Vale Royal AC Runners

The cross-country bandwaggon is rolling again as a season's best 11 Vale Royal athletes enjoyed the sumptuous surroundings of Lilleshall on a damp but invigorating Saturday afternoon.

Someone had forgotten to mow the lawn, so the long grass gave rise to the a sock-wringing session after the warm-up - and it wasn't long before some good old-fashioned mud appeared on sections of the gently undulating course.

As is always the way, the course undulates more with each lap, but undaunted, Mary, Pauline and Carol took on the two-lap ladies' race. Mary was unhappy with her run, but was still first home for Vale in 35th place. Pauline had another gutsy run to finish 59th, and managed to avoid a suspension for a second yellow ard by keeping all her clothes on this week! Carol is improving with every race, and finished ahead of several ladies who had edged her out at Colwyn Bay to come home in 71st.

Pauline nearly blotted her copy-book at the start of the mens' event, as she was asked to leave the field of play to allow the  race to begin!

Tom Annable had another fine run (what will he do when the "Sandstone" influence wears off?!) and despite being passed in the last few hundred yards by his Wrexham nemesis, had a great four laps for 19th place. Darren was next in 37th - enjoying his first outing on the Country this year. Goffy hadn't done much of a warm up before the race, but after using the first lap for that purpose, put in a storming second circuit to pass lots of runners (including Toddy) - and eventually finished in 52nd place. Toddy wasn't far behind, in 59th, despite seeming to have more problems with those spikes, and Marcus had an improved run to finish 75th. Dave Haines wasn't sure what to expect from XC, but after making a sensible start (change of tactics there Dave!) had a really solid run to come in 82nd. Meanwhile, Colin was enjoying the race much more than he had last weeks' at Newcastle, and was satisfied with his 126th and even more so with the hot shower and excellent refreshments on the way home. John Davies didn't quite make it round the whole four laps this time, but with fitness improving with every race, is sure to score a few more points before the end of the season!

The team had fine support from Bernie, as always - no matter where you are on the course, he seems to know what you're up to, and makes sure you hear about it!

If you're missing out on the fun, then get yourself down to Park Hall next Saturday for what Colin believes is one of the best fixtures on the calendar. You won't regret it!