Masters magic as Striders ladies stay in top flight
ON race day four of the Midland and Birmingham Cross Country Leagues, Division One, the CLC Striders ladies ran at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park, with the men heading for Abington Park, Northampton.
In Midland League Division One, the ladies had a great day, with Helen Knight again leading them home in 24th place and sixth finisher in the Masters category, capping a fantastic cross-country season for her.
Just over a minute later, Kate Telford clocked in 32nd and 10th in the Masters, with Liza Bradshaw 39th and 14th in the Masters.
The scoring finishers were complete, with ladies’ captain Rachel Vines coming in 72nd as the 30th Masters finisher.
The other Striders ladies, in order of finishing, were Fiona Brady-miller, Amelia Mullins, Laura Leaver, and Emma Abbey.
The team finished eighth overall but were the first Masters team.
Overall, at the end of the four fixtures, the Masters placed second and the ladies easily secured their place in the top flight for another season.
For the men, it was a different story as their first year in Division One of the Birmingham League has been incredibly tough – especially with numbers of their key runners being unavailable for most fixtures.
Once again, they were led home by Sam Baylis, who has competed in all four fixtures and who once again secured a top 100 finish in 94th place.
The remaining Striders to complete the course were Robert Hyams in 159th, Gary Farquharson in 166th, Liam Richardson in 171st, Nick Ledwold in 180th, and V70 athlete David James in 190th.
Although finishing in last place on the day, the fact the men competed and fielded six scoring runners means they live to fight again next season – back in Division Two, alongside Gloucester AC who were also relegated.