AFD Road Relays inc. SEAA Women's 4-Stage Championship
Fighting to the Wire
Will Cockerell reports: The 2013-14 season continued in feel good fashion on Rushmoor's subtle slopes in a race of exceptional quality. Between 2008-2011, our time would have placed us 12th, 9th, 12th and 11th, but with the teams up to a record 69 starters, 18th was our lot here with a very new look team. The race was dominated by Aldershot's incredible squad, whose riches continue to grow. When the day's 3rd fastest athlete (and AFD's quickest), is unable to force her way into the A team, the other clubs can only murmur in approval. The 17th quickest of all the day's athletes frolicked down in their F team! We'll have her.
But enough about them, how are we? Well the squad is up to 37 now, more than double what it was four years ago. That 32 were elsewhere on this day is no problem. We made the decision to let Ms. Jones off the hook and go on a sub-34 minute roaring rampage of retribution in Swansea instead. So despite lower numbers this year, we still a talented team to parade.
It was a tad harsh to chuck Mel on first, but she was the one for the job after her stormer at Wimbledon. She got a nasty elbow boof in the midriff early doors, and was startled at the seething menace all around. But underneath a placid veneer, is someone who loves a scrap as much as the next girl. Top 30 was what we wanted, so 23rd was outstanding. The acorn continues to grow.
Thus Rose had far fewer to chase than we envisaged, and instead this purist 800 runner had to concentrate on holding steady, which she did in style, with a dazzling kick from 175 out. Enter stage left the debutante Zoe Doyle, stepping in for other Zoe who picked up a virus. The swap didn't cost us, as Z ran a blinder, just 2 ticks off Mel and our highest advancer of the day in the Open race (Vets included). What a find!
You know what you're gonna' get from Fee: no mistakes, no histrionics; just a clinical return. Feeling a little jaded after heavy marathon training, she advanced us some more and entering the arena treated us to a telling finish. With 600 to go she was under severe attack from Lucy Elliott who pinged a 2:06 for the 800 the other day (well, 1991), and AFD's Angel Collins 28 years Fee and L.E.'s junior. But at the final turn wonder-woman turned on the after-burners and left both floundering.
Many thanks to our quartet here for rallying to the cause and to reserve Hester who chose to be on stand-by instead of jetting off to Paris. Also thanks to the Club President for kindly registering the team, when his nerves couldn't take the match manager's delayed appearance at the venue any longer.
1 Aldershot, Farnham & Dist AC 51:29; 2 Aldershot, Farnham & Dist AC "B" 52:14; 3 Bedford&County 53:59; … 18 Belgrave H 58:30. 69 teams started, 53 finished.
Belgrave: M Wilkins (23) 14:28; R O'Brien (23) 14:57; Z Doyle (21) 14:30; F Maycock (18) 14:35.
Fastest: B Potter (Shaftesbury) 12:41; 2 C Mitchell (Southampton) 12:46; 3 L Small (AFD) 12:47.
Restored from the club's earlier website, belgraveharriers.com, and published here as originally written.