

On a cold, damp afternoon a small squad of runners decided that Christmas shopping was not for them and found running round the playing fields at Kings Park in Bournemouth more to their liking. After seeing the Southern Counties organisational skill at September’s hill running weekend it had to be expected there would be the odd glitch. The men’s race was advertised as 10km but by halfway this seemed to be a very poor "guestimate" unless we were all running close to PB pace. Dave led us home with a fine performance, fairly regular racing this season has seen Dave record a fine series of results and this good form has been, for me, one of the few bright spots in the men’s section.

Martin continued his return from injury with another improvement and is slowly showing signs of returning to the fine form of last winter. I only decided to run on the morning of the race as I have been carrying a variety of niggles since the Gosport half. After a cautious start I spent the entire race picking off runners whilst trying to maintain a level pace. Despite this not being my favourite venue I was really pleased with my run but sadly we were unable to finish a team.

FOXDOWN HANDICAP. 19^th DECEMBER.

A very cold night saw numerous absentees, the most notable being early season pace setter Alex. There were 5 PB’s on the night and with Craig’s debut, Dave Vosser’s fastest time in 3 years and my own quickest in 6 years they filled the top 8 places.

First home was Madeline whose 73 second improvement was the best of the night. Probably more impressive though was runner up Aaron who continues to carve chunks off, this time 57 seconds. The fast starting Josh also improved by 46 secs. for third With the other PB’s coming from the continually improving Karen, 30 seconds, and Ian Vosser, 27 seconds.

The league tables at the halfway mark of the season make interesting reading with juniors dominating the handicap section. Victories in the opening two races give Alex the lead whilst Aaron’s big improvements in the last two races put him in second. The possible advantage though goes to third place Josh who is yet to miss a race with Karen, Claire and myself in close order behind. The time league is more clear cut with Jamie’s 3 victories giving him a clear lead over Mark and Dave Vosser, with Aaron, once again, breathing down their necks. FULL TABLES ARE ON THE NOTICE BOARD.

A CORRECTION.

My report on the visit to Germany in the October issue contained an error. Karen’s tipple on the Saturday night binge was, FRUCHTIKOR MIT WODKA and not as stated. I don’t believe that vodka is ever made of nuts!

HAYLING 10miles ROAD RACE. NOVEMBER 24^th.

Anyone who knows the course at Hayling will probably agree that the brief report in last month’s issue, though slightly exaggerated, are absolutely correct. The news received on arrival that the course had been reduced to 15km seemed to diminish enthusiasm particularly by those who were looking for PB’S at the distance. The rumor machine would have us believe that the flooding was too deep for runners to just splash through, but those that suggested snorkles would have to be issued seemed a bit far fetched.

Despite JT’s suggestion the handicap was worked out on a more scientific method ie: who brought me the most beer.

Seriously though Eric’s fine run catches the eye but he was narrowly pipped on handicap by the inform Dave Vosser. Audra took third though I should mention that only 18 seconds covered the top three.

VICTORY 5 mile 1^st DECEMBER. FROM JT

This year for safety reasons this prestigious race had been completely re-routed so as not to impinge any public carriageways. The route as usual finished on the Mountbatten track but also started with ¾ of a lap before following the causeway adjacent and so well known to regulars at this event. It then took us around a park and then returned over the same causeway. Times were said to be slower than the old course due to the brisk breeze hampering those on the return journey and the the slower surface and twisting route rather than the smooth straight roads adjacent to the centre.

This being the second consistency event of a busy weekend, it wasn’t surprising that such a small number would venture on to the roads following the previous days trials and tribulations at Prospect Park. Those who did were rewarded with mega points.

Some Juniors Results from Geoff

Aaron Harris represented Hampshire under 15 Boys, in their annual Southern Counties Cross Country Fixture at Banbury, on 7 December. Aaron finished 13th overall, losing two places on the final run in, and was second counter for Hampshire, who were 4th team, over a flat but heavy 4.5Km parkland course.

Tadley XC Sunday 8th December from Geoff

On Sunday 8 December, a small but determined group from the Village Club made the short trip to compete in the annual Tadley Runners Christmas Cross Country. This was a testing course of 5.3miles, which included good fast stretches, forest trails, rough parkland, mud pools, and a jump over a deep ditch, designed to take out the unwary. British International Duathlete Ian Ford was first Vet, and cross country specialist Mark Simcox was 6th despite having to stop and retrieve a shoe. Gavin Duncan was 20th and Geoff Cloke 50th. Audra Dennison won the Ladies race, and together with Ford and Simcox won the Team prize, against stiff opposition from Basingstoke AC.

Cyclists Race Sunday 23^rd December from Geoff

On Sunday 22 December, a flock of 22 Harriers and 17 members of Cycle Club Basingstoke (without their bikes) assembled at Overton’s Recreation Centre to compete in a 3½ miles race over a multi-terrain course. This is a team event, which has been held for the past 30 years, and is competitive despite the festive timing.

Jamie Jones was the outright winner for the Harriers by over a minute from Cyclists Tim Richardson and Martin Harris. Keith Vallis, Dave Vosser and 15year old Craig Williams were close behind for the Harriers, and were just in front of Veteran Cycle Racer Bernie Charlick.

Despite taking a wrong turn and losing momentum, 13year old Josh Bliss was next to finish just holding off Club mates Dave Bush and Paddy Keenan. Cyclists Alan Roud and Ben Wheeler finished next followed by the Harrier’s Gavin Duncan, Wales International Cath Wheeler, and Mark Dennison, who was taking it easy following a long absence through injury. Cyclist Richard Lewis was next in, tracked closely by the Harrier’s duo of David Bright and Eric Tilbury who in turn were only seconds ahead of Cyclists Linda Purves and Bruce Smith. The Harrier’s Dave Titcomb was next in and managed to head off a sizeable group of Cyclists comprising Peter Wright, Simon Lunsky, Andy Bethel, Matt Galley and Jill Carter. They were followed by the Harrier’s John Hodge, and Alastair Paul, Cyclist Damien McKeavaney, Harrier Geoff Cloke and Cyclist Martine Reynolds. A sizeable group of Harriers were next to finish including Dot Wicke, Madeleine Vosser, John Thomas, Ian Vosser, Karen Burton, Caroline Taylor. Last to finish were Cyclists Mary Shofield and Paul Langham.

Overton Harriers not surprisingly won the team event by a considerable margin, as they have done on every occasion except one.

After the presentations both teams went their separate ways to indulge in a spot of festive cheer at local establishments, vowing to return next year.