Cross Country Report

On the 8th January we traveled over the hill to Chesterfield for the Derbyshire Championships, the first cross country race for a thousand years !  After all the recent rain, and remembering the last time we were here (1994 – same number turned out), it looked inevitable we were in for as sticky one. At least it wasn’t raining, although a stiff wind was blowing down the finishing straight, but this didn’t seem to affect our all-conquering vets team who were led home by Frank in 21st position, Andy Wilkins only a minute or two behind, Vaughan and Brian following close to take the vets 2nd team place, myself and John struggling in further down the field. Martin Cuddy had a blinder in the senior men’s race finishing 13th to win a place representing the County in a few weeks time.

The following Saturday saw us down at Wythenshawe for the last Manchester League event, and in fact the last league event of the season. With Glossopdale leading Division Two vet’s team league by just one point, and only four of us turning out for this crucial last race, the prognosis wasn’t good. The vet’s team once more rose to the challenge with Frank leading us home, closely followed by Vaughan, myself and Shutt just a minute or two later to clinch the league title, and promotion to Division One.

I was going to treat everyone to a pint of superb "Holts" bitter served in a number of local hostelries but they all drifted away at the suggestion, muttering about having to get home early. On reflection, looking at some Division One clubs, we’re going to be battling against next season, it might not be a bad idea to start getting a few early nights in now !

In recent years it has become increasingly difficult to get teams together for the Wilf Richards Heaton Park relays in February.  Basically we all start thinking fells again after Christmas.  This year we also ducked out of the "Northern" and the "National" championships for a number of reasons, so it came as a pleasant surprise when several people expressed interest in doing the relays.  In the event we had twelve Glossopdale runners on the hill on a beautiful February day, including the "Neverabloodygen" twins Bill Clayton and Bill Robinson.  As a fitting end to a good season, our elite "A" squad finished 10th, the all conquering vets "C" took some good scalps to finish 26th overall and 3rd vet team ahead of East Cheshire, Bury, Salford, Bolton etc. etc. - their successes are getting boring. And not far behind, the "B" team with the two Bills already looking forward to next year’s event, "Big John" wondering if he’ll be able to keep that pace up for the "London". No problem John, but don’t wear your spikes in that one.

Team A

Team C

Team B

That’s it until Autumn, hope you’ve all enjoyed it, or at least some of it.  Congratulations to everyone who turned out to make it a successful season for us.  Do the same on the fells this Summer and enjoy it too.

Bill Buckley    March 2000

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