A great turn out, particularly in the Seniors, of thirty three CAC runners ensured a successful fourth Brooks Westward League of the season, with the highlights being a big win for the Senior Men and fine individual victories for Andy Worden in the Under 15 Boys and Chessie Waters in the Under 13 Girls.

Win number 1 Andy strides to victory

Win number 2  Chessie leads the U13 field home

Our men went up in force, knowing that, in 3rd place overall, a big performance was required to give them a chance of repeating last year’s last gasp win at Redruth.  Thirteen turned out and gave their all and the result was a forty four point win on the day by the ‘A’ team and a big win for the ‘B’ team too, with the Veteran's team confirming themselves as champions with one fixture still to go.

Kev Toher won by ninety seconds, with Elliott Buckner second.  Elliott is the son of Jack Buckner, the former European 5000m champion and fifth finisher in the Olympics.  Dave Buzza finished third, his highest Westward League finsh of the season, so far!  James Waldie decided to start conservatively for once and this paid off, as he also achieved his highest League position so far, in 5th.  Lieutenant Commander Tony “I should know better” Dunn went storming past Dave and James up the 1 in 4 hill the first time and died a death 100m later, eventually hanging on well for 7th and 2nd V45 (and he leads the V45 age category).  Adrian Ball had one of his best ever league races in 14th (2nd V40) and is a close 2nd overall in this age group, with John Telford enjoying the dry conditions to place a great 18th (1st V55) and close in the team for a very important win.

Phil Tugwell made a welcome return to club colours with a storming race to finish 19th and importantly gain us extra points in the team event by pushing three Tavistock and Exeter runners down a position.  He also led the ‘B’ team home for a good win, with Darrin Porter coming in 2nd in this team and 4th scorer in the victorious Veterans’ team, with 30th overall (4th V40).  Justin Day didn’t go as well as at Mount’s Bay (where he beat Darrin), but put in a solid effort in 45th, with Jack Loveday having an inspired run in 46th and Martin Wills putting in a big effort (and a sprint finish!) for 60th to ensure the ‘B’ team won on the day.

Adrian Mutsaers took Kirstie for a romantic day out to the edge of Dartmoor for Valentine’s Day, raced himself (73rd), watched her race, despite a rasping cough and she still looked loved up afterwards.  Now she is a lady to treasure!!  Ian Wright also knows this, coming 78th after injury and illness and his trreasure, Lesley, also running, supporting her beloved.  Where am I going wrong?!  I will collate all the replies to the last question from the Seniors.  Please keep your response brief, maximun of 300 words! Alan  Fine servant to the club, Roger Lock finished a fine 3rd Vet 60 on the day (87th overall out of the 98 finishers) and is in 2nd in the league going into the last fixture, with at least bronze guaranteed.

Our Under 17 Boys fielded four runners and took the team award on the day but remain in 2nd overall, with a big race needed by them all on 21st March to take the title from East Cornwall Harriers.  Conor Robinson confirmed his dominance by winning despite not feeling 100% (you’ve got to feel for poor Dan Nash who gets close so often but can’t quite take Conor’s scalp).  He now has to come in the top three at Redruth to win overall.  Jordan Roberts took 8th and is a fine 5th overall in his debut season and Aaron Jose was a useful 10th to bring the team home for a win that gives them a fighting chance at Redruth.  Sam Harry belied his soft-boy reputation (!) to limp around with his bad ankle and then outsprint the 3rd East Cornwall scorer for 12th, to add what could be a vital point to their total.

A recovering Conor, with Dan Nash in close pursuit

Jordan (5th), getting better by the week

Our Under15 Boys have been untouchable all winter and confirmed their overall victory here, despite missing Callum and Tom, with Andy Worden powering to a fine first league victory to lead CAC home.  Sam Heslop-George is rapidly finding form after injury and illness problems and outkicked a Plymouth athlete for 2nd.  These four could end up placing 1,2,3 and 4 overall!  Rob Glading took a well-earned 14th place to ensure that the league title was won before the last fixture.

Sam (2nd), now back to his best

Chessie Waters tied up the Under 13 Girls title a race early with a dominating victory by nine seconds, with good support from Harriet Bolton in 25th, though unfortunately Heather Robinson hurt her ankle and dropped out in sight of the finish.  They’re in a good 3rd overall though

We’ve struggled for both Boys and Girls in the Under 13’s this season and Matthew Robinson was our sole representative at Bovey, placing 8th but we are still in 4th overall, meaning that a good turn out at Redruth (again!) could result in 2nd or 3rd for the Boys.

Our only Under 11 runner was Tom Fisher but he looked a very classy athlete, placing 6th in his second league outing.  Hopefully he’ll be joined by a few others next time out.

Our Senior Ladies, after dominating the first two fixtures, have struggled slightly without Annabel Gummow and Juliet Knowles, dropping to 2nd, but are in with a big chance of the league title if they can beat Exeter Harriers on 21st March.  Our Ladies’ Veterans team is in the same position, this time with Torrington AC ahead of them, but our ‘B’ team is clear in 1st position.  Well done to all!  Let’s finish the job next month!

Emma was 4th at Bovey and consolidated 4th position in the league, despite a long half marathon preparation run the day before, with Heidi Cottam confirming her recent good form in 14th and Jenny Almey, not running quite as well as the week before, in 17th but good enough to bring the team home in third on the day.

Emma, fourth today, clinches the V35 league title

Under 17’s, Anna Ashbridge and Ellie Parkin, went well crossing the line in 40th and 59th respectively and with the two running romantics, Lesley Wright in 44th and Kirstie Mutsaers in 47th, ensuring the ‘B’ team remained top of the pile and the Veterans team were 4th on the day but in with a big chance of an overall league victory.

U17 Anna is coping well in the Senior race, along with....

....Ellie, who is rarely misses a race

Lottie Jose was the only Under 15 Girl to make the trip and ran well finishing 12th place, leaving the girls in what should be a safe 2nd position overall, behind Penair.

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So, all to run for in the last fixture and it’s our home one at Redruth School.  Let’s get everyone out to run.

Remember too, that we’re in great need of Marshals for the Duchy Marathon on Sunday 7 March.  Please ring Angela Burrows on 01209 213226 if you can help or speak to Dave B, Alan R or Emma S.