Dunbartonshire Cross Country Relays

Andy Triumphs in Codgers Close Call

Andy Freer ran a fine race at the Dunbartonshire Relays at Garscube Estate, edging out Drew Turnbull and Ian Struthers in a close run battle and setting up Dave Calder on the last leg to sneak Westies B Team into second last place. Notwithstanding the fact that Clydesdale D Team ended up in last place as a result of their last stage runner getting lost, it was a classic Westies performance, with all four runners feeling comfortably nonchalent in a familar position towards the back of the field. Dave particularly enjoyed starting his last stage after the first 8 teams had completed the course, especially when the officials asked if he could pick up the markers on the way round!

Meanwhile the A team ended up considerably up the field, largely due to on-form Chris’s first stage, bringing Westies home in 6th place. Blair showed he is improving week-on-week with a good second stage before handing over to Steffen, the Pied Piper of Hyndland, who had already caused mayhem during the warm-up by accidentally diverting some participants off course (including Catriona) at the critical sprint towards the finish. Steffen, another Westie in great form right now, had a strong run and a great finish to handover to Archie, who amazingly completed the course without incident…no wrong turns, no injuries and no disqualifications, and a fine run for good measure.

In the women’s race, Catriona was Westies top dog once again, despite almost missing the finishing funnel. She finished over a minute faster than Muffy, who was delighted to gain revenge on Liz by running 23 seconds faster, thereby turning the tables on last week at the West District Relays. Not bad for an old dog who keeps threatening to give up racing, eh?

Results

Women

5 Catriona 18:17, 6 Muffy 19:34, 5 Liz 19:57.

Men

A Team: 6 Chris 15:14, 12 Blair 17:30, 11 Steffen 16:16, 11 Archie 17:55

B Team: 26 Drew 20:50, 24 Andy 20:18, 24 Ian 20:54, 22 Dave 17:54.

23 Teams finished.