West District Relays, 8th October 2005

JD Takes Fright After Jogger Outburst

A modest number of Westies travelled down to Ayr for the West District Cross Country Relays, held on a mildly undulating course beside the River Ayr. The team was badly depleted by some late call-offs, including John “Jogger” Donnelly. For your info., Jogger it was who inferred last week that everyone who turned out at the McAndrews must be a jogger for not completing the 3 1/2 mile course in less than 18 1/2 minutes! Jogger it was also who, less than 24 hours prior to this event, confirmed that he would be out there. And finally, Jogger it was who failed to turn out and demonstrate his amazing speed on this flat, firm, grassy course in perfect conditions. Mmmmm, what could have happened to him?

But, for those of us who did turn out, it was a fine race. The Westies Wimmin performed well in the 3 x 2.5mile event, with Catriona Bark running a great first leg in her debut cross country race for Westies. Muffy and Liz completed the Westies trio, finishing the race in 13th position.

In the men’s 4 x 2.5mile race, Chris again showed that he is the man on form, with a fast ( ie non-joggy) 14:36 for the first leg.Trevor, who had kept himself fresh from the Defi de L’Oisans at the start of August, looked as if he wasn’t quite enjoying the experience as much as the others. Meanwhile, Don and Dave continued their rivalry where they left off after last year’s relays, with Don edging Dave by 1 second. Daved blamed the sudden turn in the weather in the 4th stage (high winds and heavy showers) as the reason for being so cruelly pipped.

Blair ran the first stage for the B Team, at the end of which he was supposed to hand over to Jogger Donnelly, who as we already mentioned, was nowhere to be found….maybe he was too busy writing his latest Westies All Time List,” Top 10 Excuses for Missing a Race”

Results

Women; 1st City of Glasgow, 48:06

Westies 13th, Catriona 18:10; Muffy 19:29, Liz 19:22

18 teams finished

Men ; 1st Cambuslang, 52:04

Westies A 25th, Chris 14:36, Trevor 16:15, Don 15:57, Dave 15:58.

Westies B, Blair 17:14, Jogger D DNS.

44 teams finished.