Nigel Barge RR

8/1/2000

On paper, the Nigel Barge is the easiest of all the Westies league events. I mean, what could be simpler than 5 miles meandering around the streets of Maryhill and environs. However the faces on Westies competitors on Saturday afternoon told a different story…and that was even before the race started.

First of all there were the non-starters. These included Brian Bonnyman, who sent a message complaining about the cold, and Archie, who…well his absence remains unexplained although plenty of theories were offered! And once again Charlie turned up, but didn’t participate. You’d think that he would learn, after the slagging he received turning up at the Dunbartonshire’s with a pathetic excuse! However, this time even Charlie got the symaphy vote. Clearly, this time he wasn’t just suffering from a Friday night hangover; he really did look as if he was the victim of the dreaded lurgy. In fact, he almost got points just for turning up.

Then there were the starters. Brimming with enthusiasm they were not!. Damon hadn’t run for almost two weeks and was still feeling the effects from a cold he’s had for about three years. Ian tried to get out of the race by claiming he had forgotten his SAF number; however that wouldn’t wash and the organisers just charged him an extra quid. The rest of us just tried the usual excuses ( you know, missing the start because we couldn’t find the registration), but failed miserably. So we all made the starting line on time, more’s the pity.

And then there were the conditions. Just when we should have been warming up and getting the adrenaline flowing, a snow/ sleet/hailstorm started and Gibson led the dash to find shelter in the science park. Unfortunately the sleet stopped at two minutes to three, just when we were all harbouring secret thoughts about throwing in the towel.

The half-hour or so it took to complete the race seemed a dawdle after the pre-event squall. Damon, strode off at the start with the leaders, but was clearly struggling all the way round. Mind you, he still managed to finish as first Westie, just holding off Dave at the tape. Dave was pleased enough just to outsprint Sandra Branney which just shows what a sad git he is. Gibson finished shortly after Dave. Brian Edridge came in just behind, wearing the dreaded ‘C’ of Clydesdale Harriers, but almost got some points anyway for turning out anyway, such was the way we were all feeling. (In any case he couldn’t wear the splendid gold vest ‘cos he hasn’t been given one yet; good to see that some club traditions never change). Chris Menhennet was next to finish. Her scowl said it all and she admitted to having a ‘dreadful’ run, although she only seemed to be articulating the general mood. Ian came in after Chris, almost smiling and probably the person closest to admitting enjoyment. Pat just about managed a smile also at the finish, or was it just a grimace?

Roll on the West Districts in two weeks time…! We’ve had enough of these short namby pamby events.

In the Men’s League, Brian’s absence has allowed Dave to jump into the lead, which is hopefully only a temporary embarrassment for the organiser. Damon is back in second place while Gibson and Ian both earned valuable points. In the Women’s table, Chris now has a commanding lead, with Pat jumping into second place. Expect plenty of movement after the West Districts!

Results:

Damon Rodwell 34:22

Dave Calder 34:23

Gibson Fleming A wee bit later

Brian Edridge A touch afterwards

Chris Menhennet Something over 35 minutes

Ian Struthers Sometime later

Pat McLaughlin A shade later than Ian