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GWENT LEAGUE SUMMARY 2001-2002
This was probably the Club's most successful season in the Gwent League, and it is appropriate to list the most notable achievements:
I believe that nearly all these achievements would rank as our "best ever", so congratulations to all who achieved an individual mention in the Gwent League's list and to all who contributed to the success of the teams (i.e. everyone who took part).
Carmarthen Cross-Country - 16th March 2002
The Carmarthen event has never been the most popular, for familiar reasons such as the distance, the flat course, the last event of the season and usually a considerable time after the previous event, also conflicting with London Marathon training for some. On the other hand (the left one), it challenges the runners' stamina in all but the driest conditions due to the expanse of churned-up grass, i.e. mud. And so it proved on this occasion - it was heavy going.
We had 8 competitors (7m + 1f), probably the best turnout at this location, but with increased interest due to the dependence of the Club Championship on the result. As it was the last event, the race order was reversed so the senior races were early in the schedule to enable results to be calculated and prizes awarded at the end. On arrival there was a strong breeze and dark clouds threatening even less clement conditions, but these had largely dispersed by the start, and later the warm spring sunshine was appreciated by officials and spectators, if not being entirely to the liking of the runners.
The Ladies' race started at 12.33 pm, over 5.8K, and Carole Bishop was our sole representative, not, I believe, for the first time. Carole ran her usual steady race, almost independent of the conditions it appears, but very misleading to the casual observer until it becomes apparent how many runners are following. A valuable contribution to the Club results over the season.
The men's race (10.2K) was billed (by TRC) as the Final Round between Nick Langridge and Mike Willis in the competition for the Club Championship. Quite simply, whoever finished ahead would be the winner. After the first short lap they were shoulder-to-shoulder, with Chris Pearce about 25 yards (or metres) down. To avoid undue repetition, the times after each lap are shown below - these are accurate to only 0.001 seconds (GMT, Gregorian Calendar), and subject to ratification.
| START | SHORT LAP | LAP 2 | LAP 3 | LAP 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Leader) | 0:00 | - | - | 22:05 | 31:36 |
| Nick Langridge | 0:00 | 4:33 | 16:05 | 28:00 | 40:26 |
| Mike Willis | 0:00 | 4:33 | 16:10 | 28:37 | 41:23 |
| Chris Pearce | 0:00 | 4:39 | 16:15 | 28:39 | 41:13 |
| Pete Mainstone | 0:00 | 4:55 | 17:52 | 31:12 | 45:15 |
| Pete Blenkiron | 0:00 | 5:09 | 18:19 | 32:12 | 45:57 |
| Graham Bishop | 0:00 | 5:32 | 19:40 | 34:24 | 49:00 |
| Mike Slade | 0:00 | 6:15 | 22:30 | - | 57:32 |
At the end of Lap 3 I was obliged to return to formal timekeeping duties and thus miss the remainder of the race. However, Nick maintained his lead and thus retained his hold on the Championship. Chris had almost caught Mike at the end of the 3rd lap and subsequently passed him to finish 10 seconds ahead.
A possible summary might be (subject to correction!) that Nick benefited from the flat course, whilst Mike had missed some training due to injury and could not capitalise on his strength in the mud. Another summary would be that there were probably many tired legs after this muddy event, especially among the junior competitors present.
Well done to Nick and Mike for a very good competition over the season, also to Chris Pearce who was in the Club top 4 in every Gwent event, to all who made the effort to attend this event and thus maintain our challenge for promotion to Div 2, and to all members who contributed to probably our best-ever season's turnout and achievement in cross-country.
Dave M
| P.S. | To those who believe Carmarthen is a long way, the 100 miles is all motorway or dual carriageway from the Severn Bridge, so 1h 40m can be achieved comfortably - no worse than Leamington and much easier driving. |
National Cross-Country Championships - 23rd February 2002
The National Championships were held on an exposed hill at Ashton Court in Bristol. Thornbury had a full men's team out but no female representation. The course was a good one, over 12K, but just as the men's race was about to start a squall came over, the wind picked up and the temperature dropped and snow fell. We had to contend with very strong, bitterly cold, snow filled winds. Many declared that in parts of the course it was a job to keep forward momentum going at all. Chris Pearce said that he had never felt so cold in all his life. Pete Mainstone said he had a terrible run in awful weather. Mike Slade, wearing only a vest on top, stayed out to count how many people he had beaten!!!
Mike and I swapped places for a lap, then he pulled away about half way round as I lost him while concentrating on standing upright and moving forwards at the same time
Nick
Cheltenham Cross-Country - 16th February 2002
Another bumper turnout of 18 runners for Thornbury.
The ladies ran first and, despite declaring a knee injury from the Dursley Dozen the previous week, Jacqueline ran very well to finish in 11th place and gain enough points to finish first equal Lady Vet 40. Lorraine had another good run in 17th place and Carole completed the season as first Lady Vet 55.
In the men's race, I had a close run with Mike for most of the first lap until, just ahead of him, I took an unscheduled head first dive into the stream. Needless to say, Mike didn't stop to see if I'd survived or was injured (shame!), and although I got going fairly quickly and stayed reasonably close the gap was there and opened up in the second half of the race.
Graham completed the season in 3rd place in the Vet 60 category, our only individual men's medal winner this season.
Nick
Almondsbury Cross-Country - 2nd February 2002
This was our first opportunity to "host" a Gwent event, thus enabling Westbury, the nominal hosts to enjoy the races! (Sorry, Westbury - just a little joke!). We had a very good turnout of marshals etc., possibly more than we usually see at these events, but at a new course with the essential course facilities well-dispersed, this was very helpful to competitors. The downside (for me at least) was the success in hiding the Start/Finish area from public view. I asked 2 Thornbury marshals and at least one other person, all of whom thought it was due north but were not sure. PLEASE - next time (and I hope there is a next time at this venue), a few direction signs to the Start, so newcomers don't need to consult tiny maps in less-than-ideal conditions. Ta.
I was fortunate enough to be selected for timekeeping, ahead of 73 other candidates (actually, a slight exaggeration - it was only 14. O.K. so I'm lying - the Chairman told me to volunteer). They must be desperate as I was "invited" to help at Carmarthen - anyone interested in arriving there at mid-day? It was interesting to compare the Gwent system of recording results with the Oldbury 10 system. Because of race overlapping, we had 2 timekeepers and 3 scribes, but we needed the 3 watches as there 2 occasions when there were 3 races in progress simultaneously. Got that?
The morning rain had eased before the first race, and the course was largely grass-covered. However, after the first junior races and subsequently more rain, the predominant ground condition was eventually mud, and there were many places where even the leading runners found it difficult to obtain a secure foothold. To those watching it appeared to be a typical Gwent course (which is intended as a compliment), but the runners might have a different view. We shall see.
We had 2 runners in the ladies' race, which I thought a little disappointing for a truly local event (disappointing because there were only 2, not as many as 2!!). Results will appear later, but in the difficult conditions Lorraine was again well-placed, and Carole maintained a steady pace that others attempted but failed to achieve. Neither appeared to hear the vocal encouragement (so that's what it was!).
The men's team was notable for the good turnout despite most members being committed to marshalling earlier in the event (as were the ladies). There have been comments in recent reports about the leading Club places being dependent on the prevailing conditions, and so it proved again. After the first lap (of 3), Mike Willis and Jon Croome were well grouped and had established a significant lead over Nick Langridge, with Chris Pearce comfortably (?) 4th. After the 2nd lap, Mike had gone ahead, and it was then clear that the positions were unlikely to change before the finish. Steve Jones was this time ahead of Mark Williams, and Pete Mainstone was some way further back, having acquired a bug of some description.
An interesting point - I failed to recognise Jon on the 2nd lap, partly because his hair was flattened (somewhat like mine!) by the rain and high speed, and partly because we appear to have acquired new vests since I was last present. I have no criticism of the vests, but we need to be a little careful as they were mistaken for Chepstow by other officials, presumably because of the darker red band and piping (as I believe it is known technically in the trade).
Overall, I think Thornbury made an excellent contribution to the event, which I would like to see repeated if the opportunity arises.
Preliminary results now available - some really good performances - Mike 94th and only 8 minutes behind the winner, Jon 114th just ahead of Chris 117th, 3rd for Club, Steve 23rd V50, Graham 4th V60, Lorraine 28th (from 110) and 15th V35 (from 78), Carole 69th, 45th V35, 16th V45 (from 39) and 7th V50 (from 21).
Dave M
Midland Cross-Country Championships - 26th January 2002
Never quite before having a full team out for the Midland Championships, Thornbury were this time able to double the numbers needed when 13 runners turned out for the Club in the men's championships (6 in a team) and we even had representation in the women's championships for the first time.
Conditions were fairly horrendous or wonderful depending on how you like your courses. After heavy rain we were treated to a course of fairly unrelenting sticky mud, some of it slippery surface mud, some of it deeper and in 2 or 3 places flooded by the local river to almost knee-deep water. There was also one steep hill to climb and a stiff wind in the open areas. The severity of the conditions can be seen in that Club times were 5 to 8 minutes slower than for the Gloucester League fixture on the same course earlier in the season. We were just pleased that the heavy morning rain had ceased by race time so that we didn't have to contend with driving rain as well.
Lorraine was first to go in the women's race and kept up a steady pace in a tough effort to finish well in the middle of the field.
In the men's race, Paul Shanahan, making his first appearance of the season, was quickest away for the Club. I overtook him in the first small lap and was reasonably well up in the field, gaining some good places. After we had done the first mini-lap and got round again to go through the woods in the thick mud my concentration was on staying upright rather than racing and I began to lose places. Mike passed me at the bottom by the river and pulled away through the mud. On the slightly drier, grippier top of the course I caught back up by the top of the hill and stayed with Mike along the bottom part of the course. Coming up from the river I floundered again in the mud while Mike powered through, not to be caught again.
Steve Jones and Mark Williams had a battle all the way round the last lap with Mark overtaking Steve on the line to be our 6th counter for the team. The team eventually finished in 30th place, a good performance in the conditions.
There was a congestion of people in the showers trying to get mud off which was left liberally around most of the changing rooms. At least Lorraine brought plenty of her ever more famous flapjack.
On Results page, Lorraine's result and the men's down to Pete Mainstone (that far down? - Ed.) are official from results sheet given out at the end of the race.
Nick L
Avon County Cross-Country Championships - 5th January 2002
Conditions good - no wind, generally quite flat course around a mixture of school playing fields, tracks through woods and around a farm. There was a rise to climb at the end of each lap before dropping back down to the start/finish area. Ground was firm with some sticky sections but no deep mud.
I had a bit of a duel with Mike. He overtook about halfway through the first lap but I was able to respond and get back ahead and past a group of Bitton runners. I then held Mike off and gradually inched ahead of him through the rest of the race. Chris had a good 3rd place for the Club, keeping well ahead of Jon, who was below par. Pete thought he could catch Jon who had a poor 2nd lap but picked up in the 3rd to hold off Pete. Pete also had a battle with Mark early on but got ahead in the later stages of the race. The rest followed in order.
Lorraine had a good run in the ladies' event, finishing in the top twenty and being high enough to be given a form asking for her availability for the Inter-Counties team. She also provided plenty of Christmas cake and banana and ginger cake which even attracted to ask if they could have a piece.
Personally, I'm getting a bit concerned about some Thornbury athletes having more cake than
is good for them!!
(It was never like this when I was competing - sort of - in these events, and just the sort of
incentive to get me training - but don't hold your breath, especially on the last lap. DM)
Happy New Year.
Nick L
Forest of Dean Cross-Country - 8th December 2001
As you can see from the results, in another good turnout, Mike had his best win yet among the Club members. I started off ahead but really never got going and after 1 small lap and a long drag of forest track, Mike and Jon went past together as we turned down a long downhill path. We stayed together for a lap but towards the end of the second big lap Mike started to pull away. All 3 of us were passing other runners and I thought I might catch Jon back as I was gaining slowly all the time but as we hit the long downhill for the last time he strode away and I had to settle for a place behind him. A good return to form for Jon after Leamington, a best yet for Mike who just gets stronger and I just wish I could get going and get some feeling back into my running again.
Behind us Pete Mainstone had another good run, and insisted that he was congratulated by all, beating both Tim and Steve while Pete Blenkiron steadily improves after illness and injury. Mike Slade wasn't last.
Conditions were typical Forest with quite a lot of stony track, some forest path, a few muddy dips and a boggy bit round a stream that we crossed, not to mention various tree roots to avoid and one fallen log to jump. A sunny winter's day with no wind.
5 ladies also ran. Jacqueline was well up the field, Lorraine was steady in the middle and they were backed up by Trina Willis, Carole Bishop and Jo Tate in that order. The ladies don't take times (to be published when available - Ed.) although we think Jacquleine was 27.34 and Lorraine about 29.00 (give or take a minute).
Now where did I put that Nandralone and that EPO, or was it just Philosan?
Nick L
P.S. "Ed." refers to the Editor, and not to Mr Hawkins who would not wish to be unfairly blamed for the content of these reports! Thanks to Nick again for the material - it must be difficult to write a "running commentary"!
Bridgend Cross-Country - 2nd December 2001
The main feature of the day was another successful result for the men's team. This time we managed to finish in 2nd place in the Division - improving again by 1 the highest position ever reached by the team in a division fixture. It was only by 1 point, so every position counted. Particular "well done"s to Chris Pearce who turned up not feeling well and still ran, against his wife's advice, to pick up vital points, and Mike Willis who became only the 2nd Thornbury runner ever to finish in the top 100.
Both Mike and I had good runs and I was well ahead, but despite gaining places on the last lap, Mike still caught up with a storming finish. He overtook at the finishing corner, choosing a good route through the heavy mud whilst I didn't and got stuck. By the time I'd got out he was too far ahead to catch before the finish. I also lost 2 other places I had under control at that point but, I suppose, that's cross country.
The weather in general was good, cold but still, and the surface sticky mud but not too deep apart from 2 or 3 places including the end of the laps where it had been churned up by workmen's tractors.
Nick L
Leamington Cross-Country - 17th November 2001
After heading men's and women's categories at Aberdare, the Croomes were knocked off their new-found perches, with Jon falling to myself, Mike Willis and Chris Pearce, and Lorraine being beaten by Jacqueline.
The main feature for Thornbury was the bumper turnout with 17 runners taking part, 13 in the men's race and 4 in the women's - must be come sort of record for a non-local venue.
Conditions were good - generally damp but firm going with some mud in the bottom area by the river. For a variation the race was run in reverse direction to usual and with an extra lap of the field at the beginning and a more circuitous route around the hill. It was advertised as 10.5 km but local knowledge said it was more around 7.5 miles as the times show.
Jon and Mike made a fast start and it took almost the first small lap to catch up. Mike came back at me as we entered the second lap and again by the river on the second lap but I managed to hold him off and gradually pull away. Jon faded and was passed by Chris Pearce. Tim and Pete Mainstone had a ding-dong battle until the end of the first big lap then Pete got away to reverse Aberdare's positions and made sure everybody knew about it afterwards and several times at regular intervals.
Lorraine brought some nice cake again.
Nick L
Aberdare Cross-Country - 3rd November 2001
A good turnout for this second Gwent event - 10 men (i.e. 2 teams) and - at last - a ladies' team, even if only 1 member, but making it a good day for the Croome family. The men's team had a close finish, with Jon Croome, Nick Langridge, Mike Willis and Chris Pearce all competing well for the leading positions.
A glance at the results and tables (in the results page) shows the value of turning up (and finishing), with the Ladies' team not last in the race or the league, even though this depended entirely on Lorraine's result in this event.
Nick's view - conditions suited him, but a slow start followed by steady gain of places eventually led to losing places, including Jon at a late stage, but Mike and Chris were just a little too far away to catch up. Jon was leader for the first time - "..and I should think so too at his age!!" (he said).
DM
Margam Park Cross-Country - 14th October 2001
A Club turnout of 8 for the first event of the season (and no ladies) - disappointing but at least there was a full men's team and a few to spare.
The conditions were warm, and there was even a complaint about this from the team captain - some people are never satisfied! Personally I always welcome a warm start to the season - the opportunity to relax while changing, instead of frantic attempts to keep warm and dry, allows the mind to concentrate on more important matters such as a last attempt to top-up the summer sun-tan.
There were some good performances, with less than 4 minutes bracketing the first 4 men home, including Pete Mainstone who is getting a bit old for this sort of event, especially after organising a pub visit after Club Night.
The results published have zeros for the points scored, not because we were not good enough to score points, but we need the official results to record this data. Please be patient.
DM
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