FRA Relays – Alva

After a hectic few weeks with injuries, colds, last minute call-offs, and much jiggery-pokery regarding the teams, it was a relief to finally make it to Alva for the big day.

And what a great day it turned out to be. Starting off a bit overcast, it brightened by lunchtime and just kept getting better, the Ochils looking resplendent as they basked in warm October sunshine. Oh, and the running stages went down pretty well also, with everyone commenting on how much they enjoyed their runs.

Purrs – Val Houston decided to sign up and join the hallowed ranks of the black & gold, so with her membership money safely in hand, we thanked her by sending her off on the tough 1st stage (just ask Dave). Recent signing Graham filled in admirably at the last minute on leg 2 for the guys A team to keep them running, and likewise Archie on stage 2 for the Vets team, completing his first hill run in a year. However, this meant that we had to move Don from leg 1 to 4, and after promising his better half that he would be home early today, got a bit of an earful when he phoned to say that was him just leaving the back of 4pm – thanks for being accommodating Don and apologies to Elma. Thanks also to Alice who came straight from a 12 hour night shift to run the final stage for the ladies team.

Growls – A certain Mr Murray of Lenzie, aka Couch, didn’t appear so that meant that Drew had to run in his place on leg 2, having the knock on effect of an in transit Blair now not having a running partner for stage 3. Phoning Blair to tell him the news, he was already half way to Alva but since we didn’t have runners for that team’s stage 4 anyway, he decided to turn around and head home – sorry Blair.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable day was had by Westies – a big thankyou to Carnethy for all the organisation.

Charlie

Ps Good to see Brian Brennan on the comeback trail – good luck with the last Corbett next week Brian.