BAC's Senior Mens team took a further step to securing its position in Division 1 of the Hampshire Cross Country League with a solid performance in windy conditions at Prospect Park, Reading on 15 January 2011, the penultimate fixture of the 2010/11 season. First BAC man home was our Captain, Simon Munro, leading by example, whose position was the highest he has achieved in a Hampshire League race. The points were kept down by some effective bunching of BAC's next three to finish, all within three places of each other. Ian White, 2nd for BAC, was competing in only his second Cross Country event, and is showing an aptitude to match that of his road running. Close behind Ian was Rob Hardyman, who, due to a defect on his car discovered as late as on the journey to meet up with the team, had to revise completely his weekend arrangements to be able to compete - a level of commitment which has to be admired! Following Rob across the line was Rob McTaggart, also showing great commitment, bearing in mind he had hardly recovered from a cold which had prevented any running for some time - Rob would normally be expected to finish further up the field than occurred at Reading. Completing the Senior Mens team was Joe Price, running in his first ever Cross Country race, an experience he clearly enjoyed, and, with an excellent performance, hopefully one he will wish to repeat! The Senior Mens team, having finished 5th, currently lies 6th in the Division 1 table, which consists of 10 teams, two of whom are relegated at the end of the season. The final fixture is at Salisbury on 12 February.

BAC's Vet Mens team is proceeding very nicely in Division 2, currently lying 3rd in the table, having finished as 6th Vets team at Reading. First scorer for BAC vets was, of course, Ian White, and 2nd was Simon Hunt, making a welcome return to running after a long standing injury, although clearly not yet in full form. Ian Graham was the 3rd scorer for the Vets team.

Completing the BAC mens contingent was a rapidly improving Andy Gillespie, followed by Mike Farrell, who hasn't been able to run much recently due to injuries, and brought along his kit in case he was needed, but, in a show of spirit, decided to put himself through the pain of competing anyway!

Jamie Grose was BAC's sole representative in the U17 mens race, and, in the U15 boys race, the BAC team of Jo Arundel, Declan Toth, Brendan Kirkton and C Norton were 6th team to finish, and lie 6th in the League table.

Results:

Senior and Vet Men:
18. Simon Munro 30.42; 32. Ian White 31.55 (6th Vet); 34. Rob Hardyman 32.13; 35. Rob McTaggart 32.24; 85. Jo Price 35.54; 110. Simon Hunt 38.41 (52nd Vet); 118. Ian Graham 39.29 (59th Vet); 124 Andy Gillespie 40.42 (64th Vet); 135. Mike Farrell 42.49 (75th Vet)

U17 Men
13. Jamie Grose 19.45

U15 Boys
14. Jo Arundel 13.38; 18. Declan Toth 13.51; 30. Brendan Kirkton 14.29; 32. C Norton 14.33