Stubbington Green Runners

Popham Airfield was the venue for the third fixture of the Hants cross country league with fourteen Stubbies making the trip up to the flat-ish course; or as Dad put it “as flat as a bowling green…just on a slope!” We had sunny conditions however there was a bitterly cold wind. As Graham put it, ‘it was wind good enough to kite surf in’ (knowing that I had just come back from a kite surfing holiday but didn’t get any wind! Thanks for rubbing it in Graham). 

Tom was once again off first in the under 15’s race coming in 35th and just over two minutes behind the leader, well done Tom.

The Stubbettes were off next lining up ready to go to then be told we were all stood in the wrong spot so we all had to shuffle over to the actual start line.  Donna Mitchell led us home with an improved position from Goodwood of 52nd. I was next home just ten places behind in 62nd with Sharon White completing the team in 85th Place. Special thanks to Sharon who felt a bit of a twinge part of the way round but soldiered on to the finish to ensure we had a complete team- hope it’s all better now Sharon.  

In the men’s race newbie James Sawyer lead the green team home with a brilliant 70th overall position and 13th Under 20. Dan Gueran who was feeling under the weather from a recent illness was next in, followed by (make sure you’re seated for this next shock appearance) – Mr Graham ‘road runner’ Bell who was just ahead of Ray Gunner, with Mike Harper completing the team.  This was followed by some good grouping from Nick Crane, John Blake and Gordon Westley. With Keith Whitaker (having warmed up once again at the mornings Park run) and Zac Conaty finishing off the brilliant turn out.

Men’s results:
James Sawyer 70th
Dan Gueran 102nd
Graham ‘Road Runner’ Bell 112th
Ray Gunner 117th
Mike Harper 139th
Nick Crane 161st
John Blake 165th
Gordon Westley 179th
Keith ‘park run’ Whitaker 185th
Zac Conaty 197th

Well done to all.  The quote of the day had to go to Mr Bell who asked “is it my turn to sit in the tent” referring to our not so large tent, however any bigger and it would have blown away. Picture of the day also goes to the cheeky Mr Bell creeping up on Ray. Look forward to seeing you all in the New Year at King’s Park Bournemouth on the 14th January. Have a Merry Christmas.

Lucy May
Cross Country Captain

Photos here