L-R: John Danahay, Richard Barrington, Steve Bazell, Seb Duffy, Liam Hendricken, Mike Harding, Pierrick Dehan (Tom Gayle was on his recovery run!)

The final Birmingham League race of the season produced some strong performances from the club's senior and junior men to maintain our status at the highest level of cross country.

Unlike last year we knew that all we needed to do this time was get 6 men round to maintain our status. However going into the race I was almost tempted to think a higher team placing was on order with everyone improving, and the return of Tom Gayle after illness. In any case I think we have to be satisfied with our progress this year. We are probably the smallest squad in the division, and proportionately we have to turn out more of our men in each race to finish 6 counters. Two of the clubs that were relegated this year had lots more runners, but in this league you also need quality. Not that we would not appreciate more runners! 

The conditions at Northampton were brilliant for cross country with bright sunshine and no mud! The only bad news came with Liam Hendricken withdrawing just before the start with a sore ankle. About half way through the race just a light rain shower reminded us that we were still in the first half of February. Seb Duffy and 20 year old French recruit Pierrick Dehan on his debut were quickest into their running, setting off with the lead group. For Pierrick this was always going to be a bit of an experiment, since he is totally unfamiliar with races in this country, and he was also carrying a bit of a knee injury. Seb maintained his effort through the race, very close to a top 10 place until the last lap (of four) and he finished in a best ever Division One position of 16th. Pierrick started to come back quickly through the field after the first lap, but rallied well as the rest of us caught him. Pierrick is obviously very quick, and I am sure that a more of a conservative start today would have seem him finish in the late 30s, early 40s, even with relatively low fitness and a sore knee.

Next in line, half way through the race was Tom Gayle after making a typically cautious start - just behind me at the end of the first lap! Unfortunately after working his way up into the 40s and probably well on his way to the 30s Tom had to answer the call of nature. I nearly suffered a heart attack when after finishing, Kevin Hendricken said to me; "have you seen Tom". Thankfully Tom recovered pretty well after his emergency stop to bring the team count home. I have no doubt that Tom would have finished at least 30 places higher up in different circumstances.

Youngster Mike Harding has shown increased cross country strength since Christmas, and despite suffering from a minor cold showed that his improvement in the senior ranks continues. For the first two laps he followed me before easing away on the third lap. However at the end of the lap, I caught him again. A couple of words of encouragement, and he pulled away again on the last lap, taking 10 places and 24 seconds out of me, and I am not a weak runner in the final stages of a cross country race! 53rd place was also a best finish for Mike in his second ever Birmingham League race.

Next finisher was Pierrick Dehan. After I caught him with a lap to go, Pierrick hung on brilliantly, despite being very tired. Once I told him he had got just 300m to go, he switched into another gear and sprinted away to 58th, an excellent recovery after such a fast start. My race went pretty well to plan for the first two laps, but I was faltering in the second half of the race - just not able to get my old legs to maintain, let alone increase the pace. Still, probably more than should be expected for a 48 year old who jogs 8 hours a week at 10min miles for his training!

Fifth counter Steve Bazell would normally be well ahead of me. Unfortunately he came into this race with a big gap in his training after a virus. Steve started very steadily, just behind me and maintained his effort throughout to keep keep our packing really tight in 65th. I am sure that Steve will bounce back strongly. The aforementioned Tom Gayle was our last counter in 73rd.

7th man on this occasion was yet again 66 year old Richard Barrington, guaranteeing that we had a reserve if anyone dropped out. Thanks again Richard!

The team finished 11th, but such was the closeness of the team scores we could have very easily finished 6th or 7th on the day if Tom had had a clear run, and even higher with a steadier start from Pierrick. However we have to be pleased with this result and the overall Division finish of 11th out of 16 teams after the relegation struggle of last year.

Many thanks to everyone who ran the other fixtures too, Brian Cole, (warm weather training), Dave Lee, (having his appendix out!), Liam Hendricken (injured ankle on the day) and Andy Allen (also carrying minor injuries). Such a small squad, but real commitment from everyone. Also a massive thank you to team supporters Kevin Hendricken (thanks for doing the finish stuff) and Adrian Thiemicke who made their shouts count at every turn. Adrian, I am sure that you ran nearly as far as us because you were everywhere on Saturday!

Finally a well done to local rivals Staffs Moorlands who pipped us at the post after a season long battle. It makes all the difference if you can get guys to actually run! And I guess not wanting to be beaten by Stoke AC was a big factor too!

I am sure I say it every year, but despite the commitment shown again this year we really do need an increase in numbers if we are improve further. So if you are competing for a club that is struggling to get their men out please consider running for us next winter!

John Danahay