Heathside Women set their sights on New Year XC Honours
With the racing calendar looking rather threadbare this weekend Heathsiders' running was firmly concentrated on cross country. Some of the die hards will say that's exactly how it should be, especially when you see how exciting the Women's section of the Met League is getting as we near the final race next month.
Cross Country's Captain Fantastic Chris Hartley runs us through the details of another well attended meet further down the page, where in addition to a sterling performance from the Women's A team, young Ruairi McGonagle won AGAIN in the Under 11s event. Following that, Gavin Parish provides a bit of meat to the bones of the Sunday League results from Trent Park the following day, a series that also ends next month and could yet bring Heathside more accolades in the Women's section.
After a trawl through various results pages, it seems that that's pretty much your lot this week so without further ado, over to Chris and Gavin.
[Photo: Kabir with the U11s, from l-to-r: Rose Garrett, Ruairi McGonagle, Arthur Reed, Oliver O'Connor, and Kate Driscoll]
Met League X/C Race Four – Perivale
Is it just me, or is the Met League getting more than a little tasty this season? Saturday’s action at a windy and increasingly cold Horsenden Hill (Perivale) had a bit of everything that makes both the Met League and London Heathside so delicious – another big turnout (25 Heathside Senior Women and 60 Senior Men), some fantastic competition (not least amongst ourselves), surprises, cliffhanging results, and lots and lots of mud. My quill positively trembles with anticipation at the prospect of writing it all up for you. In a break with tradition, I’m going to go straight to the Senior Women’s race, and return to cover the Juniors later on. Sorry, but I simply can’t wait.
Now, I know that Heathside are a fantastic bunch when it comes to supporting cross-country. But there’s nothing quite like the cacophony of Anthony Hall’s cowbells when it comes to upping the volume, and annoying the opposition. Anthony’s welcome return to the Met League on Saturday revived the spirit of the 2013/14 season, when every race sounded like feeding time in a Swiss cowshed. The Senior Women responded with a race that was right out of the top drawer, registering a performance that one spectator described as ‘easy on the eye’. One after another, Heathside Women raised their game for what was unquestionably the performance of the season. Whisper it, shout it, but you’d better believe it – Heathside Women’s A-team are still in with a chance of winning the Met League!
When one door closes, another opens. The vapour trail has hardly blown away following Ni’ia Hothershall’s departure for sunnier climes than Rebecca Piggott lands back into Heathside as if she’d never been away, and a new star is born. Rebecca timed her run at Perivale to perfection to earn herself a magnificent 7th place finish. Not content with just one star, the ladies produced two in a single day. Rachel Seckl, though not new to the Met League, only graduated to the Senior race this season. At Perivale, Rachel really came of age, running wisely and very, very well to finish a fabulous 15th. Add a cracking performance from Claire Miller (11th), the usual top-flight dash from Sue Rust (13th and 2nd V35), and a doughty performance from Lee James (17th), and you have no less than FIVE Heathside women amongst the top twenty finishers. With Celine Murray (31st) making up the six to score for the A-team, Heathside finished 3rd in Division One on the day, and lie third after four fixtures. The points gap between us, H*ghgate in second, and Shaftesbury Barnet in first, is so slight that we could yet – with a huge performance and a bit of luck – win this league next month at Wormwood Scrubs. More on that anon.
The A-team inspired some great running throughout the rest of the squad. Edged out of an A-team berth, Rebecca Bunting (38th) led the B-team to a superb 6th place in Division One. Jane Higgins (a career best 45th), Colette Monahan (51st), Jackie Wastell (57th and 1st V50), Angela Howe (60th) and Elizabeth Beard (75th) have given Heathside’s B-team a fighting, if outside, chance of avoiding relegation from Division One at Wormwood Scrubs. More on this anon, too.
Excellent runs from others amongst Heathside’s 25 competitors helped the C-team to a fifth place finish in Division Two. Mid-table comfort in Div 2 is a nice place to be. Many thanks for some great runs go to Jo Irwin, Caroline Boyle, Emilia Vynycky and others. Big respect to Alison Harrow and Helene Kehoe for ushering the Heathside team home. In the Vets competition Heathside’s A-team finished third, and the B-team sixth in Division One.
Before moving on, I’d like to issue the following appeal to ALL Heathside’s women cross-country runners. Get your diaries out, scratch out anything that was written in there for Saturday February 7th other than the following: ‘Met League, Wormwood Scrubs, 1.55pm. Evening: celebrate with Heathside.’ If we turn up in numbers at the Scrubs, and pack that field, front and back, we might just witness our A-team overhaul H*ghgate and, who knows, maybe even Shaftesbury Barnet. It’s that close. So, ladies, train, taper, turn up, and smash it! Who knows, the A-team might inspire a back-from-the-dead escape from relegation from the B-team? And even if you don’t score for the A-team or B-team your performance could still make all the difference. By edging ahead of that H*ghgate Harrier, that Shaftesbury Barnet ringer, or that Thames Valley Harrier, you might just be the one who secures the silverware and survival. Women: your club really needs you!
OK, time to calm the quivering quill with a tot of Baileys – it’s making my zimmerframe rattle. Earlier in the afternoon, Ruairi McGonagle made it four wins from four in the Under-11’s Boys and Girls race. Ruairi cantered home almost thirty seconds ahead of his nearest competitor in a field of 43, and stands just one race from a clean sweep of Met League victories. They’re going to have to mint a special medal just for Ruairi (pictured, along with Arthur Reed and Oliver O’Conner – thanks to Ruth Miller for the pic) if he achieves that. Congratulations also to the aforementioned Arthur (6th) and Oliver (21st), as well as Rose Garrett (Under-13, and 24th) and Kate Driscoll (31st). Elsewhere amongst the Juniors, Jacob Phillips finished 21st from 60 competitors in the Under-17 Men’s race. Liam Garret (26th) was a strong 8th from 31 Under-15s involved. In the Under-17 Women’s race Meg Naylor led Heathside’s team of four home with a 9th place finish (Meg was 5th Under-15, from 32 finishers). Phoebe Crockford continued an excellent season with 17th spot (12th Under-15).
On to the Senior Men now, where there was also plenty to get excited about in what turned out to be a great race. Although the A-team blew any remaining chances of emulating the Women’s challenge for honours in the mud of Uxbridge last month, the returners managed to edge others back into the B-team, resulting in a B-team performance that keeps their promotion hopes just about alive. Big ups to Tom Aldred (9th) who was in a Heathside class of his own again on Saturday, with another top ten finish. Tom was ready at the finish with a cup of cocoa for Heathside’s second finisher, ‘Geriatric’ George Stewart (61st), with Chris Norris finishing an impressive 65th. Allowing for the competitive nature of the Men’s race at the Met League (and, despite its inclusivity, it is extremely competitive at the front end), the gap of over three minutes, and 50 places, between Heathside’s first and second place finisher largely explains the failure of the Men’s A-team to follow the Women’s lead towards a podium finish. Nonetheless, despite the lack of A-team honours, we need ALL our fastest runners out next month to help usher the B-team over the line.
Here’s why: with congratulations and respect to the rest of yesterday’s A-team (Ed Samuel (73rd), Andy Barnes (77th), Anthony Hall (88th), Matt Collins (89th), John Driscoll (93rd), Mark Anderson (100th), Dan Madams (101st), Dave Hellard (102nd), and Andy Wleshman (105th), an improved performance from the A-team allowed others to score well for the B-team. Although it may be too little, too late, the B-team’s performance leaves them within shouting distance of promotion next month at the Scrubs. Don’t slacken off now, chaps! The more we can push our best runners into the top 100, the better our chances of pipping H*ghgate’s B-team to promotion. How sweet would that be? Like a face-full of candy floss in a high wind.
Meanwhile, the longer the season wears on, the more competition builds within the club’s own ranks. So, congratulations (again) Andy Welshman and Richard Macaulay, and better luck next time Howard Gold (118th) and Sam Thompson (134th). One more round of ‘Chase the Captain’ to go next month. Props also to Dave Hellard (102nd) and Tom Livermore (106th) for solid returns to cross-country, and Anthony Hall (88th) for a welcome return to the fold. Same time again next month, lads? There were strong performances also from Stuart Meiklejohn (146th), Adam Ibrahim (164th) and Stormin’ Norman Mitchell (165th). Welcome to the Met League to Laurence Woodstock (347th). Kris Milovsorov (207th) was rightly chuffed with his win over Tim Marshall (215th).
The Senior Men’s A-team finished fifth in Division One, and lie fifth overall after four races. Not too shabby, but no cigar. The Men’s B-team, despite finishing fourth in Division Two, and lying fourth overall, remain within fighting distance of that second promotion spot. How can we nick it at the Scrubs (if you’ll excuse the pun)? I’ll repeat: a huge turnout, including ALL our top runners, will allow us to pack the B-team with the kind of quality that should make Dan McKeown’s Power of Thirteen Fantasy Met League even more of a lottery than it is already. COME ON HEATHSIDE! Give this watery-eyed reporter something to really carp about.
Amongst the Vets, it was business as usual on Saturday, with our A-team finishing first in Division One. The Championship is not secure though, so no hobbling off for a lie down yet, you lovely crumblies, or Serpentine will sneak in and make off with the Werthers Originals.Once again, many thanks indeed to all the club’s supporters and helpers, especially Our Dear Leader and Pete Holland for collating the results. And thanks to every single competitor who graced the club with their fabulous efforts.
One more race to go. Let’s dare to dream. All together now: COME ON HEATHSIDE!!
Chris Hartley
Sunday League XC Race Four, Trent Park
There was a clear blue sky and a dazzling sun over Trent Park, but the temperature was a tad on the cool side and the ground somewhat wet, which might be understating things! Half of the course was on drier woodland paths, while much of the rest seemed to comprise of slippery slopes, with many runners battling to remain upright. Our brave Heathsiders, many of whom had run the Met League the day before and turned up for extra punishment, put on a strong show, with Richard Macaulay the first Heathsider home, and Jessica Vinluan leading in the ladies’ team.
A summary of our team standings following four races of five:
Men’s A team were 7th, which puts us just inside the top ten overall, in 10th place compared with 8th at this time last year. A strong season finish at Royston could make all the difference though...
Women’s A team were 10th, but remain in 7th place overall, so are holding in there better than the men, and are one place higher than this time last year. One more race from Rachel Newstead could see her bag the Senior Women’s trophy this season.*
It looks like the absence of a Women’s B team at Watford has sadly exempted us from this category despite the good turnout at Trent Park.
Our men’s vets team were 9th and are in 12th place overall, while the women’s vets were 13th but are inside the top ten in 10th overall. The combined men and women’s team was 9th, consistent with the performance at Watford.
*The final Sunday League fixture will be on February 15th at Therfield Heath, Royston. Those who have run this course in the past report that it’s tough, fun, and a little bit different, if that’s enough to pique your interest! It isn’t as easy to get to as Trent Park, so details of car-shares and train services available will be posted on the club Facebook page nearer the race.
Gavin Parish
Weekly results:
Met League XC, Race Four - Perivale, 10/1/2015
Under-11 Boys and Girls (1.5km, 43 finishers)
1. Ruairi McGonagle 8.03
6. Arthur Reed 8.52
21. Oliver O’Connor 9.30
24. Rose Garrett (Under-13) 9.39
31. Kate Driscoll 10.41
Under-17 Men/Under-15 Boys (4km, 60 finishers, 31 Under-15)
21. Jacob Phillips 14.15
26. Liam Garrett (8th U-15) 14.25
52. Isaac Costley (25th U-15) 15.58
Under-17 Women/Under-15 Girls (4km, 45 finishers, 32 Under-15)
9. Meg Naylor (5th U-15) 16.29
17. Phoebe Crockford (12th U-15) 17.07
23. Genevieve Weston 17.30
32. Rachel Finke (21st U-15) 19.20
Senior Women (6km, 164 finishers)
7. Rebecca Piggott 24.07
11. Claire Miller 24.22
13. Sue Rust (2nd V35) 24.26
15. Rachel Seckl (3rd U-20) 24.33
17. Leigh James 24.58
31. Celine Murray 26.02
38. Rebecca Bunting 26.28
45. Jane Higgins 27.10
51. Colette Monahan 27.24
57. Jackie Wastell (1st V50) 27.52
60. Angela Howe 28.00
75. Elizabeth Beard 28.53
81. Jo Irwin 29.05
82. Caroline Boyle 29.11
85. Emilia Vynycky 29.16
99. Jessica Vinluan 30.10
103. Edyta Szot 30.29
107. Caroline White 30.53
108. Noelle O’Regan 31.01
111. Chloe Adler 31.17
118. Ruth Miller 31.38
138. Sara Dark 34.10
139. Kim Butler 34.17
148. Alison Harrow 35.16
155. Helene Kehoe 38.05
Senior Men (8km, 389 finishers)
9. Tom Aldred 31.17
61. George Stewart (2nd V45) 34.44
65. Chris Norris 34.50
73. Ed Samuel 35.22
77. Andy Burns 35.29
88. Anthony Hall 35.44
89. Matt Collins 35.46
93. John Driscoll 35.57
100. Mark Anderson 36.12
101. Dan Madams 36.15
102. Dave Hellard 36.16
105. Andy Welshman 36.19
106. Tom Livermore 36.20
107. Richard Macaulay 36.20
112. Chris Hartley 36.26
118. Howard Gold 36.57
129. Alan Whatmough 37.15
134. Sam Thompson 37.25
146. Stuart Meiklejohn 37.54
151. Martin Potter 37.59
158. Tony Killilea 38.05
163. Paul Mercer 38.13
164. Adam Ibrahim 38.14
165. Norman Mitchell 38.15
167. Andrew Dunderdale 38.17
171. Dan McKeown 38.23
183. Gavin Evans 38.50
186. Dom Jackson 38.56
187. Mario Cadete 39.05
190. T. Pratt (Guest) 39.12
191. Jacob Howe 39.14
193. Costi Stavrianakis 39.24
201. Rick Hewitt 39.40
207. Kris Milovsorov 39.43
210. Lee Connor 39.46
215. Tim Marshall 39.54
224. Rob Shulman 40.16
232. William Wagstaff 40.48
233. Andrew Johnson 40.48
235. Alan Latham 40.52
245. Mark George 41.09
246. Pete Crockford 41.10
253. Marco Luna 41.39
262. Andrew Sulston 42.14
265. David Hallam 42.20
275. Brian Boyle 42.29
279. James Dark 42.57
288. Elliott Reed 43.09
293. Jim Connell 43.28
296. Ed Byne (Guest) 43.33
302. Nick Desausmarez 44.08
304. Carl Heap 44.13
315. Andrew Hudson 44.57
324. Leo Pemberton 45.36
344. Andy Barthorpe 47.07
347. Laurence Woodcock 47.37
354. Dave Walton 48.41
365. Ken Townson 50.26
374. Adrian Essex 52.49
Sunday League XC Race Four, Trent Park, 11/1/15
21. Richard Macaulay 31m 21s (21st)
32. Anthony Hall 32m 14s (32nd)
55. Jonathan Litchfield 33m 22s (53rd)
57. Lee Connor 33m 39s (55th)
95. Chris Hartley 35m 55s (91st)
124. Gavin Parish 37m 04s (114th)
138. Hassan Nahal 38m 05s (125th)
149. Alun Nash 38m 47s (136th)
178. Jessica Vinluan 40m 06s (23rd)
183. Nick Skipper 40m 23s (159th)
214. Jesper Lycke 41m 58s (173rd)
249. Claire Thornhill 43m 33s (58th)
263. Paul Silverman 44m 33s (201st)
276. Jane Higgins 45m 14s (70th)
277. Shelly Fennell 45m 15s (71st)
292. Sue Eedle 45m 59s (80th)
300. Laura Boothman 46m 20s (84th)
301. Sarah Illingworth 46m 27s (85th)
322. Louise Cripps 48m 46s (99th)
332. Helen Kehoe 50m 32s (107th)
370 finishers (236 men, 134 women)
Weekly parkrun results here:
http://www.parkrun.com/results/consolidatedclub/?clubNum=2017&eventdate=2015-01-10