Newsletter – December 2002

NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2002 ISSUE 305
EVENTS DIARY:
Jan.4th HANTS COUNTY XC CHAMPIONSHIPS at DIBDEN INCLOSURE
11th HANTS CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE FIXTURE at OVERTON
12th STUBBINGTON 10km
16th VILLAGE HANDICAP
18th HANTS COUNTY SCHOOLS XC CHAMPIONSHIPS
25th SOUTHERN COUNTIES XC CHAMPIONSHIPS at EXETER
26th ROMSEY 5 mile
Feb. 2nd HANTS CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE FIXTURE at BOURNEMOUTH
8th OPEN CROSS COUNTRY RACES at TILFORD
13th FOXDOWN HANDICAP
21st—24th TRAINING WEEK-END in BUDE
22nd NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS at PARLIAMENT HILL
23rd BRAMLEY 10 miles and 20 miles
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 9th 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 11th 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.
Earlier in the day the ladies event, which was won by Lucy Elliott , saw a storming run from Cath who finished in a super 7th place overall. With the first 4 runners being in the W35 age group Cath did well to take the bronze medal in her section. Liz also had a great run and she too finished third in the W50 group. The results were posted up as the presentations were taking place and within 30 seconds of them going up I had found 3 errors in the ladies team result. As the presentation continued there seemed some confusion amongst the age group medallists so there may be some amendments in the weeks ahead. With no sign of the men’s results becoming available I decided to call it quits and headed for home.
7th
C.WHEELER 24m 17sec
3rd W40
39th
E.SANDALL-BALL 28m 27sec
3rd W50
92 Finished.
22nd
D.VOSSER
33m 48sec
M.CRAWSHAW
36m 25sec
R.FRANCIS
40m 00sec
FOXDOWN HANDICAP. 19th 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.
With Jamie now being a first claim member he is now eligible for the handicap league and despite running his slowest time ever, that’s it Jamie……. join us then go to pieces, he was still fastest on the night ahead of second claim Keith “the new wrong vest” Vallis with the resurgent Dave in third. Interesting to note…. 2 juniors in the top five. Other PW’s came from Alistair and the new slimline Steve Mcnair.
POS
RUNNER
FIN. TIME
H’CAP
ACT. TIME
TIME POS.
1
M.VOSSER
29.33
59 sec
28.34
14=
2
A.HARRIS
29.49
8.14
21.35
3
3
J.BLISS
30.00
7.32
22.28
4
4
D.VOSSER
30.14
9.08
21.06
2
5
K.BURTON
30.16
1.42
28.34
14=
6
I.VOSSER
30.19
4.31
25.48
10
7
C.WILLIAMS
30.23
7.07
23.16
6
8
R.FRANCIS
30.26
7.07
23.19
7
9
A.DENNISON
30.28
6.23
24.05
8
10
E.SANDALL-BALL
30.41
4.04
26.37
11
11
E.SMITH
30.57
1.51
29.06
18
12
G.DUNCAN
31.04
8.12
22.52
5
13
E.TILBURY
31.16
6.16
25.00
9
14
C.BOYLE
31.25
GO
31.25
20
15
A.PAUL
31.42
4.53
26.49
12
—
K.VALLIS
31.44
11.05
20.39
—
16
D.WICKE
31.54
2.35
29.19
19
17
J.THOMAS
32.03
3.11
28.52
17
18
J.JONES
32.11
11.58
20.13
1
19
S.McNAIR
33.04
4.58
28.06
13
20
M.WOODS
34.47
5.57
28.50
16
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.
THE FOLLOWING REPORT FROM IS FROM JT.
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 24th.
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.
Having now received the official results for the event I was impressed that an additional column had been included of estimated times over the full 10 miles. I wonder if this could be used by STATS in calculating the handicaps for the club championships? In any event, I have included these estimates as follows.
POS
RUNNER
ACT.TIME
EST.TIME
11th
D.VOSSER
53m 42sec
57.48
3rd VET
99th
G.ENGLAND
60m 09sec
64.45
125th
E.TILBURY
61m 30sec
66.12
2nd VET 55
159th
A.DENNISON
63m 08sec
67.57
16th LADY
253th
D.TITCOMBE
67m 33sec
72.43
448th
J.THOMAS
76m 20sec
82.10
509th
K.BURTON
79m 31sec
85.35
685 Finished.
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 1st 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.
Eric had another good run to lead us home to take 6th in his age group. JT followed in a moderate time but 19 points to the good. Karen was not that far behind and Emma put in a rare appearance and was delighted with her effort.
183rd
E.TILBURY
33m 35sec
6th VET 55
368th
J.THOMAS
41m 15sec
5th VET 65
398th
K.BURTON
42m 42sec
483rd
E.SCOGGINS
47m 47sec
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.
RESULTS
POSITION
NAME
TIME
POSITION
NAME
TIME
4
I. FORD
32m 11s
6
M. SIMCOX
32m 54s
20
G. DUNCAN
36m 41s
28
A. DENNISON
38m 09s
50
G. CLOKE
43m 43s
Cyclists Race Sunday 23rd 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.
Cyclists Race Sunday 23rd December – Results
POSITION
NAME
TEAM
TIME
MINS
SECS
1
J. JONES
HARRIERS
19
20
2
T. RICHARDSON
CYCLISTS
20
24
3
M. HARRIS
CYCLISTS
20
30
4
K. VALLIS
HARRIERS
20
31
5
D. VOSSER
HARRIERS
20
39
6
C. WILLIAMS
HARRIERS
21
15
7
B. CHARLICK
CYCLISTS
21
24
8
J. BLISS
HARRIERS
22
01
9
D. BUSH
HARRIERS
22
09
10
A. KEENAN
HARRIERS
22
16
11
A. ROUD
CYCLISTS
22
18
12
B.WHEELER
CYCLISTS
22
30
13
G. DUNCAN
HARRIERS
22
33
14
C. WHEELER
HARRIERS
22
46
15
M. DENNISON
HARRIERS
23
02
16
R.LEWIS
CYCLISTS
23
11
17
D. BRIGHT
HARRIERS
23
47
18
E. TILBURY
HARRIERS
24
15
19
L. PURVES
CYCLISTS
24
19
20
B. SMITH
CYCLISTS
24
25
21
D. TITCOMB
HARRIERS
24
26
22
P.WRIGHT
CYCLISTS
24
55
23
S. LUNSKY
CYCLISTS
25
08
24
A. BETHEL
CYCLISTS
25
33
25
M. GALLEY
CYCLISTS
25
33
26
J.CARTER
CYCLISTS
25
43
27
J. HODGE
HARRIERS
25
43
28
A. PAUL
HARRIERS
26
54
29
D. McKEAVENEY
CYCLISTS
27
16
30
G. CLOKE
HARRIERS
27
54
31
M. REYNOLDS
CYCLISTS
28
04
32
D. WICKE
HARRIERS
28
42
33
M. VOSSER
HARRIERS
29
00
34
JT
HARRIERS
29
12
35
I. VOSSER
HARRIERS
29
27
36
K. BURTON
HARRIERS
29
35
37
C. TAYLOR
HARRIERS
30
07
38
M. SCHOFIELD
CYCLISTS
32
39
39
P. LANGHAM
CYCLISTS
32
40