Taieri Times Report 10 July 2017

The grass surface of Memorial Park and the Silverstream flood-bank provided a test for the Taieri and Civil Service clubs runners and walkers, as they combined to contest their respective cross-country championships. With the titles up for grabs, there were some keen contests, Rob Homan indicated he meant business, taking the lead from the start. The competitors were sent away by the Taieri club Patron, Brian Cashmere.

Janice and Richard Finnie, along with Graeme Murphie and Donal May, formed the chasing group over the first lap of the 6.4 km. At the halfway point, the gaps were appearing, and the field stringing out, with some handling the conditions, and others not so.

Rob was running a race of his own, 27 mins 22 sec., Janice (V 50 plus) 30 mins 23 sec., had eased away from Richard (V 50 men) and Graeme (V 50 men) this was how the event was panning out. However, within sight of the finish, Murphie sensed a victory in his grade was possible, and a furious sprint developed. With the urgings of the finish line supporters, Finnie was able to dig deep, and secure the Veteran title by barely a nose, with both runners sharing the same time 31 mins 02 sec.  Warren Nisbet finished third.

Another tussle was developing in the Open walking race, Naomi Chisman and Lynda Kelly, were going head to head after 3.2 kms, it could have gone either way, but Naomi put on a surge with the finish line in sight, to finish clear of Lynda by seven seconds.

Tom Cockerill was impressive taking the (V 70 plus) running title at his first attempt 36 min 52 sec.  Other title winners were, Angie Low (Open Women) 33 min 46 sec., Wendy Paterson (V 35-49) 32 mins 41 sec.,Pam Wyber (V 50 plus) 36 min 54 sec., and Donal May (V 60 plus) 32 mins 32 sec.

This Saturday 15th, Gavin’s run will be held from Brighton at 1 pm. Transport will leave from the clubrooms at 12.40 pm.

Inquiries Rob 4847556.