Jon M reports...
Tewkesbury AC gained unprecedented success at the annual cross-country relays. Tewkesbury fielded two teams, one male and one female. While the men’s team was the same formidable line-up as last years event, the ladies team was a fine blend of youth and experience.
The race started in mass and first to take on the fast, flat 2 mile circuit was in-form Andy Hawkins and talented Angie Sadler. The first leg competition was immense as some of the South West regions leading athletes were on show. Nevertheless, the Tewkesbury pair kept their concentration well and tagged team mates, Clive Sentance and Lotty Mowbray respectively. Sentence, who’s renowned for his shorter distance speed, ran superbly to keep the men’s team in contention. Mowbray, a few days before her 17th birthday and fuelled with adrenaline, ran superbly too.
At half way point, the race became clear as both TAC teams were running in bronze medals positions. Third legs were run by Jon Mansfield and Carol Cowley. Mansfield having the benefit of the second placed Gloucester AC just 50 yards ahead, just needed keep the competition within distance, while Cowley found herself isolated and needed to run against herself, which she did with expertise.
For the final 2 miles, Simon Hall was handed the task of running down the silver medal position. With a 15 yard gap to bridge, Hall timed his run perfectly as he overtook the Gloucester AC runner within ½ mile to go on to record the fastest club time of the day.
A different story for the ladies as final leg runner Cathy Dudfield was up against a healthy Bourton team. With a 500 yard gap to bridge, it was a bridge too far. Dudfield gave 100% to make good time and ensure the ladies took 3rd place.
Men’s Team = 41.41 minutes
Andrew Hawkins @ 10.30
Clive Sentence @ 10.27
Jon Mansfield @ 10.27
Simon Hall @ 10.17
Women’s Team = 51.41 minutes
Angie Sadler @ 11.38
Lotty Mowbray @ 13.29
Carol Cowley @ 13.27
Cathy Dudfield @ 13.07