After the disappointing turnout of eight at Claybury a month ago, an encouraging twenty-one ladies took to the start line at the Metropolitan fixture at WGC today, and all twenty-one, including a number of HAC debutants, successfully completed a tough and tricky five-mile course. There were many good performances today, too many to list, but resulting in some fine team results. The ladies first team scored 180 points to finish in 9th place today, and retain the same 9th place in the league after two fixtures. The team included the long-awaited debut of Heather Paterson (Catriona’s twin and good luck telling them apart!!!) who finished in 47th position. The Ladies’ B team scored a good 93 points, more than a number of teams in their league but currently sit 12th and bottom of division 2 so we do need a good turnout at Uxbridge to lift the team up the table. The C team scored a good 66 points and sit comfortably 13th of 18 teams in division 3.
In the Veterans league we again performed very well, and with great performances again by Carole Coulon and Karmen Pardoe leading the 1st team to 5th place on the day, and 4th overall in the 12 team Vets division one after two fixtures. However our huge strength in depth in the vet’s category meant that our B and C Vet’s teams moved from the basement to 2nd and 4th positions in the 12 team Veterans division 2. Following the C teams promotion last year after winning division 3 it would be fantastic to see our B team move up into the top division. Once again, a big turnout at Uxbridge could help that aspiration considerably!!
A special mention should go to our first timers today, all of who found their debuts tough, but all succeeded in conquering the challenging Stanborough Park hills. So well done to Alice Coburn, Sandra Barden, Kerry Mcintosh, Fiona Day and of course Heather Paterson. Also many thanks to the incredible Angela Duncan for finishing once again ,and also Melanie Spencer whose recently rebuilt knee was bandaged together by a combination of parcel tape and chewing gum, but who still succeeded in limping round the whole 5 miles – ladies you are an inspiration to us all!
Roll on Uxbridge in three week’s time.
Andy T