On a beautiful sunny winter’s day BAC’s senior men achieved a remarkable win at the Hampshire Cross Country League fixture at King’s Park, Bournemouth on Saturday 11 January. With our first five athletes scoring in the top 25, BAC was unbeatable on the day and congratulations to those five, namely Steve Way, Jacek Cieluszecki, Josh Cole, Rob McTaggart and David Long. The result leaves BAC 5th aggregate for the season so far, of ten complete teams, in Division 1 of the League, so retention of our Division 1 status is within reach, provided a full team competes at the final fixture at Salisbury on 8 February, but hopefully we can repeat Bournemouth’s result to put this beyond doubt. In the previous fixtures this season BAC has not scored so highly and it’s important to acknowledge the contribution of our athletes at those fixtures, who have ensured that we have always fielded a full team, without which we wouldn’t be in the position we are now. Furthermore well done to Rob, who is at present 10th aggregate Individual Senior Man of the League.
In the other races of the day, Bridget Dence continues to sparkle, finishing 5th in the U15 Girls’ race, at present lying 4th Individual U15 Girl, and a warm welcome to Elisa Robbins and Brandon Meredith, both competing in the BAC vest for the first time.
Before the League proper commenced, a race for U11 boys and girls was held, and a number of youngsters from BAC’s Wednesday Junior Development evenings ran, more details of which to follow.
The fixture at King’s Park was organised by BAC, and thanks are due to all the organisers and officials who made possible an event in which 678 athletes, of ages from U11 to Veteran, competed in nine separate races.
Results (BAC):
Senior/U20 Men:
4. Steve Way 30.30; 7. Jacek Cieluszecki 31.11; 11. Josh Cole 31.39; 19. Rob McTaggart 32.12; 25. David Long 32.34; 32. Joe Arundel 33.16; 38. Manol Dimitrov 33.38; 91. Andy Jennings 38.00; 95. Nick Kenchington 38.07; 137. Brendan Kirkton 41.09; 138. Simon Hunt 41.17. There were 199 finishers.
U15 Boys:
33. Seb Hearn 15.39; 57. Brandon Meredith 17.45. There were 62 finishers.
U13 Boys:
40. Jim Dence 14.46. There were 52 finishers.
Senior Women:
72. Elisa Robbins 27.25. There were 106 finishers.
U15 Girls:
5. Bridget Dence 15.16. There were 63 finishers.
U13 Girls:
17. Elsa Charlwood 14.31. There were 71 finishers.