Surrey County AA Road Relays
Bels hold on to Surrey title
It was great to see some new and old faces on the roads of SW19 - and after some doubt as to whether our team would be strong enough to retain their title, and an intriguing battle with South London Harriers, the boys came away as champions again. In fact the senior men's category was the only one in which SLH didn't prevail - so well done to them.
Not quite sure of his fitness for a long run, Malachi Byansi elected not to go to Bristol for the half marathon the next day, deciding to test himself over three miles instead. It was a good move for the Bels as he brought us home in 3rd, just three seconds off the lead with Herne Hill and Dorking & Mole Valley in one and two.
Three weeks off with a foot injury meant that Richard Ward's return to fitness had been delayed somewhat but his decision to tackle the relay gave the team a boost and as Dorking dropped away Rich held us steady in second. Herne Hill were now 23 seconds to the good. Back in 12th spot for the 'B's the long lost "Gerry" Adams made a welcome return to the team - receiving his silver medal from 2000 before his leg commenced! And what a shock on stage two for the 'C' team - as British League Team Manager Bill Laws turned out, belying the fact that he faces his 70th birthday next year.
Ever improving James Fairbourn took charge of stage three. Herne Hill proved to be below their best and James took full advantage by moving the Bels ahead - but behind, South London H were also advancing. Our own Dave Mason set out with an 11 second advantage over the vastly experienced Jason Simpson. Dave battled well but was unable to hold a rampant Simpson who recorded the day's second fastest time.
But the day's fastest was about to be clocked by James Kelly, next up for the Bels. James relentlessly pulled back the 1 minute and 1 second to the lead and then set about securing a margin of all but half a minute over the "Irrepressibles". Great running, Jim, and a fine marker laid down for the SEAA relays three weeks hence.
So, it was veteran Knut Hegvold with a 29 second advantage up against SLH's Stuart Major. Stuart has been out of action for months and it was good to see him back on the road - but not so good to see that he had a Belgrave vest in his sights! No need to worry though. Knut might be the wrong side of 40 but as a one time Norwegian international he has faced all situations in his career. Knut went away a little and then when Stuart came back towards the end, all he had managed to achieve was a 4 second gain. The Bels were home and dry.
Many thanks to all those who chipped in to help with the organisation. Our own team manager was doing time "inside" and his place was taken for the afternoon by Captain Will, saving his energy for Bristol - but not his fingernails!
Senior Men. 1 Belgrave 1:30:29; 2 South London H 1:30:54; 3 Hercules Wimbledon AC 1:35:01; 4 Herne Hill H n/s 1:35:36; 5 Sutton R 1:38:02; 6 Walton AC 1:38:09; 11 Belgrave H 'B' 1:41:22.
A - M Byansi (3) 14:52, R Ward (2) 15:08; J Fairbourn (1) 15:31; D Mason (2) 15:47; J Kelly (1) 14:12; K Hegvold M40 (1) 14:59.
B - J Galley M40 (17) 16:22; G Adams (12) 16:46; M Humphrey (12) 17:06; W Lynch (12) 16:33; R Norville (11) 17:34; R Harding (11) 17:01.
C - M White (31) 17:28; W Laws M65 (52) 24:15; D McMillan M55 (50) 20:23.
Restored from the club's earlier website, belgraveharriers.com, and published here as originally written.