Border League 7- Deestriders- 30 April 2008

The grand finale of the 2007-08 Borders League, a flat 4-miler, took place in our very own back yard on a cool but dry evening.  Thanks go to the many club members and their families and friends who turned out to marshal and support this packed-out event of 275 competitors.

The club were led home by the outstanding Steve Thomas, who on his way back from injury managed a strong 23.17 and a top 50 finish in an exceptional field.  Jay Jennions followed him with a terrific 25.16, which in the face of stiff female competition was only enough for fourth this time, but more importantly she got the top five finish she needed to secure the women’s title.  A tremendous season for Jay has been topped off with her selection for North Wales at the Northbrook 10k in June.  Next in, in what must be his finest performance to date, was sprint king Nick Chadwick with an incredible 26.40.  Mike O’Brien was just 30 seconds further back in 27.10 and his consistently powerful turnouts for the club have seen him rewarded with 7^th V50 overall.  Adie Clarke delivered an excellent 28.53 and with plans to step up his current training, there should be even better to come.  Just behind, Peter Rooney and Linda Martin were locked in battle, with Peter just coming through ahead with a quality 29.07 whilst Linda is well on her way to returning to her formidable form with 29.09.  Lorna Royle, now one of the club’s top female athletes, returned 30.23, giving her an amazing 6^th place in the overall LV35 ranking.  As she stormed in, another contest was going on just down the road between veteran campaigners Sid Bailey and Kevin Burns, finishing in very good times of 31.28 and 31.33 respectively.  The determined and reliable Leslie Ingram anchored the women’s team in a rock-solid 32.11, securing the ladies the Improvers trophy (well done girls!!)  Sweeper Phil Taylor, just three days off the back of his epic performance at Blackpool, got in a recovery run as he offered moral support to the final finishers.           

So another series ends and well done to everyone for getting through it.  But there’ll soon no doubt be more road (and field) trips to report as members embark on new exploits!