Thank you very much to everyone who ran at Gloucester on Saturday, as well as those who turned out to support and volunteer on a cold and wet afternoon. The recent death of Terry Brown cast a shadow on the occasion, and many of us missed his and Chris’s great support around the course, and will do for many years to come. Martin Smith spoke eloquently to the whole field before the race and it was lovely to see everyone giving Terry a round of applause before we headed off around a pretty wet and boggy course.
I was lucky enough to get to know Terry and Chris well over the last few years, and was always encouraged by their incredible support at club races across the region, as well as even being cheered on by Terry on a training run up the Kenilworth road on one occasion! During one good chat over a pint last year, he explained that when he was asked to join the club and be chairman he said he would only do it if the club was run more on the lines of a rugby club, rather than traditional staid running club. This meant a strong social aspect, involving families and lots of tours to build that culture (and the red and white quarters strip, as Terry Lawson mentioned Saturday night).
We are lucky that legacy survives in our unique club with the great social culture that persists, but the representation element of this is also very important which means trying to support club races whenever we can. Massey Ferguson only enter one league and it is only 4 races a year, we had over 40 male runners throughout the season so well done to everyone who gave up their time and supported the club. It is still less than half the members though so we encourage everyone to try and get along to a race next season and experience running for Massey in the league. We welcome everyone, whatever your speed or standard!
Despite a few dropouts, Massey “A” had a respectable finish and overall secured safety in 11th position of 17. Massey “B” finished a very credible 6th out of 13 teams. Massey have struggled to stay in Division 2 in recent years so to consolidate was a great achievement, and hopefully we can build on this and progress up the league next year with some new additions and improvements in the squad. It would be great to see some of the B team knocking on the door of the counters next year.
I would like to recognise a few people for their contributions this season:
Well done to everyone who ran throughout the season, and in particular those who ran in all 4 races including Dean Clarke, Dave Clarke, Ian Redford, Mick O’Shea, Dean Semple, Jamie Turner, Richard Taylor. Steve Mumford, Richard Lapworth, Martin Judge, Martin Smith, Graham Patton, Daniel Connolly, Dave Phillips.
Well done to Dean Clarke who only joined towards the end of last year and won the aggregate trophy, fantastic season Dean. Also to Mick O’Shea who crossed the divide from Northbrook and was a counter in every race despite battling through illness at times (and lost shoes!)
Jamie Turner for improving in every race with a season best 124 on Saturday, pushing the top 6 next year I hope.
Special mention for Daniel Connolly who pitched up for every race, as well as doing the Warwickshire Championships in early January, and helping arrange training sessions around Hearsall Common which included marking a course out and providing refreshments. Daniel would admit he won’t be troubling the counters, but shows tireless commitment and a superb attitude to the club, my vote for club person of the year!
And finally to all our amazing supporters and volunteers who turn out in all weathers and don’t even get the glory of running, and keeping warm! In particular Norman Jarvis, Terry Harvey, John Grady, John Aylmer, Chris and Terry Brown, John Peavoy and of course last but not least Derek Burns without which it wouldn’t happen. Even if you really cannot bring yourself to run, you can still support or volunteer, and the league really needs the help.
Many thanks
Ross Cooper
PS Thanks to everyone who voted for me as runner of the year, I really appreciate the recognition J
Senior Men Series Points
Match 1 Match 2 Match 3 Match 4 Total
A Team
1 Cannock&Staffs 101 234 206 147 688
2 RSC 201 211 204 101 717
3 Knowle & Dorridge RC 182 131 264 148 725
4 Leamington C & AC 190 219 129 187 725
5 Bournville 247 180 237 271 935
6 Worcester 225 226 210 327 988
7 C.L.C. Striders 282 382 293 195 1152
8 Tamworth AC 181 361 395 507 1444
9 Trentham RC 587 324 260 388 1559
10 Gloucester AC 495 419 379 320 1613
11 Massey Ferguson RC 475 363 399 495 1732
12 Stratford upon Avon AC 317 383 393 651 1744
13 Amazing Feet 422 355 409 581 1767
14 Dudley& Stourbridge 690 548 373 327 1938
15 Black Pear Joggers 617 525 509 343 1994
16 Newcastle (Staffs) AC 555 492 479 525 2051
17 West Bromwich Harriers 1103 1041 2144
B Team
1 Leamington C & AC 480 604 586 577 2247
2 Knowle & Dorridge RC 587 427 736 718 2468
3 Worcester 590 651 581 691 2513
4 Bournville 611 621 738 708 2678
5 RSC 646 778 778 613 2815
6 Massey Ferguson RC 834 775 773 778 3160
7 Black Pear Joggers 1141 1108 1169 904 4322
8 Gloucester AC 830 843 693 2366
9 Stratford upon Avon AC 781 850 860 2491
10 C.L.C. Striders 1083 1003 978 3064
11 Cannock&Staffs 536 536
12 Tamworth AC 782 782
13 Trentham RC 934 934