After a less stressful coach journey than getting to our previous race we turned up at the salubrious surroundings of Ashlyns School in Berkhamsted. Although the course had been shortened and start delayed to partially some of the risks associated with the high temperatures. We still had to contend with some tough elevations in spite of only going round the loop once. We entered this race with the slight concern that we might get sucked into a relegation scrap if we didn’t stay focussed but in reality we had a great night and couldn’t have expected any more from the race.

The guys, although missing a couple of our top scorers from the earlier races, did a great job and were enhanced by the Uni returner Ethan Jackson who was our first finisher in 7th place. The rest of our scoring team were Charlie Bruce, Matt Hogsden, Ed De Los Rios, Ben Allen, Luke Barker, Dave Weir, Jim Arrowsmith, Paul Brennan, Francis Mannion, Scott Aiken and Robert Sikorski. They ended up 2nd on the evening behind St Albans Striders, who are clearly the strongest team in the league but well clear of the rest. Things got better when it comes to the Vet team where we came out top of the pile with a stumming performance, The vet scorers were Charlie, Ed, Dave, Jim, Paul and Francis. They were clear winners and along with the women, who were 4th equal, were overall winners on the night.

The women have had a really tough season against outstanding opposition. They have been turning out in numbers and giving it their all but are just short of a few more at the fast end of things. They have gained the admiration of everyone the way they have stuck to the the task. There is no doubt the points they have gained have made a big contribution to what has been a successful season. In this final race they finished 5th just a few points behind the teams just in front of them. They been so close so often it is criminal to have missed out every time. The scorers for the team this time were Kat Alpe, Anja Greenwood, Beata Falkowska, Siobhan Weir, Poppy Allwright, Aimee Jenner, Anna Sikorska and Sue Thomas. The Women’s Vet Team, as reported earlier cam 4th equal but could so easily have been third with scorers Kat, Anja, Beata and Siobhan.

As this was the final scoring race of the season the league positions have been decided. St Albans Striders are certainly the strongest team in Division 1 and I’m sure the League overall but we have proved to be second best with a strong finish. We stopped their clean sweep by winning the Men’s Vet Category. We were runners up in the Men’s A Team category, the Overall A Team Category and Overall Vet Category. An outstanding achievement by everyone involved.

As well as sorting out league places the results also mean the individual trophies are decided and we have a good haul to pick up at the presentations. Our winners are Charlie Bruce (1st + V40), Ed De Los Rios (1st V50), Paul Ward (2nd V60), Chas Taylor (1st V70), Kat Alpe (2nd V35), Poppy Allwright (1st U20). A great haul with quite a few others who just missed out.

It has been a great season. It is a shame we didn’t have a few more enjoying the experience of Club league racing but those who did take part did brilliantly and hopefully enjoyed the experience. It was great to see a few of our past stars coming back and also really good to see some of our more recent joiners taking it on and making an impact. Thanks go to everyone for making it and well done on outstanding performances. We used a coach to get to 3 of the venues and I think this was a very positive development appreciated by all. while dishing out thanks and appreciation we must recognise those that have helped this season.

It would be great to see a big turnout at the Mob Match so that we can show off just how strong we are and to give a massive cheer to all of our trophy winners.

Chas