Results

Well done to the various ERR folk who took full advantage of slightly friendlier conditions than last year to win category prizes and/or set PBs. If I've missed any PBs, please let me know. I haven't put any points down for those people in the Short League, as obviously these will change during the year. However, the current state of play is shown in the updated tables.

Position	Name	Time	Also	CC Pts
46	Hannah Hale	01:28:33	2nd SL, 2nd CCSL	50
61	Graham Bridges	01:30:25		50
87	Arthur McEwan-James	01:33:49		49
130	Marie Chuilon	01:38:57	PB
138	Mark Creasey	01:39:44	2nd MV60, 2nd CCMV60, Joker	2x48
145	Tristan Hale	01:41:07	PB	47
146	Justin Byworth	01:41:10	PB	46
171	Kate Williamson	01:44:09	2nd LV55, 1st CC LV65	49
202	Tess Evans	01:47:44		48
248	Rebecca Evins	01:52:27	PB
326	Nicola Coppuck	01:59:54	PB
336	Alison Craggs	02:01:11
339	Rachel Green	02:01:38
345	Lisa Tyler	02:02:04
382	Alison Berrett	02:07:40
443	Martin Johnson	02:33:22

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A pretty small ERR turnout at Maidenhead, which again meant it was a good day to play your joker if you hadn't done before. Good to see Ben back in club colours for the first time in a few years, even if he didn't claim to enjoy it (not the last few miles, anyway). Due to a strange system of prize-giving, Kate was 2nd LV60 but didn't actually win an award for this. However, there was the slight compensation of setting a new UK Ladies Vet 70 record for 10 miles - well done Queenie. Ben won the wine, and his report follows the results.

Position	Forename	Surname	Chip Time	Also	CC Pts
123	Graham	Bridges	01:05:52		50
221	Ben	Breaker	01:12:07	Joker	2x49
347	Kate	Williamson	01:17:07	Joker, 2nd LV60	2x50
363	Jacky	Pinnock	01:17:53		49
464	Colin	Hancox	01:23:32	Joker, Debut	2x48
580	Tony	Whitlock	01:29:44	Joker	2x47
631	Jane	Whitlock	01:33:10

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Some excellent performances at a flat but cold Heyford Airbase. First mention should naturally go to the first finisher, i.e. Mark who won by well over a minute. Also notable were Jacky, Jane and me (I suppose) for winning their categories, as well as Colin for beating his PB by 6 minutes, and Jane (again) for beating her PB by 4 minutes. With a relatively low ERR turnout, it was something of a PB-fest, so let me know if I missed yours. Although it wasn't in the Short League, let's also mention Sheila Gascoigne for finishing 1st LV60 in a time of 26.47  

Position	Name	Time	Also	CC Pts	SL Pts
1	Mark BAKER	35:46.3	Winner, Joker		2x50
8	Graham BRIDGES	39:11.1	1st MV50, Joker	2x50
17	Simon WALKER	40:51.3			49
18	Arthur MCEWAN-JAMES	40:51.0	Joker	2x49
44	Alastair GRAHAM	45:16.3			48
47	Colin HANCOX	46:04.9	Big PB	48
52	Jacqueline PINNOCK	46:55.0	1st LV50, Joker	2x50
64	Jane GARTON	48:02.2	1st LV40, PB, Joker		2x50
69	Hugh MORRIS	48:36.3			47
83	Tim COTTON	49:47.4		47
235	Gail MORRIS	1:02:59.9	Joker		2x49
288	Roger GASCOIGNE	1:10:34.9			46
	Mark SCHOFIELD	DNF

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Again, just the facts ahead of Benedict's report. The ERR Ladies finished 5th overall in Division 2 for the season, whilst the men finished 7th in Division 1, and were unfortunately relegated by a mere 23 points over the season.

Race	Position	Name	Time
U11 Boys	30	Alexander Bishop	7.56
Women	62	Jackie Pinnock	31.22
	68	Kate Williamson	32.00
	73	Cecilia Dahlsio	32.13
	76	Tess Evans	32.43
	79	Tara Lawfull	32.56
	81	Jane Garton	32.59
	95	Rain Newton-Smith	34.57
	109	Jane Whitlock	37.04
	110	Kate Welsby	37.23
Men	15	Mark Baker	32.23
	25	Benedict Pollard	33.09
	43	Thomas Binnie	34.26
	64	Dafydd Warburton	35.28
	66	Dave Ferrier	35.29
	94	Matt Ray	37.15
	101	Chris Williams	37.45
	102	Tom Baker	37.49
	106	Graham Bridges	37.58
	124	Ewan Macdonald	39.11
	127	Arthur McEwan-James	39.15
	140	Nick Hardwick	40.13
	163	Lee Hillsdon	41.48
	181	Colin Hancox	43.38
	193	Tony Whitlock	45.02
	194	Alastair Graham	45.06
	210	Keith Baker	49.38
	212	Simon Taylor	51.26

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Preamble After Round 3 at Horspath, one might have considered the hardest course of the season to have now been 'done and dusted'. 'Run and mudded' might be a better way of phrasing it. However, by near unanimous consent of those runners who took part, both ERRs and also many friends from other clubs, the Cirencester course had other ideas and took us to a new level of challenge. Those of us who had also braved the sludgefest of the SEAA South of England XC Champs the weekend before were (over-)confident that Cirencester would be a doddle in comparison. After all, it was only 5.4 miles instead of almost 9 miles, for the Men. But oh how we were wrong! The course is usually one of the flatter, firmer races, with the short sharp hill near the finish the only notable ascent other than a tiny hillock half way along the valley. But the valley itself was another matter. Just mud. Thick, quagmired slop. But, hey ho, that's XC for you, and so we ploughed on through. Times were therefore understandably slower for almost everyone in comparison to previous years, but it was a good event nonetheless and lots of hearty efforts were done. Fortunately the route is pretty well-sheltered, and the fixture this year was in the middle of various very gusty winds of winter storms, but there was hardly anything to contend with windwise, as the shelter belts of broadleafed and coniferous woodland coupled with the dips of the locally lower elevation meant at least some respite from the wind, that was still asking questions. A brief blast of icy rain half way through the Men's race was all we had to contend with really, although temperatures were probably hovering only around 6 or 7 degrees C so it was by no means warm. Stalwartesses and stalwarts At this stage of the season, things are starting to become clear, both in terms of the more elite end of the club in the annual inter-club league tables, but also in our very own fledgling ERR XC Club Championship. Prior to Cirencester it was a little difficult to make any firm conclusions as to either the likely candidates for the top prizes or who might be the stalwarts gunning for recognition of their excellent commitment to being ever-present, or nearly so. Now race 4 is under our belt, it seems highly timely to make mention of the 26 runners who have competed 3 or 4 times this season, who really do make a play by turning up, joining in, helping take down the tent, cheering up the day with their presence, smiles, and brave efforts out on the course. Despite a part of my mind deceiving me on a regular basis, it really isn't all about winning (not that I have personally won a huge amount at this point), and so I feel it is particularly important to witness, name and celebrate what is a very real camaraderie and lively spirit on race day, co-created by so many club members of all ages and speeds, chatting and joking away happily, whilst also sporting the white chevron, and representing the club so well. 'Mention in Despatches' So, irrespective of whether you're gunning for a medal or a prize or not, or whatever your personal ambitions, motivations or reasons for running are, it's high time to present an unofficial 'Mention in Despatches' to all of the following who have completed either the full complement of 4 races, or 3 races so far this season (listed below in reverse handicap order) ... well done to each and every one of you for your time and effort. Keep it up! There's Harwell still to come on March 6th too, so do please do come along for that final XC run of the season.

Four races	Three races
Alexander Bishop	Jane Whitlock
Al Graham	Ewan MacDonald
Keith Baker	Kate Williamson
Jacky Pinnock	Lee Hillsdon
Graham Bridges	Cecilia Dahljso
Colin Hancox	Arthur McEwan-James
Kate Welsby	Nick Hardwick
Tony Whitlock	Dave Ferrier
Mark Creasey	Dafydd Warburton
Tess Evans	Mark Schofield
Hannah Hale	Tom Baker
Henry Hart	Jane Garton
Mark Baker
Benedict Pollard

  Notable individual performances at Cirencester It would also be remiss not to highlight the individual achievements of the race, with Hannah in very fine form looking back to her best, or certainly on her way there, with a 3rd placing in the Senior Ladies. The ERR Men again switched places in terms of first Man home, with Mark Baker taking the honours again, with a strong 16th place. Arthur did very well, with a best ever placing of 111, especially notable considering he and Mark Schofield had both run 20 miles+ on the Saturday. The Men also welcomed Matt ray back into the fold for the first time this season, and look forward to having him racing again at Harwell. In the Ladies, Tess had another excellent run too and Cecilia her 2nd best of the season. Unfortunately both Kerry Lock and Beth Sonley were unavailable but we look forward to welcoming them back soon. Highlights from the ERR handicap scores: it's getting interesting! Performance of the day was undoubtedly by Jane Garton, who brought home 49 points in the club handicap to push up into the current overall Club XC Champion position for the season. Men's performance of the day was from Tom Baker, who collected the maximum award of 50 points as he outsprinted Graham at the finish and sealed his first ever A team placing. Much more to come from him in future, I would say. Strong and fast is a good combo for XC. This excellent run pushes him up into second overall place in the Championship, just 2 points behind Jane, and 1 ahead of myself in the competition for the Men's Winner's place. Dafydd continues with steady improvement, and a strong 60th place. It really makes all the difference to the A team to have strong finishes all the way from runners 1 thru 7. He scored well in the handicap too, and climbs up the leaderboard into the top 10 as a result. Some other solid performances were put in by Mark Schofield, Dave Ferrier, Henry Hart, Mark Creasey and Bob Newby, with both of the Marks pushing up into the XC Club Champs Top 10 (listed below). The full handicap scores will be e-mailed separately. Top 10 positions in the ERR Club XC Championship

W/M	Name	Total	Slowest	Races
W	Jane Garton	145	( - )	3
M	Tom Baker	143	( - )	3
M	Benedict Pollard	142	(44)	4
M	Mark Baker	139	(35)	4
M	Henry Hart	136	(33)	4
W	Hannah Hale	133	(22)	4
W	Tess Evans	130	(26)	4
M	Mark Schofield	128	( - )	3
M	Dafydd Warburton	126	( - )	3
M	Mark Creasey	122	(29)	4

Note: scores are based on your best 3 of 4 races, hence your weakest score (the number listed in the 4th column from the left) is dropped if you have run 4 races. So, with one to play for, it's all coming together nicely in the chase for top spot. A new proposal for this season is to also award prizes for 2nd and 3rd places in each of the Men's and Women's categories to recognise more of those who have really put in a stint over the season, in addition to the medal for racing all 5 races. So, there's a little added late-season motivation. Oxfordshire Cross-Country League team positions: season update In the Leagues, Eynsham Men were 6th on the day, and are now in 7th place in Division 1, and unfortunately back in the relegation battle. A full-strength team might have been up in 3rd or 4th place overall but let's congratulate those who have run, as it means we're still in with a fighting chance of retaining our Division 1 status (for what that's worth). Interestingly, as things stand, it's still possible for four teams to be relegated from Division 1, and the turnout and level of grittiness on display at Harwell will go a long way to deciding our final position this season. All hands to the deck please chaps! The Ladies are sitting healthily in third in Division 2, but it's probably a leap too far to aim for Division 1 this season, but it's perhaps good to take a long-term view of these things, and always keep next season in mind. For me, its steady, consistent improvement both as an individual and as a team that makes the mark of success in running, whilst we also learn navigate the inevitable ups and downs. Thanks Final words of thanks are for Jane, John and Alexander Bishop for arranging the tent swap and setting it up pre-race, especially seeing as the pegs had gone missing (and still are)! Also to Graham for his knowledge of creating Excel formulae to help with calculating the handicap scores. BP 16/02/2016   Here is Graham's original piece with the race results [This is a 'just the facts' piece in advance of Benedict's report.] As it was the first Club Championship/Short League fixture of 2016 it is also a chance to show people's points and make sure that everyone has been put into the correct league. The ERR ladies lie 3rd in Division 2, while the men are 7th in Division 1, so in the relegation zone, but with plenty of opportunity to 'escape' in the final round at Harwell next month.

Race	Forename	Surname	Position	Time	CC Pts	SL Pts
U11 Boys
	Alexander	Bishop	21
Women
	Hannah	Hale	3	26.12	50
	Tess	Evans	47	33.16	49
	Jackie	Pinnock	74	36.09	48
	Jane	Garton	77	36.23		50
	Cecilia	Dahlsio	83	37.04
	Jane	Whitlock	109	42.08		49
	Kate	Welsby	114	43.39		48
Men
	Mark	Baker	16	37.52		50
	Benedict	Pollard	24	38.38	50
	Henry	Hart	40	39.56
	Dafydd	Warburton	60	41.31	49
	Dave	Ferrier	81	42.53	48
	Tom	Baker	88	43.12		49
	Graham	Bridges	89	43.16	47
	Matt	Ray	99	44.16
	Arthur	McEwan-James	111	45.48	46
	Ewan	Macdonald	143	47.21	45
	Mark	Schofield	151	48.04		48
	Robert	Newby	153	48.09	44
	Mark	Creasey	155	48.14	43
	Tony	Whitlock	198	54.48	42
	Alastair	Graham	203	55.11		47
	Colin	Hancox	204	55.11	41
	Keith	Baker	222	61.55	40

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Sunday January 10^th 2016 Well Sunday’s XC was quite something to behold. The muddiest, calf-sapping, bilge-watered slipsliding slogfest of slurrydom since I joined Eynsham back in ‘10. But, of course, the several ‘Grandees’ who graced us with their 100-odd years of Oxford Mail XC League experience, may well harbour tales of greater XC challenges past! My calves still beg to differ, in their aching. But, in fact, despite the bogsoggy underfoot terrain, there was lots to cheer as the sun made an unexpectedly early appearance to warm us all up to a comparatively balmy 6 degrees or so. And there were also plenty of cheers for each other as a healthy ERR contingent took on the mighty long and winding Shotover Hill (twice for some of us), a daring leap across stream and ditch, many many muddy, sodden fields and the joy of having a downhill or flat last mile, for once! It was a real pleasure to be joined by the four debutants: Marguerite Darius, Kiri Weller, Kerry Lock and Nick Maynard to their first ERR XC races. Good for you for taking the leap. Also it was good to welcome back to the fold the Sonleys: Beth and Pete, who both distinguished themselves. There were several noteworthy individual performances, but the highlight undoubtedly being the presence of a new-look Women’s A team, with Beth (17^th) and Kerry Lock (43^rd), joining running ace Hannah Hale (8^th) to leap up the table and finish first on the day in Division 2, and 4^th overall, beating even the mighty Oxford City. Hurrah! Congratulations are due, and long may their endeavours continue. Well-deserved county medals for 3^rd in their respective categories also went to Women’s Captain, Jackie Pinnock and to Hannah. Having trawled through all the XC results since 2006, for those stats geeks, you may now delight in some of the Women’s teams’ achievements below:

• Three debuts: well done Ladies! Especially in that quagmire.
• Bronze Medals for Hannah Hale (3^rd SL) and Jackie Pinnock (3^rd VL55)
• Best ever placing: 4^th overall
• Highest ever placing in Division 2: top on the day
• Best score of any Division 2 team at any race this season
• The A team is now 4^th in Division 2 for the season: highest ever cumulative season position
• Score of 68 pts is better than 13 of Division 1 teams’ 24 scores so far this season
• Second best ever Eynsham A team score (68) (Best of 65 at Ascott Nov. 2013)
• Probably the best ever performance, given it was in the County Championships, so the opposition was likely to be of a higher calibre than Ascott Nov. ’13.
• Beat Oxford City A (72), Alchester A (78) and Witney A (114) on the day
• 14 runners competed on the day (third highest number … 17 is the Women’s record)
• One of the 5 best performances from the B team (based on points scored, weighted against number of runners in the race)
• 3^rd best ever C team score (weighted, as above)

All in all, it was a good day. So, let’s hope that this inspires both the Women and the Men to push onwards and up(hill)wards. The Men again fielded a very strong B team, packed with talent, demonstrating continued commitment to the series, which is laudable and meaningful. Pete Sonley had a very strong run to complete the A team, and Arthur McEwan-James finished very well, closing in on an A team place. The competition remains healthy. The A team had quite a battle up nearish the top end of the race, with Henry Hart storming home first for the club (26^th), closely followed by the Captain (29^th) and Mark Baker (33^rd). Each of these three has now led the team home in one race this season, and it was good to see such mutual support and words of encouragement between them, both during the race and afterwards. Signs of a good team ethic. The As are very reliant on the solid commitment of Dafydd Warburton and Dave Ferrier, and Chairman Graham Bridges who showed signs of coming back into form as 5^th ERR man home. Overall the Men have proved to be quite consistent over the season, and are currently sitting in 7^th place in Division 1 after three races, but with some keen Division 2 teams eyeing promotion. So, here’s a call-out to all A and B team runners to block out your diaries now, for Feb 7^th and Mar 6^th, and commit to your training, so we can lay down two end-of-season markers. It’s time to build on all our hard work and commitment of these last three years, and as I always say, a strong B team makes a strong A team, and vice versa. THE ERR XC HANDICAP SCORES WILL BE ISSUED THIS WEEK TOO, SO YOU CAN SEE WHERE YOU ARE IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS Thanks also to the cake providers, Jackie for sorting out the numbers, and anyone not specifically mentioned by name above, but know that you do all count and are very much part of the day. Finally, a big thank you to John and Alexander Bishop for setting up the tent. I hear that Alexander had a good run too, which bodes well for the future.   RESULTS

U9 Girls and Boys (36 finishers)
Position	Name
26	Arthur Walker

 

U11 Boys (54 finishers)
Position	Name
22	Alexander Bishop

 

U20/Senior/Veteran Women (c. 4.1 miles) (174 finishers)
Position	Name	Time	Notable	Team
8	Hannah Hale	29:17	3rd Oxon SL; Bronze Medal	A (68 pts)
17	Beth Sonley	31:08	6th Oxon SL	A
43	Kerry Lock	33:38	Debut	A
70	Tess Evans	35:37		B (256)
83	Jackie Pinnock	36:49	3rd Oxon V55; Bronze Medal	B
103	Cecilia Dahlsjo	38:28		B
106	Kate Williamson	38:50	4th Oxon V55+	C (336)
113	Jane Garton	39:41		C
117	Rain Newton-Smith	40:17		C
127	Anna Mackin	40:55		D (408)
139	Kate Welsby	43:20		D
142	Jane Whitlock	43:31		D
169	Marguerite Darius	51:47	Debut	E (514)
170	Kiri Weller	51:59	Debut	E

   

Under 20/Senior and Veteran Men (c. 5.5 miles) (294 finishers)
Position	Name	Time	Notable	Team
26	Henry Hart	36:47	4th Oxon U20	A (524 pts)
29	Benedict Pollard	37:08	5th Oxon VM40	A
33	Mark Baker	37:19		A
91	Dafydd Warburton	41:02		A
103	Graham Bridges	41:39		A
111	Dave Ferrier	42:11		A
131	Pete Sonley	43:28		A
155	Arthur McEwan-James	44:09		B (1198)
156	Ewan MacDonald	44:12		B
160	Lee Hillsdon	44:21		B
164	Tom Baker	44:31		B
167	Tom Binnie	44:38		B
196	Nick Hardwick	46:34		B
200	Mark Schofield	46:56		B
205	Mark Creasey	47:12	4th Oxon VM60	C (1781)
228	Nick Maynard	48:35	Debut	C
251	Tony Whitlock	51:05		C
257	Alastair Graham	52:25		C
265	Colin Hancox	54:00		C
280	Keith Baker	59:11		C

  Note: it was thought helpful to make a note of some of the other positions outside of the podium places too, as a guide to potential selection for inter-counties events, at U20/S/V levels. The next Oxfordshire XC race is round 4 at the scenic Cirencester Park on February 7^th and the final race at Harwell on March 6^th. Please do make the effort to join in, and remember that the Cirencester XC is also in both the Long and Short Leagues of the 2016 Eynsham Club Championship. BP...
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Andy Reading 10K (Sunday December 13th): 353 finishers "It's the best conditions we've had in ten years"  was the pre-race motivation from one of Alchester's top runners. Which isn’t to say that the airfield didn’t still have a fairly sturdy headwind for a mile or so, but generally it was an ideal day for running. Although not one of Eynsham's club league runs this year, the Andy Reading 10K has seen some good times for ERRs over recent years, and this proved to be the case again. Benedict lowered his PB by a hefty 1 min 43 seconds, putting into perspective his disappointment at the Eynsham 10K a few weeks ago (37:07). Next home was Dafydd, missing his PB by only 3 tiny seconds, which bodes well indeed for upcoming races at XC and into 2016. Mark Creasey was just 25 seconds outside his own MV60 club record, followed home next by Al Graham, who also narrowly missed a PB. More good news for Tess Evans, who significantly lowered her own PB and Kate Williamson who took home the VL65 category, although for some reason there was no prize category awarded … one to be addressed by the host club perhaps? All in all, a very successful day for the small ERR delegation, in a race highly recommended to club members … I gather on the grapevine that it may be back in the club league fixtures in 2016? Well done all, and thanks to Alchester Running Club for hosting such a smooth event, which was very well-marshalled and supported. It’s always nice to get a named shout-out from an unknown marshal !

Gun Position	Name	Time	Also
14	Benedict Pollard	35:23	PB
29	Dafydd Warburton	37:03
84	Mark Creasey	42:16
121	Alastair Graham	45:36
124	Tess Evans	45:50	PB
151	Kate Williamson	47:01	1st VL65 (but no category prize available !)

  Hooky Christmas Canter (Sunday December 20th): 241 finishers c. 7 miles, multi-terrain (hills both on tarmac & cross country, with a medley of farmers' fields, grassy slopes, muddy tracks, beech woodland, a slippery rickety old bridge, a kissing gate and a couple of stiles) A very mild and sunny mid-December day greeted 9 ERRs at Hook Norton on Sunday for the Hooky Christmas Canter. The hosts were delighted with a record turnout for the event, and we were welcomed by an assortment of Santa hats, elves, characters from Alice in Wonderland, tinsel, bells and an air of general merriment. I don't know how Eynsham didn't win the fancy dress prize (which went to Banbury Harriers), as we were mostly sporting our very smart ERR competition vests! We had a strong field too, with Benedict taking home 3rd place overall after pushing forwards from about 30th place at the end of mile 1. Hannah ran very well to claim 2nd senior lady, the only quicker runner apparently being on some sort of sports scholarship at a US University! Jacky and Kate both won their respective categories, showing the breadth of talent in the club. Tristan and Tess continued their impressive steady improvement, showing us all how that's done. So, well done to all who took part ... and thanks to the rain deities for arranging the torrential downpour during prize-giving, not during the race. Thanks to Hook Norton Harriers Running Club  for organising another fine and well-marshalled event.

Position	Name	Time	Also
3	Benedict Pollard	46:06	3rd place overall
26	Hannah Hale	51:43	2nd SL
70	Tristan Hale	56:56
78	Mark Creasey	58:03
87	Tess Evans	60:06
99	Jacky Pinnock	61:55	1st VL55
100	Derek Breaker	62:01
112	Kate Williamson	63:46	1st VL65
162	Maria Kempson	70:55

  BP...
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There was a really good turnout from the club at Culham on Sunday, with the Men equalling their highest number of runners at a XC race (22); a mixture of occasionals, regulars, stalwarts, newcomers, Grandees and returnees meant for a convivial atmosphere, friendly camaraderie, a club record quantity of cake, and some good performances on a surprisingly not too inclement day. The 40mph gusts of ‘Storm Desmond’ on Saturday had largely subsided by late morning on race day, to leave us with a strong but manageable headwind along the Thames, and helpful tailwinds at times. The perplexing lack of rain, coupled with a bulldozed transformation of the Culham course into a motocross park, meant that the going was actually firm to solidly good, with only a few minor muddy patches. Follow the link below for the official results … http://www.oxonxc.org.uk/index.php?view=results … and thanks once again to Barry Cornelius for the photos, which can be found here: http://www.oxonraces.com/photos/2015-12-06-culham/ The Women’s team were once-again led home by Hannah Hale, and they finished 6^th in Division 2 on the day. Tess Evans had a storming run, no doubt her many Wytham Hills forays paying dividends, and the team now sits in 7^th place (out of 8) overall for the season, albeit just a single point behind Highworth. Radley and Hook Norton A teams (Div. 3) are putting in strong performances, so it is to be hoped that some of the absent quicker ladies will bolster the team running at Horspath on January 10^th. The Men’s squad saw strong runs from the Captain, Mark Baker and Henry Hart, well supported by Dafydd Warburton back in the side with a very useful 59^th place, and Graham back amongst the top 100, coming back into form after some injury hindrances. More encouraging than anything was to see such strength in depth from runners 6 to 14, and beyond, crafting one of the three best B team performances in club history. So, hurrah to them and well done especially to Tom Baker and Simon Walker for making their way into the A team. Although the Men’s A team finished last in Division 1 on the day, it was a much better result than at Harcourt Hill (race 2 last season), and we now sit 7^th overall for the season. A quick analysis of the stats show that we are slightly better off than at this stage last season points-wise, and some of the Division 2 competition has dropped off a little. No room for complacency though, and it will require a concerted effort to finish the season well and advance up the table, as per the last two seasons. The B team are well-placed to climb up the Division 3 table too, so let’s find ways to encourage one another to do just that. Special mention also goes to Alexander Bishop who improved nine places in his U11 age group, finishing in the top half of the field, and I have it on reliable authority that he enjoyed it. Well done! Final 3 races So, sear the date January 10^th into your memory and ink your diaries, for the County XC Championships, almost on our doorstep at Horspath (Shotover Hill, Oxford). Let’s have another strong turnout and keep the ERR momentum gathering apace. Race 4 is as usual at Cirencester Park on February 7th and the finale is the regular venue at Harwell on March 6th. Benedict Pollard (Men’s XC Capt.) December 8th 2015 A call for help: whilst taking the tent down is now a smoothly-understood operation … a volunteer (or two) are requested on January 10^th, to head out earlier (depart Eynsham around 08:45am) to Horspath to put up the club tent in time for the junior races. Thank you very much to John and Alexander Bishop for their help when they arrived at Culham. At least our tent didn’t blow down like Headington’s!

Under 9 Girls & Boys (39 finishers)
Position	Name	Time	Notable
38	Florence Wetherald
39	Jessica Summers
U11 Boys (51 finishers)
24	Alexander Bishop
Women (c. 3.7 miles) (157 finishers)
11	Hannah Hale	26:05
55	Tess Evans	29.40
73	Jacky Pinnock	31:09	3rd V55
87	Kate Williamson	32:06
95	Tara Lawfull	32:32
100	Jane Garton	32:52	Debut
105	Cecilia Dahlsio	33:30
121	Kate Welsby	35:28
Men (c. 5 miles) (275 finishers)
16	Benedict Pollard	30:51
27	Mark Baker	31:25
38	Henry Hart	31:58
59	Dafydd Warburton	33:01
96	Graham Bridges	35:03
134	Tom Baker	36:15
137	Simon Walker	36:34
140	Lee Hillsdon	36:39
147	Mark Schofield	36:51
160	Mark Creasey	37:20
174	Ewan MacDonald	37:56
179	Arthur McEwan-James	38:08
192	Nick Hardwick	38:47
199	Tristan Hale	38:59
221	Shayne Humphrey	40:48
229	Colin Hancox	41:10
237	Alastair Graham	41:57
241	Tony Whitlock	42:45
247	Steve Butler	43:10
248	Derek Breaker	43:13
263	Keith Baker	46:59
DNF	Howard Humphris		Debut *

* Howard sensibly pulled-out mid-way to prevent injury, but we’ll surely see him again soon at XC....
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From a purely running perspective, well done to all our club members who took part in the 10k. As anyone who struggled to stand upright while marshalling in the howling gale will testify, it was hardly a day for PBs, so well done to everyone who managed this feat, as well as to Ben, Hannah and Kate for winning their category prizes, and to Basia and Jen for making their debuts over the distance. I've also added George Roberts to the list, as many will remember him as a long-time club member, and all-round top man. He may have been the last finisher, but just to complete the 10k was a great testament to his famous determination. Thanks to everyone who cheered him on his way round.

Position	Name	Time	Also
15	Thomas BINNIE	35:56.5	PB
31	Benedict POLLARD	37:07.4	1st Eynsham Male Resident
99	Hannah HALE	40:46.7	1st SL
177	Nick HARDWICK	44:01.5
198	Justin BYWORTH	44:51.5	PB
208	Adam CLILVERD	45:05.8	PB
260	Tess EVANS	47:22.8
285	Kate WILLIAMSON	48:14.6	1st LV65
384	Cecilia DAHLSJO	51:47.1
405	Maria KEMPSON	52:53.5	PB
407	Barbara DZIALA	53:06.2	Debut
424	Kate WELSBY	54:17.9	PB
533	Christopher WILLIAMS	01:04:00.0
534	Jennifer WILLIAMS	01:04:00.3	Debut
565	George ROBERTS	01:36:19.9

 ...
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Thanks to Martin for organising an excellent evening of top quality (sometimes) bowling. The results are below, so you can see where it all went right/wrong. Congratulations to Ian and Sheila for winning the individual prizes, and being part of the overall winning team, as well as Jacque for taking the booby prize for the lowest score. Ben won the Allan Donald Award (his favourite fast bowler) for the fastest delivery of the night, at 19.2 mph, and the Ian Bell Award for style over results, goes to me, apparently (as nominated by Jane).

Name	Round 1	Round 2	Total	Team Score
Gail	60	78	138
Lee	119	69	188
Di	66	84	150
Arthur	73	82	155
Jacque	40	72	112
John	98	106	204	947
Izzy	105	57	162
Tony	143	120	263
Sheila	86	112	198
Paul	126	115	241
Ian	140	182	322
Jacky	71	103	174	1360
Marisa	98	95	193
Graham	153	113	266
Jane	83	87	170
Hugh	111	91	202
Larry	57	129	186
Derek	159	128	287	1304
Linda	73	106	179
Martin	94	130	224
Deborah	67	94	161
Ben	106	105	211
Adrian	96	90	186
Susan	72	57	129	1090

 ...
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