The BLOG. All the latest news and updates from Telford Athletic Club.
26 Dec 2009
N Staffs League - Westwood High School, Leek
The final North Staffs Cross Country league of the saeson clashed with the Shropshire Championships at Lilleshall but Telford AC still managed to win the second division title after their first serious season in the league. Team manager Chris Talbot in his first season as mens team manager was delighted with the overall league result as the team won with 309 points from the 4 races with Vale Royal from Cheshire taking second with 644 points and Stafford Tri 3rd with 1141 pts. In the final race at Westwood High School Leek on a very hilly course Jamie Anderson led the way finishing 18th repeating his position in the previous race and giving him 10th overall in the league with Marc Gadsden 31st, Johnny Sanders 35th, Paul Williams 62nd and 4th overall over 45 veteran and Alan Hodgkiss 229th and 13th overall over 60 veteran.
Birmingham Cross Country Division 2
The second Birmingham League race of the season was held in early December at Blackbridge,Gloucester. The Telford Ac squad repeated their victory from the opening race with 111 points ahead of host team Gloucester with 172 pts and Kenilworth were 3rd with 221 pts in the 18 team second division. This now puts them well clear in the league overall with 173 pts with 136 points clear of second placed Gloucester.
Chris Rimmer was the first Telford AC finisher in 2nd place in 32.41 just 12 seconds behind the winner from host club Gloucester AC. Craig Walker who has recently joined Telford from Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletic Club ran well in his debut appearance to finish 4th in 32.51. Will Joyce was the third TAC finisher in 15th 34.06 whilst Chris Bagshaw was 19th 34.41 with Richard Lucock current leader of the Battery Trophy rankings, for the most consistant TAC performer throughout the cross country season in 26th, 35.06. Other finishers were Ben McDonald 45th, Nick Andrews 63rd, Paul Williams 100th and Malcolm Dawes 124th.
Chris Rimmer was the first Telford AC finisher in 2nd place in 32.41 just 12 seconds behind the winner from host club Gloucester AC. Craig Walker who has recently joined Telford from Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletic Club ran well in his debut appearance to finish 4th in 32.51. Will Joyce was the third TAC finisher in 15th 34.06 whilst Chris Bagshaw was 19th 34.41 with Richard Lucock current leader of the Battery Trophy rankings, for the most consistant TAC performer throughout the cross country season in 26th, 35.06. Other finishers were Ben McDonald 45th, Nick Andrews 63rd, Paul Williams 100th and Malcolm Dawes 124th.
North Wales Cross Country League
N Wales XC League
Oswestry Olympians Alison Lavender won her first ever North Wales Cross country league in the 3rd of this season's races held at Treborth Playing Fields, Bangor. The Loughborough University student who gained an England International fell running vest during the summer has had an excellent six months on the fells the road and at cross country. She finished in 20.37 and was 7 seconds ahead of second placed Marilyn Kitching from Tattenhall with Rhian Pierce from Denbigh taking 3rd. Denise Sanders led the Telford Ac contingent home in 9th with team mate Cheralyn Evans 11th.
Oswestry finished second team on the day with 46 pts to host club Eryri who had 36 pts, they are now 3rd in the league after 3 races with Colwyn Bay in second. Telford AC again won the second division with 46 pts and are clear league leaders with 85 pts almost 200 pts ahead of second placed Menai. Whitchurch Whippets were 7th with 165pts and Shrewsbury Ac 11th with 205 pts. Telford were second to Eryri in the veterans team race with 27 pts behind Eryri but lead overall with 53pts to Colwyn Bay's 64pts. Oswestry were 4th vets team on the day and are 4th overall.
Other leading finishers were
13th C Jones. Oswestry, 15th A.Tickner. Oswestry, 17th Y. Hill. Oswestry, 26th J. Hoad, Telford AC, 33rd J. Jarvis, Oswestry. 39th L. Blagden, Telford AC, 45th R. Foster, Whitchurch. 57th E. Sheekey, Shrewsbury.
Maldwyn's Tim Davies from Welshpool, came 2nd in the mens race to follow up his 3rd and 4th places with Nick Swinburn from Bangor University winning the race. Shrewsbury's Ian Coupland was 5th to lead the reigning champions to second on the day with 163 points behind host team Eryri with Telford 6th, 380pts and Maldwyn 7th 469 pts. Telford still lead overall but have their lead cut to just 101 pts from Shrewsbury 625 with Wrexham 3rd overall, Eryri 4th and Maldwyn Harriers 5th. Oswestry were 4th in the second division with 330 pts whilst Whitchurch were 9th 570pts and Bridgnorth 14th with 1024 pts. Shrewsbury AC were winners of the veteran teams section on the day with 35 pts with Eryri second and Maldwyn 3rd whilst Telford were 9th. Telford still lead overall with 105 pts from the first 3 races with Shrewsbury second 127pts and Maldwyn 5th with 156 pts.
Other leading men finishers were
8th P. Middleton SAC.
9th R. Hughes TAC
15th P. Jones Oswestry
23rd J. Ogden Oswestry
24th G. Jones SAC 2nd over 50
25th E. Davies Maldwyn 3rd over 50
26th D Beales SAC 3rd over 45.
33rd J. Sanders TAC
45th H. Jones Maldwyn
47th R. Jones Maldwyn
49th S. Waters SAC
51st P. Clarke SAC
55th C. Talbot TAC
58th R. Sharam Whitchurch.
The 4th race is the N Wales League takes place at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, Cefn Road, Wrexham on Saturday 16th January 2010.
Oswestry Olympians Alison Lavender won her first ever North Wales Cross country league in the 3rd of this season's races held at Treborth Playing Fields, Bangor. The Loughborough University student who gained an England International fell running vest during the summer has had an excellent six months on the fells the road and at cross country. She finished in 20.37 and was 7 seconds ahead of second placed Marilyn Kitching from Tattenhall with Rhian Pierce from Denbigh taking 3rd. Denise Sanders led the Telford Ac contingent home in 9th with team mate Cheralyn Evans 11th.
Oswestry finished second team on the day with 46 pts to host club Eryri who had 36 pts, they are now 3rd in the league after 3 races with Colwyn Bay in second. Telford AC again won the second division with 46 pts and are clear league leaders with 85 pts almost 200 pts ahead of second placed Menai. Whitchurch Whippets were 7th with 165pts and Shrewsbury Ac 11th with 205 pts. Telford were second to Eryri in the veterans team race with 27 pts behind Eryri but lead overall with 53pts to Colwyn Bay's 64pts. Oswestry were 4th vets team on the day and are 4th overall.
Other leading finishers were
13th C Jones. Oswestry, 15th A.Tickner. Oswestry, 17th Y. Hill. Oswestry, 26th J. Hoad, Telford AC, 33rd J. Jarvis, Oswestry. 39th L. Blagden, Telford AC, 45th R. Foster, Whitchurch. 57th E. Sheekey, Shrewsbury.
Maldwyn's Tim Davies from Welshpool, came 2nd in the mens race to follow up his 3rd and 4th places with Nick Swinburn from Bangor University winning the race. Shrewsbury's Ian Coupland was 5th to lead the reigning champions to second on the day with 163 points behind host team Eryri with Telford 6th, 380pts and Maldwyn 7th 469 pts. Telford still lead overall but have their lead cut to just 101 pts from Shrewsbury 625 with Wrexham 3rd overall, Eryri 4th and Maldwyn Harriers 5th. Oswestry were 4th in the second division with 330 pts whilst Whitchurch were 9th 570pts and Bridgnorth 14th with 1024 pts. Shrewsbury AC were winners of the veteran teams section on the day with 35 pts with Eryri second and Maldwyn 3rd whilst Telford were 9th. Telford still lead overall with 105 pts from the first 3 races with Shrewsbury second 127pts and Maldwyn 5th with 156 pts.
Other leading men finishers were
8th P. Middleton SAC.
9th R. Hughes TAC
15th P. Jones Oswestry
23rd J. Ogden Oswestry
24th G. Jones SAC 2nd over 50
25th E. Davies Maldwyn 3rd over 50
26th D Beales SAC 3rd over 45.
33rd J. Sanders TAC
45th H. Jones Maldwyn
47th R. Jones Maldwyn
49th S. Waters SAC
51st P. Clarke SAC
55th C. Talbot TAC
58th R. Sharam Whitchurch.
The 4th race is the N Wales League takes place at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, Cefn Road, Wrexham on Saturday 16th January 2010.
Shropshire AA Cross Country Championships
Shropshire AA XC Champs.
(Full results on the website)
Claire Martin won her 6th senior Shropshire Athletic Association Cross Country Championships in the annual championships at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. The Telford AC athlete, who has won all her senior titles since 2001 and is now closing in on the all time Shropshire record of victories held by Amanda Wright, now Smith, from MUch Wenlock, who has 8 senior victories to her name. Other senior ladies that have won 3 or more titles are Yvonne Hill 3, Heather Anslow 3, and Jenny Pearson 3. Claire won the race in 20.32 and was well clear of second placed Oswestry Olympian Alison Lavender, who was 4th last year, has been in good form recently with victories in the North wales League and the Midland Counties 5 mile championships. Michelle Clarke, was the second Telford AC runner home taking her first county medal as she finished 3rd a big improvement from her 6th last year. Nellie Sanders completed the winning Telford Ac team in 4th, whilst Cerian Lancaster retruned from univeristy in Brighton to retain the junior womens title and 5th overall with the Shropshire womens team manager Alison Tickner from Oswestry taking 6th. Telford AC won the team title for the 10th consecutive year.
Paul Ward continued his current top form as he won the senior mens title for the first time. he crossed the line in 31.46, just 8 seconds clear of his nearest rival his Telford AC team mate, 2008 champion and runner up last year Chris Rimmer. Ward who recently represented England in the masters International cross country had only ever been in the top 3 once before when he finished 3rd at Bridgnorth in 2006. Steven Cale, from Shrewsbury AC, a Wrekin College teacher who is currently leading the Shropshire Fell Running Winter Series was 3rd to take his first Shropshire medal in 33.01. Chris Bagshaw was 4th in 33.28, with Will Joyce, 3rd last year and second the year before taking 5th, Pete Butler a talented fast improving Oswestry runner took 6th in 33.52. Dave Mansbridge was the second veteran home in 8th whilst Greg Wilson, now an over 50 was 3rd. Telford AC took the team title for the 28th consecutive year. Dennis Gardner of Telford AC won the under 20 title in 35.40, 12th overall with Ryan Ordidge of Wrekin College taking second and Harry Hobson of Adams School third.
Isobel Bradley from Wellington, the Shropshire league champion, comfortably won the under 13 girls race the largest of the day with 49 finishers.The Telford AC athlete finished in 10.51 and had a 25 second winning margin with Ludlow Runner's Emma Clarke taking the silver medal in 11.16. Telford AC's Molly Brown taking 3rd just one second behind. The impressive Wrekin College team, that earlier in Decemeber had been Shropshire's only representatives in the English Schools Cross Country Cup Final in Cornwall easily won the team race as they packed 4 girls into the top 9, led by 4th placed Emma Draycote. Telford Ac were second with Shrewsbury Girls High School third.
Alex Burrows won his first Shropshire AA cross country title as the Broseely boy representing William Brookes School, who had finished second overall in the Shropshire league took the under 13 boys title in 10.04, just 4 seconds ahead of last years bronze medallist Connor Jones from Ludlow. Oswestry Olympian James Morris took the bronze medal a further 2 seconds adrift. Wenlock Olympians won the team title with Thomas Telford School second and Oswestry Olympians third.
Ludlow's Megan Turner who has been improving throughout the season and had finished third in the final Shropshire league race ,took the under 15 girls race by storm to take her first County title in 15.26. Megan has made a most dramatic improvement in the last 12 months having finished just 16th in the under 13 girls age group last season. Daisy Tickner from Oswestry took the silver medal just 6 seconds behind with the early leader Lauren Pestana of Telford AC taking third and leading her team to the team title with 16 points. Ludlow Runners were second and Shrewsbury Girls High School 3rd.
Wrekin College student Hayden Gleave took the under 15 boys title after finishing 4th in the same race last year. He had a 13 second winning margin over second placed Ben Ashcroft just holding off his Shrewsbury AC team mate George Speakman who was third just 2 seconds behind. Adams Grammar School, Newport dominated the team race with 6 boys in the top 16 as they took the fisrt two team plaings with Abraham Darby School 3rd.
It was a North Shropshire clean sweep in the Under 17 girls race as Harriet Grandfield, from Thomas Adams School, Wem continued her unbeaten start to the season by taking the title in 19.45 following up her victory in the under 15's last year. Ella walker, from Oswestry Olympians and Ellesmere College last years champion was second in 19.59 with Holly Climo from Whitchurch taking 3rd in 20.22.
Tom Buckley from Adams Grammar School, was a surprise winner in the under 17 boys age group coming home 30 seconds clear of the Shropshire league champion Guy Gregory from Ludlow Runners with Telford Ac's Ryan Heath taking the bronze medal.
Shropshire teams will now be selected to represent the county in the National Inter County Cross Championships to be held this year at Cofton Park, Birmingham on Saturday 13th March. This is a new venue, as the championships have previously been held in Nottingham since 1999.
Paul Sanderson
(Full results on the website)
Claire Martin won her 6th senior Shropshire Athletic Association Cross Country Championships in the annual championships at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. The Telford AC athlete, who has won all her senior titles since 2001 and is now closing in on the all time Shropshire record of victories held by Amanda Wright, now Smith, from MUch Wenlock, who has 8 senior victories to her name. Other senior ladies that have won 3 or more titles are Yvonne Hill 3, Heather Anslow 3, and Jenny Pearson 3. Claire won the race in 20.32 and was well clear of second placed Oswestry Olympian Alison Lavender, who was 4th last year, has been in good form recently with victories in the North wales League and the Midland Counties 5 mile championships. Michelle Clarke, was the second Telford AC runner home taking her first county medal as she finished 3rd a big improvement from her 6th last year. Nellie Sanders completed the winning Telford Ac team in 4th, whilst Cerian Lancaster retruned from univeristy in Brighton to retain the junior womens title and 5th overall with the Shropshire womens team manager Alison Tickner from Oswestry taking 6th. Telford AC won the team title for the 10th consecutive year.
Paul Ward continued his current top form as he won the senior mens title for the first time. he crossed the line in 31.46, just 8 seconds clear of his nearest rival his Telford AC team mate, 2008 champion and runner up last year Chris Rimmer. Ward who recently represented England in the masters International cross country had only ever been in the top 3 once before when he finished 3rd at Bridgnorth in 2006. Steven Cale, from Shrewsbury AC, a Wrekin College teacher who is currently leading the Shropshire Fell Running Winter Series was 3rd to take his first Shropshire medal in 33.01. Chris Bagshaw was 4th in 33.28, with Will Joyce, 3rd last year and second the year before taking 5th, Pete Butler a talented fast improving Oswestry runner took 6th in 33.52. Dave Mansbridge was the second veteran home in 8th whilst Greg Wilson, now an over 50 was 3rd. Telford AC took the team title for the 28th consecutive year. Dennis Gardner of Telford AC won the under 20 title in 35.40, 12th overall with Ryan Ordidge of Wrekin College taking second and Harry Hobson of Adams School third.
Isobel Bradley from Wellington, the Shropshire league champion, comfortably won the under 13 girls race the largest of the day with 49 finishers.The Telford AC athlete finished in 10.51 and had a 25 second winning margin with Ludlow Runner's Emma Clarke taking the silver medal in 11.16. Telford AC's Molly Brown taking 3rd just one second behind. The impressive Wrekin College team, that earlier in Decemeber had been Shropshire's only representatives in the English Schools Cross Country Cup Final in Cornwall easily won the team race as they packed 4 girls into the top 9, led by 4th placed Emma Draycote. Telford Ac were second with Shrewsbury Girls High School third.
Alex Burrows won his first Shropshire AA cross country title as the Broseely boy representing William Brookes School, who had finished second overall in the Shropshire league took the under 13 boys title in 10.04, just 4 seconds ahead of last years bronze medallist Connor Jones from Ludlow. Oswestry Olympian James Morris took the bronze medal a further 2 seconds adrift. Wenlock Olympians won the team title with Thomas Telford School second and Oswestry Olympians third.
Ludlow's Megan Turner who has been improving throughout the season and had finished third in the final Shropshire league race ,took the under 15 girls race by storm to take her first County title in 15.26. Megan has made a most dramatic improvement in the last 12 months having finished just 16th in the under 13 girls age group last season. Daisy Tickner from Oswestry took the silver medal just 6 seconds behind with the early leader Lauren Pestana of Telford AC taking third and leading her team to the team title with 16 points. Ludlow Runners were second and Shrewsbury Girls High School 3rd.
Wrekin College student Hayden Gleave took the under 15 boys title after finishing 4th in the same race last year. He had a 13 second winning margin over second placed Ben Ashcroft just holding off his Shrewsbury AC team mate George Speakman who was third just 2 seconds behind. Adams Grammar School, Newport dominated the team race with 6 boys in the top 16 as they took the fisrt two team plaings with Abraham Darby School 3rd.
It was a North Shropshire clean sweep in the Under 17 girls race as Harriet Grandfield, from Thomas Adams School, Wem continued her unbeaten start to the season by taking the title in 19.45 following up her victory in the under 15's last year. Ella walker, from Oswestry Olympians and Ellesmere College last years champion was second in 19.59 with Holly Climo from Whitchurch taking 3rd in 20.22.
Tom Buckley from Adams Grammar School, was a surprise winner in the under 17 boys age group coming home 30 seconds clear of the Shropshire league champion Guy Gregory from Ludlow Runners with Telford Ac's Ryan Heath taking the bronze medal.
Shropshire teams will now be selected to represent the county in the National Inter County Cross Championships to be held this year at Cofton Park, Birmingham on Saturday 13th March. This is a new venue, as the championships have previously been held in Nottingham since 1999.
Paul Sanderson
24 Dec 2009
Shropshire Young Athletes Cross Country League
Telford takes Cross Country Honours.
Telford Athletic Club secured the 2009 Shropshire Young Athletes League title by winning both the boys and girls titles at Oldbury Wells Schools Bridgnorth. But it was encouraging to see the resurgence of some of the smaller teams in the county.
In the individual championships it is only three of the four races which count and several athletes had won two races but missed one of the fixtures. In all cases it was these athletes that proved themselves over the tough hilly course. Hattie Jones of Ludlow Runners secured the Under 11 title by running away form the field from the gun to finish fourteen seconds ahead of Katherine Price of Shrewsbury AC with Hannah Price of Oswestry Olympians third. This was also the way the overall medals went. In the team race Oswestry clinched the gold medals by just ten points over the season from Telford with Bridgnorth taking the bronze.
The Under 13 girls’ race was dominated again by Isabel Bradley of Telford who as a result took the title with Emma Clarke, second in the final race and the silver medallist overall. Molly Brown came third in this race but the overall bronze went to Sarah Williams of the Newtown based Maldwyn Harriers. The Welsh club performed well at each fixture to collect the league title from Oswestry with Telford taking the third position.
The most competitive races this year seemed to be in the Under 15 girls’ age group with the lead constantly changing hands through the season. The hills seemed to favour Daisy Tickner from Oswestry and she opened up a 16 second lead on the hill on the last lap from Megan Turner of Aberystwyth. Her namesake Megan Turner of Ludlow Runners had the finish officials thinking they had made a mistake but after a slow start to the season she proved that she is improving with every race. It was the Aberystwyth Megan who took the overall gold from Tickner, having performed most consistently throughout the season, with Zoe Partridge of Wenlock Olympians finishing fourth on the day to clinch the bronze form her twin sister Amy. Telford had a stranglehold on this age group throughout the season and they confirmed their favourite status by winning the team gold with Oswestry taking the silver in front of Maldwyn Harriers.
In the Under 17 girls’ category Harriet Grandfield had missed the Oswestry race but was another runner to convincingly take the overall title running away from the rest of the field to win by nineteen seconds from Ella Walker of Oswestry. Ella had already missed two races so the minor places were up for grabs and it was Telford’s ever consistent Chloe Murphy who finished fourth but clinched the silver. Chloe Barton from Oswestry had run strongly to finish third and also took the individual bronze. It was Telford who just scraped home in the team competition from Oswestry by just six points over the four race series.
In the Under 17 boys’ three runners had been involved in a great tactical battle in each of the four races. Guy Gregory from Ludlow Runners had already clinched the league title with three wins in the earlier races but wanted to remain unbeaten through the season. Another of the three, Ryan Heath did not run as he had been ill in the week and this left an opening for Guy’s Ludlow teammate Russell Adams. Guy used his trademark sprint finish to take first place but Russell’s second clinched the league silver. Both runners finished four minutes ahead of the third place runner over the 5000m course. Not surprisingly these two athletes helped Ludlow take the team honours from Telford.
In the Under 15 boys’ Joe Morris of Oswestry had won the two races he had run earlier in the series but still had to confirm his favourite status. He did this by winning again from his main rival, and eventual silver medallist, Haydn Gleave representing Wrekin College. Ben Ashcroft of Shrewsbury looked secure in third and took the league bronze. Ben collected his second bronze of the day when Shrewsbury took the third team spot but it was Telford who took the title form Oswestry.
Telford just managed to hang on to the team award in the Under 13 boys’ with a great team performance from Wenlock Olympians who took silver medal position with Oswestry taking bronze. It was in this age group that the biggest upset occurred. Jack Forrester continued his improvement to win the race and the league title. His Telford team mate Alex Burrows had won the first two races but had to settle for fourth on the Bridgnorth hills and so took the overall silver with James Morris of Oswestry taking the bronze.
Alex has another year in this age group and he will be keen to win next year but he will not have it all his own way as the Under 11 title has been won by a very talented runner, Freddie Fielding also of Telford. The hills didn’t seem to slow him at all and he ran way from the field by an amazing 49 seconds on the 1600m course. Second on the day was Charlie Mooney of Oswestry but Charlie had to settle for fourth overall with two Maldwyn Harriers taking the silver and bronze medals, Will Evans and Joseph Crutchley. Freddie’s runs helped Telford to take the team gold from Oswestry and Maldwyn Harriers who were second and third respectively.
Colin Lancaster
Telford Athletic Club secured the 2009 Shropshire Young Athletes League title by winning both the boys and girls titles at Oldbury Wells Schools Bridgnorth. But it was encouraging to see the resurgence of some of the smaller teams in the county.
In the individual championships it is only three of the four races which count and several athletes had won two races but missed one of the fixtures. In all cases it was these athletes that proved themselves over the tough hilly course. Hattie Jones of Ludlow Runners secured the Under 11 title by running away form the field from the gun to finish fourteen seconds ahead of Katherine Price of Shrewsbury AC with Hannah Price of Oswestry Olympians third. This was also the way the overall medals went. In the team race Oswestry clinched the gold medals by just ten points over the season from Telford with Bridgnorth taking the bronze.
The Under 13 girls’ race was dominated again by Isabel Bradley of Telford who as a result took the title with Emma Clarke, second in the final race and the silver medallist overall. Molly Brown came third in this race but the overall bronze went to Sarah Williams of the Newtown based Maldwyn Harriers. The Welsh club performed well at each fixture to collect the league title from Oswestry with Telford taking the third position.
The most competitive races this year seemed to be in the Under 15 girls’ age group with the lead constantly changing hands through the season. The hills seemed to favour Daisy Tickner from Oswestry and she opened up a 16 second lead on the hill on the last lap from Megan Turner of Aberystwyth. Her namesake Megan Turner of Ludlow Runners had the finish officials thinking they had made a mistake but after a slow start to the season she proved that she is improving with every race. It was the Aberystwyth Megan who took the overall gold from Tickner, having performed most consistently throughout the season, with Zoe Partridge of Wenlock Olympians finishing fourth on the day to clinch the bronze form her twin sister Amy. Telford had a stranglehold on this age group throughout the season and they confirmed their favourite status by winning the team gold with Oswestry taking the silver in front of Maldwyn Harriers.
In the Under 17 girls’ category Harriet Grandfield had missed the Oswestry race but was another runner to convincingly take the overall title running away from the rest of the field to win by nineteen seconds from Ella Walker of Oswestry. Ella had already missed two races so the minor places were up for grabs and it was Telford’s ever consistent Chloe Murphy who finished fourth but clinched the silver. Chloe Barton from Oswestry had run strongly to finish third and also took the individual bronze. It was Telford who just scraped home in the team competition from Oswestry by just six points over the four race series.
In the Under 17 boys’ three runners had been involved in a great tactical battle in each of the four races. Guy Gregory from Ludlow Runners had already clinched the league title with three wins in the earlier races but wanted to remain unbeaten through the season. Another of the three, Ryan Heath did not run as he had been ill in the week and this left an opening for Guy’s Ludlow teammate Russell Adams. Guy used his trademark sprint finish to take first place but Russell’s second clinched the league silver. Both runners finished four minutes ahead of the third place runner over the 5000m course. Not surprisingly these two athletes helped Ludlow take the team honours from Telford.
In the Under 15 boys’ Joe Morris of Oswestry had won the two races he had run earlier in the series but still had to confirm his favourite status. He did this by winning again from his main rival, and eventual silver medallist, Haydn Gleave representing Wrekin College. Ben Ashcroft of Shrewsbury looked secure in third and took the league bronze. Ben collected his second bronze of the day when Shrewsbury took the third team spot but it was Telford who took the title form Oswestry.
Telford just managed to hang on to the team award in the Under 13 boys’ with a great team performance from Wenlock Olympians who took silver medal position with Oswestry taking bronze. It was in this age group that the biggest upset occurred. Jack Forrester continued his improvement to win the race and the league title. His Telford team mate Alex Burrows had won the first two races but had to settle for fourth on the Bridgnorth hills and so took the overall silver with James Morris of Oswestry taking the bronze.
Alex has another year in this age group and he will be keen to win next year but he will not have it all his own way as the Under 11 title has been won by a very talented runner, Freddie Fielding also of Telford. The hills didn’t seem to slow him at all and he ran way from the field by an amazing 49 seconds on the 1600m course. Second on the day was Charlie Mooney of Oswestry but Charlie had to settle for fourth overall with two Maldwyn Harriers taking the silver and bronze medals, Will Evans and Joseph Crutchley. Freddie’s runs helped Telford to take the team gold from Oswestry and Maldwyn Harriers who were second and third respectively.
Colin Lancaster
19 Dec 2009
TELFORD 10K Update
The 2009 TELFORD 10K
Snow and freezing conditions are playing havoc with this race.
For updates check the Telford 10K Page
For updates check the Telford 10K Page
15 Dec 2009
Cardington Cracker
Cardington Cracker 06-Dec-09
Andy Davies from Forden near Welshpool stormed to an impressive victory in this years Cardington Cracker 9 mile Hill Race. He retained the title he won last year and is now on track to challenge his brother Tim's record of winning 4 Cardington races. As well as being a Welsh International Fell Runner, Davies is also a regular first team footballer for Caersws in the Welsh league having played the previous day when they lost 3-1 at home to Bangor City.
The Mercia Fell Runner, took charge early into the race and had a clear lead by the summit of the second summit of Caer Caradoc. He had extended that lead to almost two minutes by the time he reached the finish, in Cardington village in 1 hour 12 minutes and 29 seconds, just 15 seconds slower than when he won last year. Davies, who has now been in the top 3 5 times since 1999, having also finished 3rd in 1999, 2001 and 2007.
Steven Cale,of Shrewsbury AC, winner of the recent Wrekin Wrecker race and who is currently leading the Shropshire Winter Fell Running Series was second in 1.14.20. The Wrekin College teacher who spent some of his summer holiday doing voluntary work in Malawi on a college project has made remarkable progress in the last twelve months aftere finishing 23rd and eleven minutes slower in this race last year.
Former Bridgnorth runner Pete Vale, was 3rd in 1.16.32 maintaining his consitent record in this race having been 3rd last year and in 2003, 5th in 2007 and 2nd in 2004.
Matt Clewes from Newport, a Mercia runner,was the first over 50 veteran in 1.24.47 and will remain 3rd in the Shropshire series.
In the field of 235 finishers, the 6th highest in the 22 year history of the race, there were runners from all areas of the country. leading local finishers were 10th Simon White, Mercia, 1.24.00, 16th Ed Davies,Mercia, 2nd O/50 1.26.56, 24th Colin Lancaster, Telford AC, 4th O/45 1.28.27, 25th Simon Daws, Telford AC, 1st over 55 1.28.35, 39th Henry Thomas, Telford AC, 1.31.38, 42nd Nick Eyke, Oswestry 3rd O/50 1.32.25, 43rd Mark Agnew, Mercia 1.32.27.
Helen Fines, representing Calder Valley, a Yorkshire club, won the womens race for the 3rd year consecutive year equalling Polly Gibb from Coalbrookdale's record between 1999 and 2001. Her winning time this year was 1.27.47 over 3 minutes outside her own course record which she set in 2007. Andrea Rowlands from Eryri was second in 1.29.40 with Val Swingler, winner of this years Stretton Skyline and current leader of the Shropshire Winter Series, was 3rd in 1.33.48 and the first over 40 veteran. Telford AC's Michelle Clarke made her debut in the race finishing 4th in 1.36.17 with Mercia's Mel Price was 5th in 1.36.28. Newport's Helen Skelton, currently second in the Shropshire series was 6th on the day in 1.40.11. Other leading Shropshire finishers were the Oswestry Olympians pair of Ali Tickner 11th, 1.46.33 and Jackie Jarvis 13th 1.51.34 whilst Jean Turner from Telford Harriers was 14th and the 3rd over 45 vet.
Paul Sanderson
Andy Davies from Forden near Welshpool stormed to an impressive victory in this years Cardington Cracker 9 mile Hill Race. He retained the title he won last year and is now on track to challenge his brother Tim's record of winning 4 Cardington races. As well as being a Welsh International Fell Runner, Davies is also a regular first team footballer for Caersws in the Welsh league having played the previous day when they lost 3-1 at home to Bangor City.The Mercia Fell Runner, took charge early into the race and had a clear lead by the summit of the second summit of Caer Caradoc. He had extended that lead to almost two minutes by the time he reached the finish, in Cardington village in 1 hour 12 minutes and 29 seconds, just 15 seconds slower than when he won last year. Davies, who has now been in the top 3 5 times since 1999, having also finished 3rd in 1999, 2001 and 2007.
Steven Cale,of Shrewsbury AC, winner of the recent Wrekin Wrecker race and who is currently leading the Shropshire Winter Fell Running Series was second in 1.14.20. The Wrekin College teacher who spent some of his summer holiday doing voluntary work in Malawi on a college project has made remarkable progress in the last twelve months aftere finishing 23rd and eleven minutes slower in this race last year.Former Bridgnorth runner Pete Vale, was 3rd in 1.16.32 maintaining his consitent record in this race having been 3rd last year and in 2003, 5th in 2007 and 2nd in 2004.
Matt Clewes from Newport, a Mercia runner,was the first over 50 veteran in 1.24.47 and will remain 3rd in the Shropshire series.
In the field of 235 finishers, the 6th highest in the 22 year history of the race, there were runners from all areas of the country. leading local finishers were 10th Simon White, Mercia, 1.24.00, 16th Ed Davies,Mercia, 2nd O/50 1.26.56, 24th Colin Lancaster, Telford AC, 4th O/45 1.28.27, 25th Simon Daws, Telford AC, 1st over 55 1.28.35, 39th Henry Thomas, Telford AC, 1.31.38, 42nd Nick Eyke, Oswestry 3rd O/50 1.32.25, 43rd Mark Agnew, Mercia 1.32.27.
Helen Fines, representing Calder Valley, a Yorkshire club, won the womens race for the 3rd year consecutive year equalling Polly Gibb from Coalbrookdale's record between 1999 and 2001. Her winning time this year was 1.27.47 over 3 minutes outside her own course record which she set in 2007. Andrea Rowlands from Eryri was second in 1.29.40 with Val Swingler, winner of this years Stretton Skyline and current leader of the Shropshire Winter Series, was 3rd in 1.33.48 and the first over 40 veteran. Telford AC's Michelle Clarke made her debut in the race finishing 4th in 1.36.17 with Mercia's Mel Price was 5th in 1.36.28. Newport's Helen Skelton, currently second in the Shropshire series was 6th on the day in 1.40.11. Other leading Shropshire finishers were the Oswestry Olympians pair of Ali Tickner 11th, 1.46.33 and Jackie Jarvis 13th 1.51.34 whilst Jean Turner from Telford Harriers was 14th and the 3rd over 45 vet.
Paul Sanderson
13 Dec 2009
The 2010 SAA Cross Country Championships
Results now available along with updated role of honor on the SAA XC Champs page on the website.
Masters Cross Country International
Masters Cross Country
Nellie Sanders, the Telford Athletic Club runner from Shifnal, was delighted to walk away from the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International at Perry Park, Birmingham with her first international gold medal. She was selected to run for the Welsh Masters Over 40's team following several impressive performances this season especially in the North Wales Cross Country League.
The Welsh team won the womens over 40 team event, just one point ahead of the Republic of Ireland who were second, England finished third, with Scotland fourth and Northern Ireland 5th. In the race won by England's Debbie Walters from Birchfield she was 29th out of 120, in 26.07 and the fourth Welsh scorer.
Telford AC's Paul Ward, described his run in the mens race as one of his best ever as he finished 5th in 28.40 behind the winner Tim Hartley, another England runner who retained the title he won last year. Ward was the fourth England over 40 finisher and was a member of the winning team, that had an impressive 10 points well clear of second placed Republic of Ireland who had 46 points.
Greg Wilson was the third TAC member on international duty as he was selected for the over 50's team and finished 13th in the Over 50's race in 32.10, the 5th England over 50 finisher behind winner Mike Hagar from Tipton and England in 30.41.
Paul Sanderson
Nellie Sanders, the Telford Athletic Club runner from Shifnal, was delighted to walk away from the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International at Perry Park, Birmingham with her first international gold medal. She was selected to run for the Welsh Masters Over 40's team following several impressive performances this season especially in the North Wales Cross Country League.The Welsh team won the womens over 40 team event, just one point ahead of the Republic of Ireland who were second, England finished third, with Scotland fourth and Northern Ireland 5th. In the race won by England's Debbie Walters from Birchfield she was 29th out of 120, in 26.07 and the fourth Welsh scorer.
Telford AC's Paul Ward, described his run in the mens race as one of his best ever as he finished 5th in 28.40 behind the winner Tim Hartley, another England runner who retained the title he won last year. Ward was the fourth England over 40 finisher and was a member of the winning team, that had an impressive 10 points well clear of second placed Republic of Ireland who had 46 points.
Greg Wilson was the third TAC member on international duty as he was selected for the over 50's team and finished 13th in the Over 50's race in 32.10, the 5th England over 50 finisher behind winner Mike Hagar from Tipton and England in 30.41.
Paul Sanderson
12 Dec 2009
North Staffs XC D2 Champions
An elite squad of TAC runners went to Leek on a mission - that mission was promotion!
Westwood High School: Leek
Race 4: Saturday 12 December 2009
Race 4: Saturday 12 December 2009
TAC senior men were already quite a few points in the lead after 3 races in the North Staffs XC League. To win the division and secure promotion we had to have a minimum of 4 finishers! Not an easy task as the last fixture clashed with the Shropshire county Champs back in Telford.
However, a 'Die Hard' quintet sacrificed glory in the County race and put their club first. Well done to Jamie Anderson, Marc Gadson, Johnny Sanders, Paul Williams and Alan Hodgkiss for running. Chris Talbot did a splendid job as Team Manager and race strategist, dragging his two young daughters all the way to Leek just to stand in a cold, muddy field :-) Chief in charge of TAC cheer leaders was Ian Beattie doing a cracking job of shouting on our quintet.
Paul Williams, Marc Gadson, Johnny (scarface) Sanders, Chris Talbot and Jamie Anderson.
Medal Scoop
Bryan Dale, photographer and runner was also at Leek. See his photos at http://www.racephotos.org.uk/
See also Mick Hall's photos
Full results will be on the North Staffs XC League web site at
I have fond memories of the last time I raced on this same XC course at Leek back in 2004. We were also fighting for promotion but with Telford Harriers. The Harriers did get promoted that year too. I also remember struggling to distribute only 4 medals amongst the large squad seen below.
Telford Harriers promotion back in 2004
6 Dec 2009
Midland and National Cross Country Championships
We are now taking entries for the Midland Championships at Stafford Common on the 30th of January and the Nationals at Leeds on the 27th of Febuary.....
Please contact Margaret Kelcher or Chris Talbot to let us know your wanting to compete....
If we enter you in we will be expecting the comitment to run.....
Please contact us on thekelchers@btinternet.com or ctalbot23@hotmail.com
Thank you
The deadline is very near and so far we have a small amount of senior ladies running and an even smaller section of juniors going to the Midlands and National Championships. Please tell Chris or Margaret if you want to run Thank you.
Please contact Margaret Kelcher or Chris Talbot to let us know your wanting to compete....
If we enter you in we will be expecting the comitment to run.....
Please contact us on thekelchers@btinternet.com or ctalbot23@hotmail.com
Thank you
The deadline is very near and so far we have a small amount of senior ladies running and an even smaller section of juniors going to the Midlands and National Championships. Please tell Chris or Margaret if you want to run Thank you.
Cross Country Season review so far...........
Hi All,
the cross country season is long and takes up a lot of everyones time but we are reaching the corner point where fixtures start to ease and I hope we can start to get the large telford support we had at the begining of the season.
Here is a update how the leagues are going to date:
North Staffs - With one race to go which clashes with the County Champs we are sitting at the top of the table with a healthy lead over our nearest rivals Vale Royal of 387points I have four names who want to run the league meet instead of the county so next weekend Telford could have county and their first league silverware. Individually in the womens Michelle Clarke is 4th over all and 2nd in her age group, Cherly Evans is 17th overall and 2nd in her age group. The men sees Richard Lucock in 10th, Jamie Anderson in 12th and Ryan Ordidge in 16th and 4th in the Junior mens. Paul Williams is 5th in his age group and Dave Davies is 8th in his age group.
Next one is December 12th Leek
North Wales League - We have had a good start to the league after the first two meetings at Colwyn Bay and Bridgnorth we had a huge 300point advantage over the next club, but due to a lack of athletes at Bangor it has seen 200 points slashed of the lead, hopefully we can field a strong team in the next two meetings and take Division 1 glory in the mens. The ladies contiune their strong position from race one and currently hold a 190point lead coming in to the final two meetings. Next One is January 16th Wrexham
Birmingham League - Telford had an impressive start to their campaign at getting back into Division 1 by taking a 75point lead away from the first meeting, Chris Davies coming 2nd and Mark Dalkins 3rd and Paul Ward 4th, unfortunately the three stars were unable to make the next meet and it was left to Chris Rimmer to lead the way in a impressive 2nd and Craig Walker making his debut in 4th I am awaiting the results but I feel we may have slipped to third when they come out and we need top two to be promoted. but obviously number one should be our aim in this division. Come on Lads next on is Jan 16th Sphinx.
Midland Womens League - The ladies had a nice start to the league with a couple of the top names missing but Cathy Ansell stepping up to the plate and coming in a very good 8th place backed up Michelle Clarke 18th and Cheryl Evans 55th saw Telford start in 5th, on to round two and the team fell apart failing so send out three runners. There was still great performances though by Kim Fawkes in 7th and Sian Webb in 12th well done ladies. The next meet is at Sphinx with the men on January the 16th.
Midland and National Champs - Margaret is now taking names for the championships and deadlines for entry are early in the new year so please either let margaret Know on
Birmingham Cross country league Gloucester
Another meeting down and another great Telford performance, Chris Rimmer taking the pace on early to lead the team home in 2nd, Craig Walker running for the first time since being cleared to run for us came home in 4th. Will joyce running on home turf came home in a great 15th place and Baggers came home in 19th continuing his come back after along period off through injury and illness. Richard Lucock continues his impressive season with 26th and the team was completed by Ben Mcdonald in 45th. Nick Andrews is coming back to fitness with every race finishing 63rd, Paul Williams once again putting in a consistent run coming in 100th and evergreen Malcolm Dawes completed the team in 124th.
Cannock and Stafford had a strong side out getting 6 runners up in the top 30 also gloucester had a strong team out, Telfords 111points may see us slip a place in the team standings we'll just have to wait and see for the results come out on:
http://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/
Next league meeting we see the ladies run at the same venue it would be nice to get some ladies out to run with us. There were two great runs from Kim Fawkes 7th and Sain Webb 12th unfortunately we couldn't get other ladies out so Telford will not score in the team event and will have to re apply for a team slot next year.
So I hope to see you all on January 16th, we need two teams out one at Brimingham league and one at Wrexham for the North Wales League, we are well placed in both leagues and are looking forward to silverware from both leagues so this is calling all athletes.............
http://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/ResultsDiv205Dec2009.pdf
Glad to report Telford are still number one in the team and whats more were number one on the day as well with 111 points to gloucesters 172 extending or points lead to 136 points well done lads lets get a good team out again and almost make the title ours at the next meeting.....
Cannock and Stafford had a strong side out getting 6 runners up in the top 30 also gloucester had a strong team out, Telfords 111points may see us slip a place in the team standings we'll just have to wait and see for the results come out on:
http://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/
Next league meeting we see the ladies run at the same venue it would be nice to get some ladies out to run with us. There were two great runs from Kim Fawkes 7th and Sain Webb 12th unfortunately we couldn't get other ladies out so Telford will not score in the team event and will have to re apply for a team slot next year.
So I hope to see you all on January 16th, we need two teams out one at Brimingham league and one at Wrexham for the North Wales League, we are well placed in both leagues and are looking forward to silverware from both leagues so this is calling all athletes.............
http://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/ResultsDiv205Dec2009.pdf
Glad to report Telford are still number one in the team and whats more were number one on the day as well with 111 points to gloucesters 172 extending or points lead to 136 points well done lads lets get a good team out again and almost make the title ours at the next meeting.....
1 Dec 2009
Tribute to Cracker
Cardington Cracker this Sunday!!!
It's 9 miles and 2,600 feet of hell...
Read Mick Ward's pictorial tribute to the Cardington Cracker.
Visit the Cardington Cracker Pages on the TAC website.
Equipment
FRA Rules state that all runners should carry windproof body cover, map, compass andwhistle. All runners will be expected to carry this equipment.
FRA Rules state that all runners should carry windproof body cover, map, compass andwhistle. All runners will be expected to carry this equipment.
Entry - £4.00 (payable to Telford Athletic Club) in advance or on the day. Over 16's only. To Paul Sanderson, 6 Spring Village, Horsehay, Telford, Shropshire. TF4 2LY. Tel : (01952) 506671.
Entry Form in attachments at the bottom of this page.
SAE for details. All numbers must be collected on the day. Bring your own pins. E Mail: jpsanderson_tac@hotmail.com
2009This years race will be on Sunday 6th December 2009.
29 Nov 2009
SYA Cross Country 3 Much Wenlock 15-Nov-09
Guy and Isabel clinch Shropshire Titles
Results available here
The third round of the Shropshire Young Athletes Cross Country League was held at Much Wenlock. The building works at the school had given organiser Ian Dadswell a problem as half the usual course was unavailable. His solution was to take the course up the steep windmill hill and it was a challenge enjoyed by most of the runners.
In the individual competition the best three races are counted and Guy Gregory of Ludlow Runners had won the first two Under 17 events and was looking to take the title in style. The 4000m course involved climbing the hill twice, but with only one small lap of the field the three leading runners were still together. Guy made his effort with just 600m to go to clinch the title from last years champion Ryan Heath of Telford, with the rapidly improving Russell Adams third. Guy stated after the win that his original target was only to win any of the three medals up for grabs as he his highest previous place had been 4th. Ludlow Runners are on course to win the team title unless Telford can upset things at the final fixture.
Another runner who has dominated her age group this year is Isabel Bradley of Telford in the Under 13 girls. Isabel ran away from the competition right from the start to win at Much Wenlock by 25 seconds from Emma Clarke of Ludlow Runners. Emma is the English Fell Running Champion for her age group and it was only on the downhill part of the course that she began to gain on the leader. Maldwyn Harriers continue to look strong in this age group and took 4th to eighth places. It will be a close competition at the final fixture between the Welsh Club, Telford AC and Oswestry Olympians.
In all the other age categories the individual title remains wide open as some of the runners have to date only completed 2 races in the league. The Under 11 Boys was won by Freddie Fielding of Telford AC who looks a very talented athlete. His time of 6 mins 24 for the 1600m course was outstanding but as he missed the first fixture he will have to win the last match to take the title. Three other athletes broke the magical 7 minute barrier in this race, Will Evans and Joseph Crutchley of Maldwyn Harriers and Charlie Mooney of Oswestry who came in 4th. Telford AC are leading the team race but Oswestry and Shrewsbury could easily close the gap to win.
Running the same course as the boys, Hattie Jones of Ludlow returned to winning ways after missing the second race of the series in the Under 11 girls. She won by 9 seconds in 7 minutes 16 with Katherine Smith of Shrewsbury in second. Hattie led home a rapidly improving Ludlow Runners team which came home in the lead for the first time ever in this age group. However the contenders for the overall title look likely to be Telford or Oswestry.
The Under 17 girls saw Harriet Grandfield win her second league race. Harriet was unable to run the second fixture but looks favourite to win the individual crown if she can repeat her winning performances in the final fixture. She ran easily around the first two laps before pulling away on the last small lap of the fields. Her team mate Chloe Murphy ran well for second to beat rival Chloe Barton of Oswestry. It will be a close match between Telford and Oswestry for the overall crown.
The Under 15 boys seems to be a straight head to head between two very talented runners Joe Morris of Oswestry and Haydn Gleave of Wrekin College. On this occasion it was Joe who won by 7 seconds saying afterwards that he liked the hill and used it to push on to strike an advantage. Josh Burrows, the county 800m champion, of Telford AC seems to be getting stronger with every race and came third and his team look set to win the overall competition if their form continues.
Josh’s brother looks set to take the Under 13 title with wins in the first two races. Here he had to settle for second behind team mate Jack Forrester, with Arthur Charlesworth of the host club Wenlock Olympians third. In this age group Telford have an overall lead already and Wenlock Olympians will have to work hard to beat it.
The Under 15 girls has seen the main medal contenders switching places at each fixture with no real favourite. However it was the strong running Megan Turner form Aberystwyth who used the hill to her best advantage here, winning from the fast finishing Daisy Tickner of Oswestry Olympians with another Oswestry runner delighted with third Lauren Bathers. This age group seems the most competitive with several runners vying for medal positions. The team title has Telford in the lead with Oswestry having an 80 point gap to make up to be a real challenger next time.
The athletes will be putting in some hard training before the final fixture on Sunday 6th December at Bridgnorth which will be followed only six days later by the County Championships.
Colin Lancaster
Results available here
The third round of the Shropshire Young Athletes Cross Country League was held at Much Wenlock. The building works at the school had given organiser Ian Dadswell a problem as half the usual course was unavailable. His solution was to take the course up the steep windmill hill and it was a challenge enjoyed by most of the runners.
In the individual competition the best three races are counted and Guy Gregory of Ludlow Runners had won the first two Under 17 events and was looking to take the title in style. The 4000m course involved climbing the hill twice, but with only one small lap of the field the three leading runners were still together. Guy made his effort with just 600m to go to clinch the title from last years champion Ryan Heath of Telford, with the rapidly improving Russell Adams third. Guy stated after the win that his original target was only to win any of the three medals up for grabs as he his highest previous place had been 4th. Ludlow Runners are on course to win the team title unless Telford can upset things at the final fixture.
Another runner who has dominated her age group this year is Isabel Bradley of Telford in the Under 13 girls. Isabel ran away from the competition right from the start to win at Much Wenlock by 25 seconds from Emma Clarke of Ludlow Runners. Emma is the English Fell Running Champion for her age group and it was only on the downhill part of the course that she began to gain on the leader. Maldwyn Harriers continue to look strong in this age group and took 4th to eighth places. It will be a close competition at the final fixture between the Welsh Club, Telford AC and Oswestry Olympians.
In all the other age categories the individual title remains wide open as some of the runners have to date only completed 2 races in the league. The Under 11 Boys was won by Freddie Fielding of Telford AC who looks a very talented athlete. His time of 6 mins 24 for the 1600m course was outstanding but as he missed the first fixture he will have to win the last match to take the title. Three other athletes broke the magical 7 minute barrier in this race, Will Evans and Joseph Crutchley of Maldwyn Harriers and Charlie Mooney of Oswestry who came in 4th. Telford AC are leading the team race but Oswestry and Shrewsbury could easily close the gap to win.
Running the same course as the boys, Hattie Jones of Ludlow returned to winning ways after missing the second race of the series in the Under 11 girls. She won by 9 seconds in 7 minutes 16 with Katherine Smith of Shrewsbury in second. Hattie led home a rapidly improving Ludlow Runners team which came home in the lead for the first time ever in this age group. However the contenders for the overall title look likely to be Telford or Oswestry.
The Under 17 girls saw Harriet Grandfield win her second league race. Harriet was unable to run the second fixture but looks favourite to win the individual crown if she can repeat her winning performances in the final fixture. She ran easily around the first two laps before pulling away on the last small lap of the fields. Her team mate Chloe Murphy ran well for second to beat rival Chloe Barton of Oswestry. It will be a close match between Telford and Oswestry for the overall crown.
The Under 15 boys seems to be a straight head to head between two very talented runners Joe Morris of Oswestry and Haydn Gleave of Wrekin College. On this occasion it was Joe who won by 7 seconds saying afterwards that he liked the hill and used it to push on to strike an advantage. Josh Burrows, the county 800m champion, of Telford AC seems to be getting stronger with every race and came third and his team look set to win the overall competition if their form continues.
Josh’s brother looks set to take the Under 13 title with wins in the first two races. Here he had to settle for second behind team mate Jack Forrester, with Arthur Charlesworth of the host club Wenlock Olympians third. In this age group Telford have an overall lead already and Wenlock Olympians will have to work hard to beat it.
The Under 15 girls has seen the main medal contenders switching places at each fixture with no real favourite. However it was the strong running Megan Turner form Aberystwyth who used the hill to her best advantage here, winning from the fast finishing Daisy Tickner of Oswestry Olympians with another Oswestry runner delighted with third Lauren Bathers. This age group seems the most competitive with several runners vying for medal positions. The team title has Telford in the lead with Oswestry having an 80 point gap to make up to be a real challenger next time.
The athletes will be putting in some hard training before the final fixture on Sunday 6th December at Bridgnorth which will be followed only six days later by the County Championships.
Colin Lancaster
21 Nov 2009
North Wales XC 3 Bangor 21-Nov-09
Match 3 in the North Wales XC league was probably the at the most northern point of wales!!! Quite a drive from Telford.
This may explain the reason for the weak turnout especially from the TAC senior men - or it may have been the rain that put them off...
Well done to all that did make it and congratulations to Nellie on receiving her Masters gold medal from her performance last week.
This may explain the reason for the weak turnout especially from the TAC senior men - or it may have been the rain that put them off...
Results will appear on the North Wales XC new site.
15 Nov 2009
London Marathon
Telford Athletic Club have 4 guaranteed places for the 2010 Virgin London Marathon. These are available for fully paid up club members 09/10, first priority will be given to those members who have applied for a marathon place for the 2010 London Marathon and have been rejected. If there are more than 4 names will be drawn 'from a hat'. If there are still places remaining they will be available for club members who have not already applied for a marathon place but would like to run. Again if there are more wanting a place than there are places available names will be drawn 'from a hat'.
Members who are interested should contact Paul Sanderson ( jpsanderson_tac@hotmail.com or 0771 534 7587 ) before Sunday 13th December 2009. The draw if required will be held at the TAC committee meeting on Monday 14th December. Entries have to be sent to the Virgin London Marathon by 8th January 2010.
Members who are interested should contact Paul Sanderson ( jpsanderson_tac@hotmail.com or 0771 534 7587 ) before Sunday 13th December 2009. The draw if required will be held at the TAC committee meeting on Monday 14th December. Entries have to be sent to the Virgin London Marathon by 8th January 2010.
14 Nov 2009
SYA XC League Race 2 Oswestry
Welsh teams add competitive edge to Shropshire Races.
The addition of two Welsh teams to the second round of the Shropshire Star sponsored Shropshire Young Athletes league cross country added a keen competitive edge to the races with the fast dry Oswestry course providing some exciting racing.
Before the Under 13 girls’ race, Newtown based Maldwyn Harriers posed for a team photo and it must have inspired them as with 5 runners in the top ten they led the team race easily from Shrewsbury High School and Oswestry Olympians. It was pre race favourite Isobel Bradley who won the 2000m race in 7 minutes 20 seconds from Emily Thomas of Aberystwyth AC closely followed by Sarah Williams, Emily Baldwin and Rosie Unwin all from Maldwyn.
All the races started off up a sharp hill but this did not slow down the normal fast start of the Under 11 girls. It was local athlete Hannah Price of Oswestry Olympians who slowed down the least, finishing the 1500m course in a fast 6 minutes and 3 seconds. Jessica Morris of Maldwyn was second just beating Katherine Smith of Shrewsbury AC. It was Oswestry who took the team race on 172 points with Maldwyn on 162 just one ahead of Telford AC.
In the under 15 girls’ the rapidly improving Evie Bentley of Telford AC beat all those that raced in the first fixture but this time had to settle for second place behind Welsh newcomer Megan Turner of Aberystwyth AC. Only 2 seconds separated the next three finishers, Daisy Tickner of Oswestry, Amy Partridge of Wenlock Olympians and Lauren Bathers also of Oswestry. Defending champions Telford AC seem to have a commanding lead in this age group.
However it was the home team who had five in the first six in the Under 17 girls. In the absence of Harriet Grandfield from Telford, the winner of the first race was Ella Walker who claimed first position from Chloe Barton with a spirited performance from Chloe Murphy in third just managing to prevent an Oswestry clean sweep.
In the boys races the Welsh clubs were not so well represented. In the under 17 Boys the pace for the 5000m course was unrelenting. The lead changed several times until, with a little over a mile to go, Guy Gregory of Ludlow Runners hit the front and pushed hard to move slowly away from his main rival Ryan Heath of Ludlow. Another Ludlow Runner Russell Adams came in third to clinch the team victory. A win in the next round at Much Wenlock could clinch the title for Guy, who up to this year had always been frustratingly just out of the medals.
The field in the Under 15 boys was the strongest of the day and a group of 5 seemed to break away. Wrekin College’s Haydn Gleave took the lead at the half way point and he finished 17 seconds in front of the rapidly improving Ben Ashcroft of Shrewsbury AC. Stephen Williams was third for Aberystwyth with Seb Pope, in his debut in the league, staying in front of the county 800m title holder Josh Burrows. The team victory was secured by Oswestry Olympians with 4 runners in the top 10.
Alex Burrows won the Under 13 boys’ race with a sprint finish from his fellow Telford team mate Jack Forrester, with Arthur Charlesworth of Wenlock Olympians just 5 seconds further back. It was Wenlock Olympians, whose numbers are increasing each year, who look set to be Telford AC’s biggest rivals in this age group.
Perhaps the most talented performer of the day ran in the Under 11 boys’ race. Telford’s Freddie Fielding, from Condover, steadily pulled away from the field and on a course of only 1500m managed to finish over 30 seconds ahead of his nearest rivals, Will Evans and Joseph Crutchley of Maldwyn Harriers. The team race was very competitive in this youngest age group with Telford just ahead of the rapidly improving Shrewsbury squad with Oswestry and Maldwyn only 20 points behind.
Colin Lancaster
The addition of two Welsh teams to the second round of the Shropshire Star sponsored Shropshire Young Athletes league cross country added a keen competitive edge to the races with the fast dry Oswestry course providing some exciting racing.
Before the Under 13 girls’ race, Newtown based Maldwyn Harriers posed for a team photo and it must have inspired them as with 5 runners in the top ten they led the team race easily from Shrewsbury High School and Oswestry Olympians. It was pre race favourite Isobel Bradley who won the 2000m race in 7 minutes 20 seconds from Emily Thomas of Aberystwyth AC closely followed by Sarah Williams, Emily Baldwin and Rosie Unwin all from Maldwyn.
All the races started off up a sharp hill but this did not slow down the normal fast start of the Under 11 girls. It was local athlete Hannah Price of Oswestry Olympians who slowed down the least, finishing the 1500m course in a fast 6 minutes and 3 seconds. Jessica Morris of Maldwyn was second just beating Katherine Smith of Shrewsbury AC. It was Oswestry who took the team race on 172 points with Maldwyn on 162 just one ahead of Telford AC.
In the under 15 girls’ the rapidly improving Evie Bentley of Telford AC beat all those that raced in the first fixture but this time had to settle for second place behind Welsh newcomer Megan Turner of Aberystwyth AC. Only 2 seconds separated the next three finishers, Daisy Tickner of Oswestry, Amy Partridge of Wenlock Olympians and Lauren Bathers also of Oswestry. Defending champions Telford AC seem to have a commanding lead in this age group.
However it was the home team who had five in the first six in the Under 17 girls. In the absence of Harriet Grandfield from Telford, the winner of the first race was Ella Walker who claimed first position from Chloe Barton with a spirited performance from Chloe Murphy in third just managing to prevent an Oswestry clean sweep.
In the boys races the Welsh clubs were not so well represented. In the under 17 Boys the pace for the 5000m course was unrelenting. The lead changed several times until, with a little over a mile to go, Guy Gregory of Ludlow Runners hit the front and pushed hard to move slowly away from his main rival Ryan Heath of Ludlow. Another Ludlow Runner Russell Adams came in third to clinch the team victory. A win in the next round at Much Wenlock could clinch the title for Guy, who up to this year had always been frustratingly just out of the medals.
The field in the Under 15 boys was the strongest of the day and a group of 5 seemed to break away. Wrekin College’s Haydn Gleave took the lead at the half way point and he finished 17 seconds in front of the rapidly improving Ben Ashcroft of Shrewsbury AC. Stephen Williams was third for Aberystwyth with Seb Pope, in his debut in the league, staying in front of the county 800m title holder Josh Burrows. The team victory was secured by Oswestry Olympians with 4 runners in the top 10.
Alex Burrows won the Under 13 boys’ race with a sprint finish from his fellow Telford team mate Jack Forrester, with Arthur Charlesworth of Wenlock Olympians just 5 seconds further back. It was Wenlock Olympians, whose numbers are increasing each year, who look set to be Telford AC’s biggest rivals in this age group.
Perhaps the most talented performer of the day ran in the Under 11 boys’ race. Telford’s Freddie Fielding, from Condover, steadily pulled away from the field and on a course of only 1500m managed to finish over 30 seconds ahead of his nearest rivals, Will Evans and Joseph Crutchley of Maldwyn Harriers. The team race was very competitive in this youngest age group with Telford just ahead of the rapidly improving Shrewsbury squad with Oswestry and Maldwyn only 20 points behind.
Colin Lancaster
Masters Home Countries Cross Country International
Good luck to all Telford athletes who are representing their country in this years Masters Home Countries Cross Country International at Perry Park Birmingham 14th Nov 09.
Races kick off at 12:15 when Nellie will be running like a wild crazy pony for Wales in the V40 category.
Paul Ward & Greg Wilson represent England. Greg's M50-M64 race is at 1pm. Paul will compete in the M35-M49 event at 1:450pm.
Photos now available
Photos now available
More information at http://www.bvaf.org.uk/fix/xcint-history.htm
Sportshall Match 2 08-Nov-09
SHROPSHIRE SPORTSHALL LEAGUE 2009-2010
Match 2 Wenlock 08 November 2009
Match 2 Wenlock 08 November 2009
Results
Here are the latest results from the Shropshire Young Athletes' Sports Hall League. We did much better this time. last month we were half a point behind Oswestry. Still very short of U15 Boys. This is the same problem as with the Cross Country League.
Margaret Cooper
Margaret Cooper
2 Nov 2009
Shropshire YA Cross Country - Newport
Aiming for Rio ?
The 2016 Olympics have been awarded to Rio and on Sunday’s Shropshire Young Athletes League Cross Country, young runners who are looking beyond London 2012 had their first race of the season. 150 athletes took part in the Shropshire Star sponsored event and this season the older runners race first so that the crowd can watch them over the longer courses. The lack of rain and hard conditions made racing even faster than normal and in the Under 15/17 girls race it was race favourite Harriet Grandfield who led from the front. The field of runners split after the first lap and it was in the Under 15 age group where the closest race was to be. It is a strong age group and it was triathlete Lauren Pestana of Telford AC who led the field home with a strong run, behind her Amy and Zoe Partridge of Wenlock Olympians kept the battle for second place in the family, with Zoe beating her sister by just 6 seconds. Another triathlete from Ludlow Runners, Eilish Gilbert, held off county athlete Evie Bentley for 4th place. This year it is definitely going to be very close for individual medals in the four race series in this age group. Telford are very strong in this section but on the day Shrewsbury High School, competing in the league for the first time, came a close second. Harriet Grandfield of Telford won the Under 17 race by 9 seconds from team mate Chloe Murphy and with Harriet’s sister Emily in 5th it looks like a good year for Telford in this age group as well.
The small Under 17 boy’s field provided the most exciting race of the day with the group of leading runners staying together for the first two laps. It was only at the beginning of the third and final lap when Guy Gregory of Ludlow Runners took the lead. Last years league champion Ryan Heath of Telford AC suffered with cramp in the hot conditions and rallied to finish 3rd behind another Ludlow Runner Russell Adams. The team title looks to be between Ludlow and Telford and the next race will be interesting to see if Ryan can regain last year’s dominance. The Under 15 boys saw two runners break away early and it was Joe Morris of Oswestry who secured the win by 6 seconds form Wrekin College’s Haydn Gleave. Ben Ashcroft the county 1500m champion moved up an age group this year to come 3rd and he looks likely to challenge the older boys as the season progresses. Seven teams contested the race and it looks too early to say who is likely to emerge as champions but Telford won here from Oswestry Olympians with Shrewsbury AC close behind.
In the Under 11 race the crowd thought that it was going to be a close race but Hattie Jones of Ludlow Runners, who came third last year, was running brilliantly, and giving a worried hare a run for their money. Hattie ran the mile course in 6 mins 12 seconds and won by eight seconds from Katherine Smith of Shrewsbury AC and Meg Davies of the Newtown based Maldwyn Harriers in third. In this age group it is not unusual for different athletes to win each race and so team race results are unpredictable. This time it was Oswestry Olympians with 168 points to Telford AC with 165 and Wenlock Olympians third.
The Under 11 boys’ race normally starts with a mad dash as the youngsters jostle for the early lead and this race was no exception. This time the leading two runners never seemed to slow down and it was a sprint for the line with the judges finding it difficult to separate the first two. In the end, newcomer, Joel Roura of Telford was given the decision over Joseph Crutchley of Maldwyn Harriers by just one second in a time of 5 minutes 43 seconds with Will Evans also of Maldwyn taking the bronze medal position. This time four teams seem to be in contention for the three medal positions with Maldwyn and Shrewsbury joining Telford and Oswestry in the top group.
Many of the parents and supporters stayed to watch the last two races of the day and the warm weather meant that support was spread out all around the course. The Under 13 boys had to run 3000 metres and all the field were home in 15 minutes. It was Telford dominating the front end of the field with six runners in the first ten places. It was a Telford one, two with Alex Burrows holding off his team mate Jack Forrester with Oswestry Olympian, James Morris, sprinting home in third. Not surprisingly Telford look set to dominate this age group but they didn’t have it all their own way in the last race, the Under 13 Girls. Isobel Bradley of Telford ran from the front to win the 2000m race in 6 minutes 12 seconds but Emma Tilley of Oswestry and Emma Clarke of Ludlow will be training hard to try and close the gap in the next race. It is Oswestry who have taken the early lead in this age group, and with four runners to count in the team it is often the fourth place runner who makes the difference. This time it was Oswestry’s Emily Ball who brought her team home with eleventh place.
Colin Lancaster
The small Under 17 boy’s field provided the most exciting race of the day with the group of leading runners staying together for the first two laps. It was only at the beginning of the third and final lap when Guy Gregory of Ludlow Runners took the lead. Last years league champion Ryan Heath of Telford AC suffered with cramp in the hot conditions and rallied to finish 3rd behind another Ludlow Runner Russell Adams. The team title looks to be between Ludlow and Telford and the next race will be interesting to see if Ryan can regain last year’s dominance. The Under 15 boys saw two runners break away early and it was Joe Morris of Oswestry who secured the win by 6 seconds form Wrekin College’s Haydn Gleave. Ben Ashcroft the county 1500m champion moved up an age group this year to come 3rd and he looks likely to challenge the older boys as the season progresses. Seven teams contested the race and it looks too early to say who is likely to emerge as champions but Telford won here from Oswestry Olympians with Shrewsbury AC close behind.
In the Under 11 race the crowd thought that it was going to be a close race but Hattie Jones of Ludlow Runners, who came third last year, was running brilliantly, and giving a worried hare a run for their money. Hattie ran the mile course in 6 mins 12 seconds and won by eight seconds from Katherine Smith of Shrewsbury AC and Meg Davies of the Newtown based Maldwyn Harriers in third. In this age group it is not unusual for different athletes to win each race and so team race results are unpredictable. This time it was Oswestry Olympians with 168 points to Telford AC with 165 and Wenlock Olympians third.
The Under 11 boys’ race normally starts with a mad dash as the youngsters jostle for the early lead and this race was no exception. This time the leading two runners never seemed to slow down and it was a sprint for the line with the judges finding it difficult to separate the first two. In the end, newcomer, Joel Roura of Telford was given the decision over Joseph Crutchley of Maldwyn Harriers by just one second in a time of 5 minutes 43 seconds with Will Evans also of Maldwyn taking the bronze medal position. This time four teams seem to be in contention for the three medal positions with Maldwyn and Shrewsbury joining Telford and Oswestry in the top group.
Many of the parents and supporters stayed to watch the last two races of the day and the warm weather meant that support was spread out all around the course. The Under 13 boys had to run 3000 metres and all the field were home in 15 minutes. It was Telford dominating the front end of the field with six runners in the first ten places. It was a Telford one, two with Alex Burrows holding off his team mate Jack Forrester with Oswestry Olympian, James Morris, sprinting home in third. Not surprisingly Telford look set to dominate this age group but they didn’t have it all their own way in the last race, the Under 13 Girls. Isobel Bradley of Telford ran from the front to win the 2000m race in 6 minutes 12 seconds but Emma Tilley of Oswestry and Emma Clarke of Ludlow will be training hard to try and close the gap in the next race. It is Oswestry who have taken the early lead in this age group, and with four runners to count in the team it is often the fourth place runner who makes the difference. This time it was Oswestry’s Emily Ball who brought her team home with eleventh place.
Colin Lancaster
30 Oct 2009
MCAA Midland 7M & 5M CC Championships & Open
On the 28th of November there is a cross country championship event being held at Halesowen,
Paul Sanderson is wanting to send a strong team and try and take the mens and ladies titles.
We need to enter our team by 16th of november so please let me know if you can make it.
ctalbot23@hotmail.com or text 07740781760 or ring 01952 256887.
The mens race is 7mile and the ladies is 5mile.
I have had positive replies from Paul Williams, Jamie Davies, Richard Lucock, Rob Hughes, Kim Fawkes, Wayne Daspher, Simon Vines, Juliet Hoad, Ryan Ordige, Paul Ward, Michelle Clarke, Cheralyn Evans .........
Paul Sanderson is wanting to send a strong team and try and take the mens and ladies titles.
We need to enter our team by 16th of november so please let me know if you can make it.
ctalbot23@hotmail.com or text 07740781760 or ring 01952 256887.
The mens race is 7mile and the ladies is 5mile.
I have had positive replies from Paul Williams, Jamie Davies, Richard Lucock, Rob Hughes, Kim Fawkes, Wayne Daspher, Simon Vines, Juliet Hoad, Ryan Ordige, Paul Ward, Michelle Clarke, Cheralyn Evans .........
NATIONAL ROAD RELAY CHAMPIONSHIPS
National Road Relay Championships.
Chris Davies led the Telford Athletic Club senior mens 6 stage road relay team to the fastest time that the club have ever run in the prestigious National Six Stage Road Relay Championships held in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield. Having competed in this event for almost every year of the clubs history this was an outstanding team performance as the six men ran 1 hour 50 minutes and 30 seconds for the six legs of 5.8 kilometres,improving on their previous best set in 2003.
Davies from Newdale in Telford, has the best record in the country in the National Road Relay Championships, as he holds the course record of 16.25 in 2003, 14 seconds faster than anyone else, he also has the 4th fastest time of 16.42 set in 2007.
On Saturday he had to be up for 5.30 to do his morning post round before heading to Sutton Coldfield to take on the best in the country. This event attracts the best teams from throughout Great Britain who have to qualify through the area road relays. Mo Farah, the European Indoor 3000m champion, representing Newham and Essex Beagles was the star attraction amongst a host of other internationals in the mens and womens races.
Mark Dalkins fresh from his North Staffs League victory ran the opening leg in 17.36 finishing 22nd, the club's second fastset time of the day. Chris Rimmer went out on the second leg finishing 28th in 18.37, before handing over to Chris Davies. Davies stormed through the field despite having a slight ankle injury and improved 22 places to move Telford up to 6th in 16.42, which equals his time from 2007 as the 4th fastest ever. Chris Bagshaw ran 19.30 on the 4th leg before handing over to Chris Carter, promoted to the A team after his impressive run in the Midland relays, who ran 19.39 finishing 25th. Paul Ward who now lives close to the course ran the final leg in 18.26 finishing 22nd in a new club best time.
The race was won by Newham and Essex Beagles by over a minute from last years winners Belgrave, with Aldershot giving the Southern Counties a clean sweep in 3rd. Telford were the 5th MIdland club behind Tipton 8th, Birchfield 9th, Nottingham 12th and Bristol 13th.
Mo Farah who ran the 5th leg for Newham, had the fastest time of the day as he chased Chris Davies's much envied course record, he ran 16.33, the second fastest ever, 9 seconds quicker than Davies on the day but still 8 seconds slower than that the course record. Farah, the top distance runner in Europe is well supported by UK athletics with lottery funding and would not have had to do a mornings work before he raced.
Telford's womens team finished a very good 19th on the day in the womens 4 stage relay held over a slightly shorter 4.3 kilometre course. Cathy Ansell, now based in London as she starts a new university course returned home to run the first leg in 15.16 finishing 24th. Claire Martin ran the second leg in 15.01 moving up to 14th. Michelle Clarke ran the 3rd leg in 16.12 in 15th whilst Nellie Sanders completed the quartet in 16.29 finishing 19th in a total time of 1 hour 2 minutes and 58 seconds. Aldershot comfortably won the race with Chester le Street second and Norwich third, Telford were the 4th Midland team, behind Bristol 4th, Charnwood 6th and Birchfield 7th.
Telford had 2 B teams on the day and their times were Cheralyn Evans 17.20, Lisa Blagden 19.13, Juliet Hoad 22.08, John Sanders 20.38, Wayne Dashper 20.00, Richard Lucock 19.59, Jonathan Hockey 20.13, Paul Williams 21.42 and Dave Mansbridge 20.03.
Paul Sanderson
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25 Oct 2009
Birmingham Cross country league Race 1: Senneleys
Photo courtesey of Brian Smith:http://www.flickr.com/photos/baldeagle/sets/72157622527667635/Well where do I start, first of all I would like to thank John Bradley and Malcolm Dawes for arriving early with me and putting up the tent in what can be said was awful conditions, Thank you......
First Up in the juniors was Chloe Murphy, running in the U17 womens race in wet and windy conditions and with a injury to her hamstring came home in 5th position, well done Chloe. In the U15 boys race Luke Tatton was flying the flag, still with weather conditions against the athletes and on a tough course Luke had a spirited run to finish17th.In the U13 girls Isabel Bradley ran a superb race to finish 5th. In the U15 girls we had two athletes putting in great performances Lauren Pestana finishing in the top10 in 8th and making it a family affair Sarah Tatton came home in a great 12th place.
The first of the Midlands womens league races saw a small womens turn out, but none the less the size didn't matter because the ladies ran brilliantly. Cathy Ansell leading the women home in a fantastic 14th place overall, Michelle Clarke came home next in 29th also 3rd in her age group, Cherlyn Evans ran superbly to finish 69th. The women had to go through the stream which the organisers decided very cruelly to clean it out and widen it which ment it was nearly impossible for the ladies to hurdle it. On the tough undulating course we had Juliet Hoad coming back from injury to finish 111th, Lisa Blagden 123rd running strongly all the way to the finish and Susan Baker came in 186th. Well done to all the ladies. Looking forward to seeing your next race report.
The first of the mens race saw Chris Davies almost lead from start to finish showing impressive hurdling technique over the water and coming in a brilliant 3rd and second in the league, I don't have at the time of writing this report have full race results but here are the athletes who ran and there provisional results in the league:
Chris Davies 2nd
Mark Dalkins 3rd
Paul Ward 4th
Chris Bagshaw 13th
Will Joycee 16th
Richard Lucock 24st
Greg Wilson 30th
Chris Carter 36rd
Ioan Illie 37th
Johnathon Hockey 45nd
Jamie Davies 53th
Nick Andrews 64th
Simon Vines 68th
Rick Hailey 72nd
John Garmson 78th
Paul Williams 94th
Steve Jones 98th
Dave Tatton 132nd
Alan Mcdonald 134th
Malcolm Dawes 140th
Darren Fincham 181st
As soon as I get full results I will update the report, thank you ladies and gentlemen for running and showing the Birmingham League Telford are a force to run against. I hope you all had fun and I hope you felt well supported by your fellowTelford athletes.....
Full results are in and there are a couple of places different to how it looked but we finished with 59 points to Gloucesters 170 well done lads:
http://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/images/ResultsDiv224Oct2009.pdf
Well done to all see the men at the next one, the battery Trophy will be interesting this year.
North Staffs XC2 Parkhall 07-Nov-09
Hi Everyone men and ladies:
On the 7th of November we see Telford go off to do battle on the paths around Parkhall Country Park in Stoke.
(Photograph courtesy of Bryan Dale Photography)
At the last race we saw a strong mens team take a great lead and a brilliant individual run by Mark Dalkins to take the individual win. The ladies had a small field with Michelle Clarke having a brilliant run to finish 4th and Cherlyn Evans 24th.
It would be nice to see some more women out to back up the good performances and for the men to continue with the impressive start of the league and put a big team out.
Please come and join us, let me know if you can make it, ctalbot23@hotmail.com
Look at link for directions and timetable: http://www.nsccl.co.uk/
On the 7th of November we see Telford go off to do battle on the paths around Parkhall Country Park in Stoke.
(Photograph courtesy of Bryan Dale Photography)
At the last race we saw a strong mens team take a great lead and a brilliant individual run by Mark Dalkins to take the individual win. The ladies had a small field with Michelle Clarke having a brilliant run to finish 4th and Cherlyn Evans 24th.
It would be nice to see some more women out to back up the good performances and for the men to continue with the impressive start of the league and put a big team out.
Please come and join us, let me know if you can make it, ctalbot23@hotmail.com
Look at link for directions and timetable: http://www.nsccl.co.uk/
Visit the website above for full results.
Once again Telford AC took a strong line up to the cross country events, which saw impressive individual wins for brother and sister Chris Davies and Sian Webb. The mens and ladies team both produced outstanding performances outscoring the other teams heavily. The mens team now have a large lead over Stafford tri of 304points. well done everyone, there was some very good performances this weekend, look forward to seeing most of you next weekend at stafford common for round 3.......
21 Oct 2009
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2009
TELFORD ATHLETIC CLUB
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
All paid up members of Telford Athletic Club are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting, to be held at The White Horse Pub, next to Oakengates Leisure Centre, on Thursday 22nd October 2009 at 8.00 pm. The meeting will include financial, secretarial, cross country, track and field reports from the previous year, as well as the election of the club committee for the forthcoming year. If any members wish to propose any change or addition to the club constitution, or any other proposals, please contact Paul Sanderson in advance of the meeting. Copies of the constitution available on request.
Membership Fees for the year 2009/2010 will become payable after the AGM.
This meeting is for the members of the club, please come along and have your say.
If anyone would like to make a nomination for a committee position please use the form below that shows the current holder of each post.
All nominations need to be proposed and seconded by club members. Please bring this form to the meeting or hand it to any committee member.
19 Oct 2009
SYA Cross Country 2 Oswestry 18-Oct-09
SYA Cross Country 2 Oswestry 18-Oct-09
Results are now available for the 2nd match in the Shropshire Young Athletes Cross Country series.
36 athletes ran across the age groups thanks to parents ferrying them up to Oswestry. Next fixture 15th November at William Brooks School, Much Wenlock 1.30pm start. We are at Much Wenlock the week before for Sports Hall Athletics.
Results published from the Excel Master
Results hosted on the Oswestry Olympians Juniors site
Margaret Cooper
Results are now available for the 2nd match in the Shropshire Young Athletes Cross Country series.
36 athletes ran across the age groups thanks to parents ferrying them up to Oswestry. Next fixture 15th November at William Brooks School, Much Wenlock 1.30pm start. We are at Much Wenlock the week before for Sports Hall Athletics.
Results published from the Excel Master
Results hosted on the Oswestry Olympians Juniors site
Margaret Cooper
18 Oct 2009
TAC Presentation Evening
Telford Athletic Club Presentation Evening 2009
Friday 16th October 2009 – Park Inn Hotel, Telford
A fun night was had by all at the annual TAC presentation evening
2009 Award winners
See the 2009 photographs
Previous years awards presentation evenings on the TAC WebSite
A fun night was had by all at the annual TAC presentation evening
2009 Award winners
See the 2009 photographs
Previous years awards presentation evenings on the TAC WebSite
ERRA National Road Relay 17-Oct-09
The ERRA National Road Relay Championship at Sutton Park
Birmingham on Saturday 17-Oct-09
Birmingham on Saturday 17-Oct-09
Chris Davies gets 2nd fastest leg of the day (16:42) with a storming run to help TAC's A team to finish 22nd overall. Chris' course record of 16:25 (2003) still stands although Mo Farah came close yesterday with his 16:33. Mark Dalkins also had an excellent run on 1st leg battling with UK's finest athletes.
Photo : Mo Farah (Newham) taken by NellieSenior six stage -- Team Results -- Provisional
22 Telford AC 'A' 1:50:30
Mark Dalkins (22) 17:36
Chris Rimmer (28) 18:37
Chris Davies (6) 16:42
Chris Bagshaw (19) 19:30
Chris Carter (25) 19:39
Paul Ward (22) 18:26
73 Telford AC 'B' 2:02:35
John Sanders (83) 20:38
Wayne Dashper (83) 20:00
Richard Lucock (76) 19:59
J Hockey (75) 20:13
Paul Williams (76) 21:42
D Mansbridge (73) 20:03
Fastest of all legs
1 Mo Farah Newham And A 16:33
2 Chris Davies Telford Ac A 16:42
Times courtesy of www.race-results.co.uk for full listings please go to
http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/nat609.htm
Women's 4 Stage -- Team Results -- Final
TAC ladies achieved 19th place in the national road relays. Excellent!!!
Our fastest leg of the day was achieved in the B team by a certain Miss Undeclared (14:41) AKA Oxford bum.
19 Telford AC 'A' 1:02:58
Cathy Ansell (24) 15:16
Claire Martin (14) 15:01
M Clarke (15) 16:12
Denise Sanders (19) 16:29
61 Telford AC 'B' 1:13:22
Cheralyn Evans (66) 17:20
Lisa Blagden (70) 19:13
Juliet Hoad (73) 22:08
Undeclared (61) 14:41
Times courtesy of www.race-results.co.uk for full listings please go to
http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2009/nat409.htm
Background
The AAA 6-Stage Road Relay was inaugurated in 1969 but was not held in Sutton Park until 1986. The venue was again used in1989 and 1992, and from1995 onwards Sutton Park became the race's permanent home. The course length varied due to haphazard positioning of the cone that marks the turning point at the far end of the circuit. In 2001 a permanent marker was put down but it was some distance further out than had recently been the norm, increasing the recent individual times by something approaching 30 seconds. As a result, the best times from 2001 onwards are now recorded as the course records. The distance is described as being 5847m.
Chris Davies (Telford AC) Still holds the course record with 16:25 running on leg 2 25 Oct 2003
More info
http://www.belgraveharriers.com/statistics/AAA_Mens_6-Stage_Road_Relay.pdf
Sportshall Match 1 11-Oct-09
SHROPSHIRE SPORTSHALL LEAGUE 2009-2010
MATCH 1 BRIDGNORTH 11.10.09
MATCH 1 BRIDGNORTH 11.10.09
Click here for results
The next league match is Sunday November 8th at Much Wenlock Sports Centre 2pm.
Telford are the organizers.
Margaret Cooper
Telford are the organizers.
Margaret Cooper
15 Oct 2009
Midland Womens Cross Country League
Photo courtesy of Brian Smith - see all of Brian's photos from last years event.
The ladies have got the season under way winning the first two North Wales leagues and had good individual performances in the first North Staffs league.... Now the big league is here with the first race of the Midland Womens League at Senneleys Park. Here is the full fixtures:
The ladies have got the season under way winning the first two North Wales leagues and had good individual performances in the first North Staffs league.... Now the big league is here with the first race of the Midland Womens League at Senneleys Park. Here is the full fixtures:
24th October: Senneleys Park
5th December: Birchfield
16th January: Sphinx
13th Febuary: West Bromwich
For further details look at: http://www.birminghamccleague.co.uk/
Team Captains For the Ladies are Nellie Sanders or Claire Martin
Good Luck for the season Ladies......
Birmingham Cross Country Challenge
Hi for anyone who wants to enter the Birmingham Cross country challenge, postal entries closed on the 12th of October. But you can still register on the Birmingham and district website until the 18th of October.
Senneleys is being run on the 24th of October.
The first Birmingham League race incorparates all divisions for the men and the Midlands Womens league. So I hope to see a large turn out for the men and ladies sides. Remember if you don't get in the challenge you can still run this classic cross country course for the Telford Team in the League.
If your running let Chris Talbot know on ctalbot23@hotmail.com or ring on 01952 256887 0r 07740781760
For results for the challenge please visit:
Scroll down untill you get to October the 24th, the junior results and womens results are shown there. A full race report will be given on the Birmingham x country league blog.....
12 Oct 2009
11 Oct 2009
2009 Season Review
2009 Season Review
As September finishes, so another track and field season ends for Telford AC. The season has seen lots of outstanding performances and improvements in many of the club’s athletes.
The two biggest moments from the club came in international competition.
Bethan Partridge had been ranked a clear number one in the high jump under 20 rankings all season, and this season she was called up for the England Senior team to jump in Cork, Ireland. She jumped a big personal best of 1.80m, putting her in the top ten in the UK for seniors and way ahead of her nearest under 20 rival. She had many more international matches such as the Victoria Open in Australia at the start of the season and Antwerp at the end. She finished the season ranked 11th for UK seniors and 40th on the all-time under 20s rankings.
The other big success for the club was the success of our two Masters sprinters at the World Masters Championships in Finland. Richard Rubenis won a bronze medal in the 400m and Jim Tipper came sixth in the 200m final despite an injury. The two Telford athletes went in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays and won gold in both, setting a new British Record for the 4x400m.
Telford AC also had two national champions.
Chris Carter won the 1500m at the England Indoor Championships last winter, and Richard Rubenis won the British Masters Championship 400m, setting a new British record in the progress.
Aidan Reynolds (javelin), Sophie Worrall (long jump) and Hayley Rubery (pole vault) were selected for the UK School Games in Cardiff, where Aidan won a bronze medal.
Other important accomplishments of athletes include Bethan Partridge coming second in the u20 England Championships high jump; Hayley Rubery reaching the national standard in both pole vault and high jump; Callum Rubery coming fourth in the discus in the England Champs; Tino Dummett running the 100m for the Welsh Senior team; and Nancy Ndure jumping 1.65m in the u15 high jump for a ranking of tenth in the UK.
Hopefully next season will be just as successful for Telford athletes as the 2009 one has been. Athletes looking to make it big next season are Ben Simons in the long jump, Bethan Partridge in the high jump, Jim Tipper in the 200m, Richard Rubenis in the 400m, Tino Dummett in the 100m, Callum and Hayley Rubery in the discus, Toby Birtwhistle in the 800m, Becca Fagan in the shotputt, Danny Baeriswyl in the javelin, Micthell Jenderko in the 100m and Vinec Adiamah in the 100m.
Look out for the 2010 season review next October, and see how these aspiring athletes got on and see if any dark horses surprised the club with excellent performances. Keep a lookout for The Bollard, Telford AC’s magazine which comes out a few times a year at key points in the track and field season, if you want to keep up-to-date with the happenings at Telford Athletic Club.
Jim Tipper
Jim Tipper
Masters V35
Event:200m, PB:21.52, UK Ranking 2009:2
About Jim
Masters V35
Event:200m, PB:21.52, UK Ranking 2009:2
About Jim
Jim is an outstanding 200m athlete who holds the Masters World Record for the 4x100m. He started the season very strong indeed and looked set to run a very fast time but crashed out of the Midlands Champs due to injury and couldn’t race or train again until the World Masters Champs 6 weeks later. Through sheer determination he progressed through each round of the World Championships to the final, where he came a momentous sixth place, far ahead of anyone’s expectations. He went on to win two gold medals with the Great Britain relay team, snatching the British Record for the 4x400m. For next year he is aiming to go much faster than in 2009, if he stays uninjured he hopes to dip below 22 seconds for the 200m. He looks to become British Masters Champion at 100m and 200m and win a medal at the European Masters Champs in Hungary in 2010.
10 Oct 2009
North Wales XC 2 Bridgnorth 10-Oct-09
And here are the pictures...
And here are the results...
The sun was shinning a new course was set and the Telford Athletes proved more than a match for the occasion. With Telford having to swap venues it was frantic behind the scences to get the race organised and run smoothly, thanks to Maragret Kelcher, Margaret Cooper, Paul Sanderson, Peggy, John Bradley and Malcolm.
And here are the results...
The sun was shinning a new course was set and the Telford Athletes proved more than a match for the occasion. With Telford having to swap venues it was frantic behind the scences to get the race organised and run smoothly, thanks to Maragret Kelcher, Margaret Cooper, Paul Sanderson, Peggy, John Bradley and Malcolm.
Down to the action, first up was the ladies where Claire Martin powered ahead to win, her second win in two races. Backed up brilliantly by Michele Clarke 4th, a fast finishing Nellie Sanders 6th, a superb run by Harriet Granfield finishing 14th in a tough field, showing what a star of the future she can be, Cherlyn Evans ran a guttsy race to finish 21st running most of the race not feeling well, congrats ladies excellent racing.
Next was the mens, a race that led to me having kittens with the great turn out, 24 runners started the race for us. With eleven of them finishing in the top 30 thats impressive bunching lads. With Chris Davies showing his strength to ease away from the field and never look to being caught from the whistle to tape. There was outstanding performances throughout the Telford Field with a great return to cross country for Paul "Wizzo" Ward in 5th, Greg Wilson 7th, Wayne The Dash 9th Rob Hughes returned to the Telford team 10th and Chris Baggshaw completed the team in 13th. The great racing didn't just stop with the first six home with an impressive 45points, we then had Richard Lucock in 15th, Dave Mansbridge returning to finish 18th, Johnathon Hockey after a good sexarathon performances finished 19th, Jamie Anderson 20th, Johnny " the web master" Sanders 26th and Peter Plant completing the B team in 42nd. But there is still more. Paul Williams came 47th, John Garmson 51st, Rick Hailey 55th, Steve Jones 65th, Malcolm Dawes 109th, Steve Needs 118th no jokes with blokes with tashes please,Darren Fincham 136th, Dave Davies 147th and the forever young Alan Hodgkiss coming in 152nd.
Thank you for everyone who came out either to run, help with preparations or to be vocal and shout on our Athletes its been a great day and I hope to see you all at the next round......
And here are the pictures...
And here are the results...
Mens team clear winners and our b team would have been 2nd.
Ladies team clear by 40 points well done and the master teams all winning there team slots as well.......
6 Oct 2009
North Staffs XC1 Lyme Valley 04-Oct-09
North Staffs XC1 - Lyme Valley 04-Oct-09
A photo of Mark Dalkins (TAC, race winner, leading Alex Derricott on the second lap of the XC at LymeValley. Photo by Bryan Dale. Lots more photos of this event can be found on Bryan's site at http://www.racephotos.org.uk
Full results from all races on the day are available on the North Staffs XC web site.
A photo of Mark Dalkins (TAC, race winner, leading Alex Derricott on the second lap of the XC at LymeValley. Photo by Bryan Dale. Lots more photos of this event can be found on Bryan's site at http://www.racephotos.org.uk
Full results from all races on the day are available on the North Staffs XC web site.
Telford AC results from Lyme Valley:
Lyme Valley was the venue for the first north staffs league of the season. The weather was mixed with light to heavy showers, strong winds and a warming sun, this did not stop some truely brilliant performances with great runs from the ladies and an outstanding clear win in the mens, for Mark Dalkins. Running in the mens was Ryan Ordidge, a bright prospect for the future only just in the junior mens class and came through to be our fourth scoring team member.
Ladies:
Michelle Clarke 4th
Cheralyn Evans 24th
Mens:
Mark Dalkins 1st
Chris Bagshaw 8th
Richard Lucock 12th
Ryan Ordidge 20th
Jamie Anderson 25th
John Sanders 27th
Marc Gadsden 31st
Jamie Davies 46th
Paul Williams 54th
Dave Davies 207th
Alan Hodgkiss 232nd
Congrats to all who ran today, it has been another good day for Telford AC.
The team result for the men was an outstanding 1st by 149 points over Stafford Tri Club, looking at our top 6 finishers we would have come 2nd in div 1, just shows which legue we should be in congrats lads, unfortunately the ladies are not scored in this one due to having two runners.
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