The Run Club took their first spin of the season at the Skinners Kent opening event. The opposition was of national standard, but the juniors approached the challenge with an indomitable spirit. They warmed up well, got themselves to the start line prepared, and defended their chosen start spots strongly. Iaroslav B typified the irrepressible spirit, closing out the team despite not being on top form. Maxim C also pushed well through the field, apportioning his effort evenly across the two laps. Joshia H and Arthur E both performed well to finish in the top half of a high-class field, with Arthur E making the top 20 with ease.
The individual performance of the day came from Year 7 Angus B. Placing 4th, he faced a tricky final 500m of the race against Year 8 athletes. Once he convinced himself that he was more than a match for those at least a year older than him, he timed his sprint immaculately, passing one more athlete to take an astonishing bronze.
The intermediate team set off with intent following an inspiring course briefing from one of the juniors. Adam A unleashed the sprint of the day, passing athletes and finishing well up the field despite running x15 further than his specialist distance. Dylan K finished well inside the top half of the field, while Bardy W scored well in 27th. Adrian C showed great poise and power to finish inside the top 20, and Max J, appearing in the squad late, placed inside the top half dozen. Tactical acumen saw Frederic B adopt stealth mode, ghosting through the field from halfway to place 8th. His DW grey top added to the camouflage, meaning his last surge went undetected by many until it was too late to respond.
The team result was a draw for 2nd or 3rd place. Countback meant we finished a very splendid 3rd. Gaining an unexpected team bronze was a brilliant result against such class opposition.
Overall, great squad teamwork and the application of intelligence all the way through the spine of a strong ensemble meant two bronzes – one individual and one team – was a fabulous result. It was a pleasing start to Mr Wightwick’s second year of tenure. Building on the success of last year will not be an easy thing to do. Even so, the trajectory looks more than promising.
