Birmingham Cross Country League

Senneleys Park in Birmingham

Saturday 28th October 2006

Above: Ian Keyte leaps the brook holding an imaginary tray of drinks above his head.

On a grey day, but in ideal conditions for running, 18 B&R runners tackled various distances over the slightly revised tough Senneleys Park course.   The usual hills were there and so was the mud, which though less wet than last year seemed doubly sticky this time.  Oh yes, and the stream was still there.  But now runners had one less time to go through it or across it, and it was evident that B & R runners were very annoyed at not being allowed that extra go!!!  Their only consolation was that the ghoulish spectators at the stream were denied the opportunity for more sarcastic comments, laughter and ‘advice’ at runners’ expense.

Well done to Simon Lanckham, B & R’s sole under 17 entrant, who gave a good performance in his 6k event to finish in a strong field in 57th place (65 finishers) in a time of 20:52. 

Left: Ann & Bridget having recovered after their race. Right: James Adie led the B&R men’s ‘A’ team home.

The ladies team was hit by injuries and illness but were still well represented in the Midland Women’s League race by Ann Stuart, now refreshed after her recently-completed Loch Ness Marathon, and Bridget Birch running only her second cross-country. The distance was 6k and subject to confirmation, Ann was 128th (in 30:29) and Bridget 173rd (in 34:22) out of a field of 212.  

For the 15 B & R men the 10k course had one slightly less than a large lap, followed by 2 large laps.  

Left: Kevin Lanckham clearing the water. Right: Paul Atkins battling to catch a Gloucester runner.

Injury, holidays, work, childminding, and taking part in duathlons and marathons the following day, robbed the Club of some of its quicker men.  The losses were reflected in the finishing position of 10th (compared to 7th last year) for the ‘A’ team but it was nearly so much better - just 2 points separated B&R from 8th place.  Credit then to our first 6 runners home that we finished as high as we did. 

Not surprisingly, James Adie was our quickest runner on the day, and was well supported, in finishing order, by Kevin Lanckham, Ian Ketye, Jamie Dancyger, Paul Atkins and Dave Daniel.  Ian’s experience told as he pipped Jamie, running only his 2 nd cross-country, by only 8 secs.  Recent Cardiff Marathon man, Dave Daniel, ran a great first cross-country, and surprised himself and everyone else, to grab the last counting place for the ‘A’ team. 

Above: Runners from Dudley-K, Gloucester and Tipton in a sprint finish with Stephen Elsmere.

Left:  Barry Cooke charging before his injury. Right: Phil Richardson emerges muddied from the water.

The ‘B’ team were 4th  'B' team and 17th overall out of 18 teams that counted (only five of the 13 Division 2 clubs fielded enough runners to close ‘B’ teams).  Gavin Moorhead was first home, only 4 places behind Dave Daniel, with Stephen Elsmere second.  Phil Anderson and John Manley then waged their own private battle (no blood was spilt) which Phil won by 6 secs.  Phil Richardson was 5th man before Barry Cooke nursing a recurring injury that cost him three minutes over the last lap, soldiered on to become number six.

Left: Len Quartly prepares to take the plunge. Right: Mike Leci’s grimace hints at his pain.

Of the remaining three runners, Mike Leci was the unluckiest, picking up a painful calf injury on the last lap and just able to limp home. This made me the luckiest and it will probably be the only time I beat Mike.  Roger Beacham was the most supported with hordes of ‘daughters’ shouting “Come on Dad” to him.

Left: Roger Beacham enjoying the chance to race on a Saturday.

At the end, some of the B & R runners agreed that if they had known flapjacks were available back at the team tent, they would have gone faster. Needless to say I have noted the runner’s names and will expect quicker times in the remaining fixtures.

Of those runners who competed in both 2005 and 2006, nearly all went quicker this year. In Paul Atkins’ case, over 6 min quicker and Stephen Elsmere around 5 min faster.

Thanks to Alan Elsmere, Steve James, Tony Woodward, and runner’s families and friends for their support.

Well done again everyone and thanks for turning out.

Len

Click here to see complete Div 2 results on BLXC site

B&R Senior Mens’ finishing positions in Div. 2 race & times (subject to confirmation).

‘A’ team

14 James Adie             35:07

29 Kevin Lanckham    37:08  

58 Ian Keyte                 39:51

59 Jamie Dancyger      39:59

69 Paul Atkins             40:24

74 Dave Daniel            40:54

‘B’ team

78 Gavin Moorhead       41:13

89 Stephen Elsmere       42:49

109 Phil Anderson         45:03

110 John Manley            45:09

115 Phil Richardson      45:38

123 Barry Cooke           47:30

Others

126 Len Quartly             48:24

130 Mike Leci                48:47

133 Roger Beacham       50:01

147 finishers

Team Results (points from 6 runners)

1 Birchfield Harriers       116

2 Staffs. Moorlands         142

3 Warwick University      155

4 Leamington                   205

5 Northbrook                    207

6 K'minster & Stourport  221

7 Tamworth                      262

8  Sphinx                           302

9  Dudley & Stourbridge  303

10 B&R ‘A’                  303

11 Cannock & Staffs        340

12 Kenilworth                   343

13 Worcester                     380

17 B&R ‘B’                   624