The 4th BDL race at Berry Hill, held on what is undoubtedly the best course of the five-race series, saw 21 Belper Harriers’ runners battling hard to further improve the club’s standing in this season’s cross-country league. As a result of the men achieving an excellent second place and the ladies improving to finish fifth (after an eighth place in Race 3) the combined team placed a very creditable third on the day behind Mansfield and Long Eaton.
The effect on the league standings (after four of the five races) was to move the Belper combined team up from 4th to 3rd place as anticipated in the pre-race e-mail last week. Our men’s team have now strengthened their hold on 2nd place in the standings to date, but crucially are now equal on (league) points with leaders Heanor RC, having beaten them by a point yesterday. However, in the absence of most of our stronger runners, our ladies despite showing true grit and determination in finishing 5th yesterday remain in 8th place after the four races.
As for individual performances: Dale Annable and Geoff Lowry once again led the way for our counting seven; executing very strong races to finish 8th and 10th respectively. The resurgent Alex Duthie had a superb run to finish in 18th place, while the ever-reliable Simon Merwood and continually improving Andy Fookes were close behind in 21st and 24th. Completing the scoring seven; Krish Mahadevan (revered leader of the SRTS) was 33rd, along with Rob Norman, who had an excellent run to finish 44th. It’s worth noting that the race winner was Mansfield’s former GB International runner, Billy Farquharson. (Who – probably intentionally – did just enough to win on the day!).
Repeating her achievement from the previous race at Bramcote, Gemma Redfern was once again Belper’s first lady home in 102nd place. It was good to see Theresa Hempsall back in the thick of it again, and scoring for the team, on the Mansfield course. Also on the score sheet once again this season was Rose Sensecall in 128th place.
Congratulations and well done to Andy Dakin and Jane Armoush who, having only joined the club relatively recently, each completed their first ever cross-country race yesterday!! Both runners acquitted themselves well and should be proud of their achievements! (Jane has spent many years supporting her talented daughters at cross-country events but had never had the opportunity to run one before!).
Results Summary
Race 1: Men – 2nd Ladies – 7th Combined team – 3rd
Race 2: Men – 2nd Ladies – 5th Combined team – 3rd
After 2 races: Men – 2nd Ladies – 6th Combined team – 4th
Race 3 : Men – 1st Ladies – 8th Combined team – 4th
After 3 races: Men – 2nd Ladies – 8th Combined team – 4th
Race 4 : Men – 2nd Ladies – 5th Combined team – 3rd
After 4 races: Men – 2nd Ladies – 8th Combined team – 3rd