Birmingham XC league division one
Seven Athletic Club produced a good team performance in the Birmingham Cross Country League to move out of the relegation zone.
The third fixture of the season took place in Coventry and was run on a cold, wet course that was frozen in places, providing a unique challenge to the athletes.
First home for Severn was Josh Lilly (19th) in 27.45. The Birmingham University Student started well, and finished the first lap in second position. However the rest of the race was disappointing as he dropped back through the field, rallying at the end to beat team mate Tim Dalton. Lilly remarked afterwards; "This was my worst performance for 4 years in the League, and I cant put my finger on why"
Dalton was rather more pleased with his performance though, finishing in 25th with a time of 28.05. A welcome return to form after pulling out of the last fixture mid race, due to a shin problem sustained in training. He produced a mature performance, starting conservatively in the low 30's, before working his way through the field to 25th. With Severn's premier distance runners securing top positions for the team, it was important for the rest of the squad to back them up.
This was certainly the case, with the Gloucester club fielding two teams for the first time in two years. Third finisher was James Rose (129th) with a time of 32.01. After getting spiked early on, a gutsy performance put him in a good position which allowed him to use his sprint finish to gain vital points in the fight against relegation.
Ian Smith (137th) was next for Severn, using Rose as a marker and keeping up a quick pace throughout before finishing strongly to secure a time of 32.31.Gareth Howells and Steve Hale then quickly followed for Severn in 145th and 148th respectively, to complete the team. The pair battled for positions throughout after colliding on the first lap. Howells managed to hold on though, although Hale was hindered by being pushed to the floor by a tiring athlete on the second lap. Howells was pleased to get closer to Rose and Smith with a tine of 32.52, while Hale made great progress to record his best result for years in 32.57.
Severn's B team was lead home by Dave Gilbert (169th) in 34.05 and Ollie Starkey (170th) in 34.18. Both athletes started quickly, placing themselves well up the field, before making up placings in the final third of the race.
Anthony Bethel (192nd) and Nicky Gaulder (196th) were third and fourth home in 36.37 and 36.57 respectively. Derek Lightstone (197th) ran well to follow them in 37.19 while Mike Anderton (217th) anchored the team in 48.10.
Severn athletes will now look to the Midland Championships on January 30th before the Birmingham Cross Country League reconvenes in February. That fixture will decide whether Severn stay in the top division of Cross Country in this region, something very important in the future of the club going forward.
RESULTS - 1. Gaz Davies (Owls) 26.46, 19. Josh Lilly 27.45, 25. Tim Dalton 28.05, 129. James Rose 32.01, 137. Ian Smith 32.31, 145. Gareth Howells 32.52, 148. Steve Hale 32.57, 169. Dave Gilbert 34.05, 170. Oliver Starkey 34.18, 192. Anthony Bethel 36.37, 196. Nicky Gaulder 36.57, 197. Derek Lightstone 37.19, 217. Mike Anderton 48.10.
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