Ladies team smashes it at Watford Sunday League

Last weekend saw the first Sunday League of 2018, and the 23 Heathsiders who made the journey to the furthest extremities of the tube line were rewarded with fine weather and good running conditions in Cassiobury park in Watford, still resplendent in Autumnal colours.

Pre-race there was an announcement that the course had been ‘slightly extended’ on each lap which turned out to be quite the understatement with the usual 5 miles just shy of 6 in the end, no doubt throwing off many a pacing strategy with the finish line further away than anticipated! Nonetheless there were fine performances all round with Rich Macaulay first Heathside man, posting his usual top ten finish (5th) and Olivia Desborough first Heathside woman in 9th.  Other shout outs go to Louise Cripps for running on her birthday and an amazing effort from Sentil Kumar who had come directly from a night shift on an air ambulance!

Overall our Ladies A team finished 1st in Watford, and are now back in 1st overall just 2 points above Garden City runners, our B team were also 1st in Watford, and holding 1st overall just 4 points above Garden City runners. The Ladies Masters were 4th in Watford and are 4th overall.  For the Men’s A team it was a 10th place finish in Watford, keeping them 9th overall.  The B team placed 9th in Watford and are 8th overall.  At this point in the season we usually don't have a qualifying Mens B team so this is great to see. Finally the men’s Masters finished 11th in Watford and 9th overall.  This all adds up to a combined 8th position (of 20 teams) to date, and sets us up nicely for a top ten finish to the season.

Post-race the customary tarpaulin treats were enjoyed, including some spherical energy delights provided by Tom Bedwell which provided the best quote of the season so far when one curious cook piped up with ‘Tom, can I ask what’s in your balls?’ Much discussion ensued about combining culinary talents with a Sunday League compendium of recipes.  Massive thanks to everyone who turned out, baked goods, provided lifts and brought their enthusiasm and camaraderie, we've had 69 people take part in at least one race this season! If you've never done cross country, there's one more chance to give it a try and to help us reach a record number of Heathside participants - 18th February at Royston, hopefully featuring less snow this year!

RESULTS

5 Richard Macaulay SM 35:13
72 Leonard Martin  SM 40:45
89 Tim Marshall SM 41:38
99 Olivia Desborough SW 42:04
103 Mark George  M50 42:28
110 John Litchfield M40 42:52
127 Sara Black  W35 44:08
140 Satu Hietanen W45 44:53
142 Tom Bedwell  SM 44:59
149 Nick Dodd  M60 46:17
172 Sif Sumarlidadottir W35 46:20
183 Sally Chatterton W45 47:12
192 Yvette Ralston  SW 47:37
215 Paul Silverman M40 48:38
233 Emilia Vynnycky W45 49:34
234 Madeleine Minson W45 49:36
265 Alun Nash  M50 51:48
289 Ken Townson  M50 53:22
298 MagdalenaKopalova SW 54:05
358 Laura Boothman W35 58:48
366 Rachel Scott-Halls W35 59:27
379 Louise Cripps  W55 60:14
408 Senthil Kumar  M40 70:30