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Nowra Athletics Club |
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Summer 2007-8 Newspaper
Reports |
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Road Run
Report - Series 3 - Rounds 7 THE final pointscore round of Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing Competition saw a good roll-up of 34 starters lining up to do battle last Friday evening at the pleasant forest course on Jervis Bay Road. Honours on the day went to popular running
mum Claire Pitkethly who had to pull out all the stops on the long
400 metre downhill run to the line to hold out a fast-gaining Chris
Davies over the closing stages. Runner-up Chris Davies also performed magnificently in what was undisputedly his best run of the season when he powered right away from his fellow 7.40 costarters Eric Moeller- Duhme, Zahra Wells, Jonathon Davies and Paul Jennings to surge along the six km bush trails passing runner after runner to claim an outstanding podium result. Equally impressive was tough back-marker Peter Dooley (13.00) who stormed around the course and swept through almost the entire field to greet the judge in a close third. Peter is well renowned for his super quick track-running exploits, but this run of his on Friday on what is a fairly testing sixkm course was simply brilliant and he showed great heart to push the pace for the entire distance. Unluckiest runner on the day was fourth place getter Bill Broughton (10.00) who had third placing (andthat much sought after chocolate bar) firmly in his grasp until a mere 80m from home when Peter Dooley zoomed past. A display of kindness for a fellow competitor was displayed by Tammy Jones to veteran campaigner Bill Seary. Prior to the start race officials warned runners that there were a number of slippery muddy sections of the course and competitors were advised to watch closely when negotiating these hazards. Evergreen front-runner Bill Seary obviously took these instructions seriously as inside the final kilometre he took a long close look at a "bog", slipped, went head over turkey and fell heavily face down into the mire. He lay sprawled there gaining a real close look at the mud not realizing he was about to be trampled into a pulp by a charging horde of some 20 runners (Bill was in second position at the time) who were bearing down on him giving their all and throwing caution to the wind in their quest for a chocolate winning result in this the closing stages of the race. Fortunately for Bill, Tammy Jones was at the head of this mad charging mob and thinking quickly (most unlike a runner), she hauled Bill to his feet and pushed him heavily (obviously with much kindness) into the nearby scrub out of harm's path. Not to be denied and displaying great fortitude Bill eventually struggled back out of the clawing arms ofseveral entangling thorny bushes and emerged bloodied and dazed to stagger off drunkenly down thetrack towards the finish line. His mood didn't improve when officials advised him that with the assistance of his "guardian angel" Tammy Jones, he had actually dropped from second right down to 22nd position. As he limped off home Bill was heard to mutter that he was seriously considering taking up lawn bowls, but then some well-meaning soul quipped that he would have to be careful or he might trip over the ditch that surrounds the green. On a lighter note runners (and potential lawn bowlers) are reminded this week's run will be a pairs or team's event with the North Nowra course being the venue. Runners are urged to be at the Bernie Regan Sporting Complex by 6.15 if possible to allow for a team's draw prior to race start at 6.30. Members should also indicate their attendance for the following week's season finale social run and dinner at Huskisson. Contact Dean Bryce on 4443 6220 for details.
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Road Run Report - Series 3 - Rounds 3 & 4 Vincentia
&North Nowra NOWRA Runners Summer Road Racing Competition has certainly tested the versatility of competitors in recent weeks with weather conditions oscillating from heatwave to squally rain to calm and mild. Three weeks ago runners battled oven like heat on the Bells Lane course with most participants being reduced to a stumbling shuffle by race end. The following week Round 3 (18th January) was exactly the opposite with cool, drizzling rain greeting contestants for round three at the popular Vincentia course. Many runners revelled in the cooler conditions and the front-runners really excelled, taking the first five placings in style. Long-legged veteran, Terry Bailey, ran magnificently to score a great, although fairly narrow, victory over fleet-footed mum, Michelle Smith. Terry was greeted with resounding applause for his win and it was a just reward for his dedication after a long drought of a couple of years since his previous success. A bevy of femme-fatale-running mums finished hot on the heels of Terry in an excitingly close, hard fought six-kilometre duel. In a mass sprint dash to the line, Michele Smith finished an eye-catching second, narrowly ahead of Claire Pitkethly, Julie Evans and Jo-Anne Warren. These ladies were superb-in the rain, setting a rapid tempo out in front and keeping it going right to the judge to take the major honours. Their more highly credentialed back mark opponents were simply outclassed. Round four on the following week (last Friday, January 25) also resulted in front runners taking the three podium positions. The pleasant bush land course at North Nowra was the venue and first runner home by a huge margin was new contender Paul Cumming. This win was particularly impressive by Paul as not only was it his first attempt at the six kilometre distance, but he only started running a scant six weeks ago. Paul's talented running wife Michelle had better make room in the family trophy cabinet as Paul's scintillating win last Friday by a resounding one minute margin augurs well for some future big race wins. Maxine Gernyi was equally impressive putting in a strong run to claim second. This result surprised few as astute judges have been noting Maxine's recent build-up in training in preparation for her initial assault next month on a tough 32 kilometre marathon - the exciting coast to coast "King Island Imperial 20". Third at North Nowra, although fairly distant, went to hard grinding front runner Bill Seary who gives his all every week. This Friday round eight will be conducted on the enjoyable Tomerong village course with race time the usual 6.3Opm. There are now just three rounds remaining to season's end and the pressure for points is becoming intense, so it should be on for young and old. Tomerong village hall is the start/finish point and race distance six kilometres. Enquiries phone Terry Bailey 4421 6065 or Paul Jennings 4421 8332. |
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Road Run Report - Series 3 - Rounds 1 & 2 The Forest
&Bells Lane THE hot summer days experienced since the new year have certainly made for testing conditions for round one and round two of series three of Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing Competition conducted the previous two Fridays on January 4 and January 11. Despite this the keenness remains high with 29 starters doing battle at "The Forest" in round one and no less than 36 runners lining up in sweltering temperatures for round two on the Bells Lane course last Friday evening. While the actual temperature for round one wasn't quite as high as the extreme 34 degrees of round two the air was still and close at "The Forest" off Jervis Bay Road and the mid-race drink station was certainly welcomed. Four inveterate "femme-fatales" led the field home in round one with strong marathon exponent Eva Moeller-Duhme (3.00) showing a good return to form to hold off a late challenge from training partner Debbie Sansom (5.00) to score a thrilling photo finish win by the narrowest of margins. Debbie's famous finishing kick is difficult to hold off and Eva was absolutely flat to the boards to keep her nose in front in the final 100 metres. Front-runner Alison Coates (-3.00) appeared home and hosed 300 metres out and her close up third position was a brave effort in a stirring fight to the line. Completing the female quadrella in a blanket finish was talented track runner Leanne Davidson (7.10) who missed a podium standing (and more importantly a big bar of chocolate) by a whisker. A large bunch of runners then crossed the line in rapid succession after an exciting final kilometre tussle to claim positions five to 16 in the following order of Rob McDonald (14.00), Doug Jeffrey (6.30), Eric Moeller- Duhme (9.50), Di Ozolins (1.40), Bill Seary (-1.00), Lisa Carroll(6.00), Linda Weatherill (10.50), Glenn Sansom (14.20), Terry Bailey (0.20), Cathy Harris (7.30), Patrick Ozolins (14.40) and Bill Broughton (12.00). And so we moved on to round two at Bells Lane and as already mentioned the thermometer was still showing a hot 34 degrees at race start time at 6.30 in the evening and the surprisingly large field of 36 runners knew they were undoubtedly in for "a hard day at the office". And so it proved to be with three runners wisely listening to their bodies and pulling out at various stages of the tough six-kilometre journey. Many of the remaining 33 runners who did complete the course were reduced to a walking pace and the vast majority of the field recorded finishing times some two to five minutes slower than usual. A few competitors dug extra deep into their reserves however and in great testimony to their fitness displayed enormous heart to tough it out right to the line to finish towards the head of the big field. Michelle Cumming (5.40) proved victorious on the day and was a most worthy winner after spending the past several months struggling with debilitating leg and back injuries. It was great to see her return to the winners' circle in such demanding conditions. Jo-Anne Warren's (3.00) run to claim second position was equally noteworthy as she certainly chose the toughest of days to make her summer run debut this season. Jo-Anne's many years of cross country running have obviously contributed to her developing dour strength and determination to hang on when the going gets testing as she actually led the race with a solid tempo for a long, long way. Powerhouse back-marker Damian Smith (13.50) blazed through the field to come home strongly in third place. This was Damian's first run for many weeks, but he has obviously regained his race fitness with some presumably secret training. Others who performed out standingly on the day given the conditions were in positions four to 14 as follows Linda Weatheril (10.30), Eric Moeller-Duhme (9.20), Sky Martin (2.2Q), Peter Dooley (14.10), Dean Bryce (8.30), Scott Martin (12.20), Patrick Ozolins (14.10), Glenn Sansom (13.50), Maxine Gernyi(3.20), Paul Davidson (15.40) and Leane Davidson (7.30). The remainder of the field straggled home in a long drawn out affair and I'm sure some aged about 10 years - or they probably felt like it. However being the resilient bunch that they are (or should that read stupid bunch) no doubt they will all bounce back and line up this Friday for round three at Vincentia. Hopefully there will be a cool sea breeze off Jervis Bay. Start time is the usual 6.3Opm with pre-race admin from 6pm. Plantation Point is the start/finish location and race distance six kilometres as usual. Enquiries phone Kevyn Davis 44 47 8309.
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Road Run
Report - Series 2 - Round 7 LAST Friday evening saw the all important final round of pointscore of series two of Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing Competition. The pressure was on as it was the last opportunity to grab some desperately needed points in an endeavour to snatch a last gasp podium placing in the overall series two standings. Going into this the final round, the ever-consistent, back-marker Steve McCullagh (204) had a solid 12 point margin over fellow rear of field exponent Paul Davidson(192) followed closely by another back-mark hot shot in Mathew Kinsele (188)in third position. Others in the mix were popular front-runner Claire Pitkethly (183), quiet achiever Ed Egan also on 183, and talented former international representative Rob McDonald who has shown dashing form in recent weeks (182). Hovering on the heels of this group were two much under rated contenders in marathon exponent Angela Bond (179) and super-veteran Bill Seary (178). The major place getters of the series would obviously come from this group while other competitors would be running basically for pride only. Race start saw a few interesting developments when of the eight major contenders, three virtually eliminated themselves automatically by being non-starters on the day. Claire Pitkethly, Rob McDonald and Bill Seary were the trio who would now be relying solely on previous high scoring rounds to carry them through or hoping that the other five contenders would have disastrous runs in last Friday's final round. And to a degree their hopes were realised when Angela Bond had a shocker crashing out of contention with a dismal 19th place finish (although she claimed long and loudly that it had nothing to do with lack of running ability it was all because of harsh treatment by an over-zealous handicapper. Now this may be true but after all he does have a reputation to maintain). And so it came down to the final four - Steve McCullagh, Paul Davidson, Mathew Kinsele and the stalking Ed Egan. And how close could it be - Steve McCullagh was the handicapper's next victim with a series worst finish of a lowly 15th place while Ed Egan finished the best of the four in a strong fifth place. Paul Davidson in seventh and Mathew Kinsele's fighting nineth place earned them good points, but who would come out on top? Would Steve McCullagh survive or would he fall from the podium? With the two worst scoring rounds being dropped there was obviously nothing between these four and earlier results in the series could well decide the outcome. All will be revealed this Friday, but it can be disclosed that a mere 10 points was all that separated first to fourth in the final calculations. Friday's race was in itself an absolute thriller with a titanic last kilometer battle by a contingent of some six or seven runners giving their all for an outright round win. Front runner Terry bailey (1.00) at this point suddenly found himself being attacked from all sides with first Lisa Carroll (5.00)sweeping past closely attended by Doug Jeffrey (6.00), Cathy Harris(7.20), Leane Davidson (7.20) and Ed Egan (7.40) coming strongly. A short distance astern, but also closing rapidly came Paul Jennings (8.40) who in turn had Hayden Miller (11.00), Crissy Suffolk (11.20), Alison Strand (9.20) and Laura Daley (9.20) looming in his mirrors. Three hundred metres out and Lisa Carroll had surged to the lead and was bolting for home. Was this going to be her first ever win in three years of summer road running? But she wasn't there yet as incredibly first Paul Jennings blazed past and then young whipper-snipper Hayden Miller came with a withering run. Down the long 100 metre straight and it was Paul Jennings in front, but looking desperately (and repeatedly) over his shoulder as young Hayden was now sprinting hard and catching Paul with every stride. With flailing legs Paul made a gasping final lunge right on the line to just hold on by a stride over his youthful rival in a spine-tingling photo finish. Lisa Carroll claimed a well deserved third placing in her first ever chocolate-winning result. Crissy Suffolk snatched fourth position from Ed Egan in the final 10 metres of the six-kilometre journey Alison Strand, Paul Davidson, Laura Daley, Mathew Kinsele, Doug Jeffrey and Cathy Harris all ran well to finish closely behind in a big bunch in positions six through to11. Race winner Paul Jennings was obviously benefiting from his recent three weeks of altitude training in Oregon, USA (or maybe it was that extra zip he developed while being chased by a cougar on a run in an American National Forest). This Friday sees a social run at Shoalhaven Heads at the usual time of 6.3Opm. The following Friday will also be a social run with Cambewarra Lookout being the venue. Series three pointscore will start on Friday, January 4 with round one at the forest course on Jervis Bay Road. Enquiries phone Kevyn Davis on 44478309.
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Road Run
Report - Series 2 - Round 6 THE tough and experienced veteran runner Peter Dooley showed his resilience last Friday evening with a resounding victory in round six of Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing Competition. The peaceful Tomerong Village was the venue and its tree-lined undulating country lanes proved as enjoyable as always, but conditions were extremely testing for the hardy 25 combatants as the summer heat and exceptionally high humidity took its toll over the closing stages of the demanding six kilometer journey. Many runners spent all their pennies early in an endeavour to make up ground from their respective handicaps and after the turnaround peg the long two kilometre run for home saw large groups of contenders struggling badly with overheating problems. Such was the intensity of the conditions, which reduced several to a staggering shuffle, it even took its toll on some of the stronger and more credentialed campaigners. A sight never before seen by this scribe was of the brilliant and extremely talented Linda Weatherill at one stage walking at the rear of field. Mind you Linda is currently endeavouring to overcome a severe injury of shin splints, which no doubt was a contributing factor to her demise, but it was also noted that she dug deep into her reserves and powered home in her usual spirited fashion to over take six or seven runners in the final half kilometre. Anyway back to the winner and what a win it was by powerhouse Peter Dooley. Peter is a runner of long standing with Nowra Athletics Club and is equally proficient at track running, cross-country and road racing. A regular rear-mark starter Peter is super quick and always gives 100 per cent. Unfortunately his consistency is his downfall as the handicapper has him well pegged and his podium results are almost non-existent in this road competition. However last Friday was his day, a day when the toughest would reign supreme and so it proved to be. On the testing final two kilometre run to the judge when the conditions really started to bite Peter strode on relentlessly with his long metre devouring loping style taking him past exhausted runner after exhausted runner to eventually surge to the lead 300 metres out. He then sprinted down the finishing stretch to break right away to score a strong victory of about 60 metres over his rivals. Equally impressive in second was Sandra Coyte who ran magnificently and had the race won right up to virtually in sight of the finish line. Sandra had earlier scooted right away at the turnaround point and established what appeared to be an unassailable lead and despite the heat and stifling humidity she fought valiantly right to the bitter end. And bitter it probably was so near and yet so far. Still as they say it's called "character building". Also full credit to third place getter Glenn Sansom, who like the winner Peter Dooley, often finds his back mark handicap just too severe to overcome. Glenn is super-consistent and thoroughly deserved this rare podium finish. He was certainly quick to claim his chocolate at presentation time. It was also good to see regular competitor Eric Moeller- Duhme finish well up in a fighting fourth. This is by far Eric's best finishing placing this season, but as they say in the Olympics who cares who came fourth. You may as well finish last you don't get a medal (or even a chocolate). With that encouragement we remind runners that next Friday is the final pointscore round of series two. The Christmas break will see a couple of social runs at Shoalhaven Heads Beach and at Cambewarra Mountain Lookout followed by a resumption of pointscore competition with series three starting on Friday, January 4, at the forest course. Anyway we're getting ahead of ourselves this Friday round seven is the Bells Lane course with the, start/finish point at Paul and Tracy Jennings residence at 34 Tartarian Crescent, Bomaderry. Start time is the usual 6.3Opm see you there. Enquiries Kevyn Davis 4447 8309.
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Road Run
Report -Vincentia - Series 2 - Round 5 Memories of olde (not necessarily memories of old runners) came flooding back to officials at last Friday evening's Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing event when blast-from-the-past veteran Bill Broughton made a welcome return to competition after a lengthy two year absence. He stormed around the scenic Vincentia course to score a scintillating win. Admittedly Bill had the advantage of a relatively light handicap (8.00), but even so the win was all class. It was a great sight to see this champion runner (several times winner of the father-son award in the famous Sydney City-to-Surf plus highly credentialed Shoalhaven King of the Mountain results). Once again leading the field home and by a clear one-minute margin. What a return to racing! Mind you Bill has now shown his hand (or should that read feet) and any repeat victory will certainly have to be earned the hard way. In a spirited battle for the minor placings front-runners Alison Coates and Bill Seary showed great heart giving their all to hold off the charging pack coming with a rush over the final 500 metres. It was desperation stakes as they sprinted for home and with the officials shouting encouragement these two inveterate pacemakers stretched despairingly for the finish line. However young pocket-rocket teenager Jonathon Davies (8.20) swooped and right at the post lunged past to snatch second placing by a whisker from Alison Coates with Bill Seary finishing the closest of fourths. This is about the sixth or seventh time this season that Bill has been tipped out of a chocolate winning position after seemingly having it in his grasp only metres from home. The handicapper simply loves it. Other eye-catching performances on the day were by the classy free-flowing Laura Daley, the determined last start winner Doug Jeffrey and vastly improved super quick back-marker Steve McCullagh. Taking positions five, six and seven these three finished the race snapping right at the heels of the major place getters. Also in the mix in the run to the judge 'came a competitive group of runners' headed by the talented Cathy Harris (8th), powerful back-marker Paul Davidson (9th), strong marathon exponent Angela Boad (10th), much underrated Lisa Carroll (11th), the quietly determined Scott Martin (12th) and the never write her off running mum Di Ozolins (13th). A mere 25 metres covered these six runners as they flashed across the line in a last gasp battle for points. Just to make sure the officials and timekeepers were kept well and truly right on their toes (as obviously were the competitors) finishers 14 to 24 also crossed virtually nose to tail in a most exciting finish to what was a supremely hard fought, tough, six kilometre challenge. No doubt the intense rivalry will continue this Friday when round six will be conducted on the fast Tomerong course. With it's long one kilometre downhill finish the racing is always keen at Tomerong and with just two rounds of the series two pointscore remaining it will certainly be on for young and old - literally. It should be a case of no quarter asked because there will certainly be no quarter given. To gain an advantage, meaningful gifts of untold bounty delivered to the race handicapper during the week could be a wise undertaking by many and is highly recommended at this stage of proceedings. See you at Tomerong, start time is 6.3Opm, enquiries phone Kevyn Davis 44478309.
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Road Run
Report - Series 2 - Round 4 THE drizzly showers last Friday evening kept numbers down for round four of series two of Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing Competition. For some however the inclement weather was a bonus as it meant much cooler temperatures from the previous week and this certainly brought out the best in a few of the competitors. The relatively small field of 19 runners were keen at the 6.30 start time and although there were some large gaps with the handicaps the North Nowra bush trails provided a pleasant setting for some hard racing. Reveling in the conditions and powering to the lead at the five km peg the " Phantom" Doug Jeffrey(5.00) stretched right out in the long run for home to establish a big break over his rivals and score a well deserved win. Although this victory was considered to be somewhat of an upset astute judges of form were not overly surprised as Doug is an experienced campaigner and is well known for his wet weather running abilities. He is also a determined competitor and if he gets a break early he can be almost uncatchable. And so it proved to be. Coming home a strong second was "Mr Versatile" Andy Depree (11.00) who surged through the field to catch all bar the winner in a good run. Finishing equally strongly in an impressive performance for third was Tammy Jones (5.00), another contender whose running abilities are well known and competitive results surprise few experts. It is good to see Tammy coming back to form after many months in the "wilderness" - watch her in the coming rounds. The series two pointscore table is at an interesting stage at this the halfway point with the leading 15 contenders being as follows: 1 Steve McCullagh 110; 2 Angela Bond 108; 3 Terry Bailey 101; 4 Ed Egan 100; Claire Pitkethly 100; Andy Depree 100; 7 Lauren Carroll 99; Paul Davidson 99; 9 Mathew Kinsele 98; 10 Di Ozolins 97; 11 Rob McDonald 96; 12 Alison Strand 94; 13 Bill Seary 90; Leane Davidson 90; 15 Alex Pitkethly 89. This Friday's run will be at the popular Vincentia Course with Plantation Point car park being the start/finish location. Race distance is the usual six kilometres and start time is 6.3Opm. Enquiries phone Kevyn Davis 4447 8309. |
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Road Run
Report - Series 2 - Round 2 THE racing for round two of series two of Nowra Runners Summer Road Running Competition conducted on the Bells Lane course last Friday evening had a similar feel to that of Australia's other great race also conducted last week - the Melbourne Cup. As was the case in the Melbourne Cup the Nowra Runner's field had a good sprinkling of dour mature stayers up against some younger more toey contenders, but several of who were a little suspect at the distance. However as the race panned out the result was uncannily similar to the Melbourne Cup when a relative outsider got up in the closing stages to score what in the end turned out to be a fairly decisive victory. Nowra Runner's surprise victor was young teenager Lauren Carroll who like Her fleet-footed counterpart winner at Flemington is well bred, but hasn’t raced to her full potential in recent starts and was therefore somewhat overlooked in pre-race discussions. In fact as the 28 competitors in Nowra Runner's SIX Kilometre event turned at the outward peg and started the two kilometer run for home Lauren (like Efficient) was reasonably well placed, but appeared to be giving the tearaway leaders too big a start and her chances of a major placing were considered slim at best. Indeed popular running mum Claire Pitkethly (go) had surged to the lead at this stage and was opening a gap over early race pacesetters seasoned campaigners Bill Seary and Terry Bailey. As they approached the uphill pull with just one kilometre to go these three intrepid leaders started to feel the pinch and suddenly found themselves under attack from a group of contenders coming with late runs. This group included Di Ozolins (2.20) who now latched on closely followed by Lauren Carroll pushing hard and then a short gap back to a rapidly closing trio of Chris Davies (8.30), Stephen Connolly (9.30) and Peter Snare 11.50). The race was now on and the final half kilometre was a frantic lung bursting dash for home (ala Melbourne Cup). Just 300 metres out and brave leader Claire Pitkethly was swooped on by a late surging Lauren Carroll who then streaked away to score a good 50m win. The battle for the minor placings was a real thriller with Claire losing second only in the last stride to an overpowering Stephen Connolly with Chris Davies, Peter Snare and Di Ozolins completing the exciting bunch finish only metres astern in positions four, five and six. The Melbourne Cup may have a higher profile, but the racing by Nowra Runners is certainly equally hard fought and winners and place getters equally difficult to pick. Round three of series two this Friday will be conducted at the forest course off Jervis Bay Road. Race start time is the usual 6.3Opm with the race distance being Six kilometres. Should rain during the week render this course unusable then the race will be moved to the Vincentia course at Plantation Point. Runners should check the Nowra Athletics Club’s website if in doubt, other enquiries phone Kevyn Davis 4447 8309.
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Road Run
Report - Series 2 - Round 1 WITH the advent of daylight saving Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing Competition has now moved to Friday evenings instead of Saturday afternoons, as was the case with series one which was completed two weeks ago. Series two started last Friday evening with round one of the series being conducted on the pleasant and much enjoyed Tomerong Village course. The change to Friday evenings brought out a few new faces although the number of starters (29) was actually a slight drop with a contingent of regular competitors being absent on various commitments. The racing proved to be as intense as ever with a cooling southerly buster arriving right on cue at the 6.30 start time assuring a good fast race tempo with no overheating problems for the competitors Honours on the day went to a determined Julie Evans (1.20) who forged to the lead dropping fellow front runners Claire Pitkethly (1.00) and Terry Bailey (1.00) as they entered the final two kilometres stretch to the finish. On the long one kilometer downhill run to the line Julie found herself nicely clear and lifted the pace as she had her first win of the season well in her sights. With her previous best results being a fifth and a 12th Placing from seven starts this was Julie's day, but she had to earn it. Only 80 metres astern and closing fast was experienced marathon exponent Angela Bond (5.30) with an even closer margin to a chasing Laura Daley 9.40) who in turn had a charging back marker Steve McCullagh (12.30) right on her heels. To add further Spice to the mix, the long-legged Terry Bailey (1. 00) was still in Close attendance and about to launch his flow legendary turbo-boost finishing sprint, while cunning Ed Egan (7.40) was stealthily hovering and Powerhouse back-marker Mathew Kinsele (14.50) had worked his way through the field and was coming home at a rate of knots. With 100 metres to go Julie sensed the danger and lifted the pace once more to dash across the line for a well deserved victory. Such was Julie's determination at the judge she had actually increased the gap slightly to about 90 metres with Steve McCullagh finishing strongly to claim second by 40m over a slightly tiring Angela Bond who is more accustomed to a slower paced 42 kilometres rather than a fast six kilometre Sprint. Missing a chocolate by a mere 20m was fourth placed Laura Daley who just edged out Terry Bailey, Mathew Kinsele from the back and seventh placed Ed Egan all of whom raced to the line just metres apart. This Friday evening racing returns to the Bells Lane course with the start/finish at 34 Tartarian Crescent, Bomaderry. Race time is the usual 6.3Opm with six kilometres being race distance. Enquiries phone Kevyn Davis 4447 8309.
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Road Run Report - 2 x 4km Relay With series one of Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing Competition completed two weeks ago last Saturdays run was a non pointscore event consisting of a two person team relay race. The tree-lined avenues of Vincentia along the foreshores of Jervis Bay offered a scenic and flat and fast four kilometre course for the runners and the pace was certainly on right from the gun. It was interesting to note the cunning that this novel event brought out in some of the runners. Tammy Jones and Dean Bryce, both of whom haven't come within cooee of winning a chocolate thus far this season, saw a great opportunity to steal a march (excuse the pun) over their rivals. Both brought in talented family members to be their relay teammate and thus boost their chances enormously for a shot at outright victory. Tammy Jones arrived at the start with streamlined (and obviously superbly fit) sister Caroline Gathercole all the way from Canberra (some people will go to any lengths to win a chocolate) while Dean Bryce brought effervescent light-footed teenage daughter Kaitlyn Bryce to serve it up to the opposition. And the ploy worked perfectly as at the completion of the first leg (bearing in mind this was a handicapped race) Tammy Jones was in a strong fourth position setting up a good platform for sister Caroline to bring it home. Kaitlyn Bryce meanwhile had run a scorching first leg in 17.35 to reach the changeover point in a challenging seventh. It was now up to lanky long-legged dad Dean Bryce to put in the long ones in his pursuit of the leaders. It was obviously going to be a battle royal between these two teams as Caroline powered to the lead with Dean also surging past runners and Closing with just two kilometres to go. However turning into the downhill stretch for home Caroline still held a good break and powered across the line to claim a well deserved win with a gap of 150 metres over a gaining Dean Bryce who now had a similar gap over the pack. After a dour race long duel the final podium placing (third position) went to the team of Crissy Suffolk and Cathy Harris a scant 10 seconds off fourth placed team of Lucia Vernon and Terry Bailey with virtually identical small 30 metre gaps between the next five teams of Sandra Coyte/Claire Pitkethly; Sky Martin/Scott Martin; Lauren Carroll/ Alex Pitkethly; Andy Depree/Mathew Kinsele and Laura Daley/Doug Jeffrey in ninth position. The remaining seven teams gave their all, but could not overcome some fairly severe handicapping. Now that daylight saving has started, racing will now be conducted on Friday evenings instead of Saturday afternoons. This week sees round one of series two of the pointscore competition with Tomerong village the venue. Racing will start at 6.3Opm Friday (admin from 6pm) at the hall in Tomerong with race distance being the usual six kilometres. Series one pointscore honours went to talented former national cross-country representative and numerous State titles holder Rob McDonald. Rob snatched the top of the table position (223 points) with a strong seventh place finish in the final round of series one at North Nowra two weeks ago. Super quick back-marker Alex Pitkethly claimed second (214 points); just shading equal third Ed Egan and Di Ozolins (212 points); Leane Davidson (211 points) just missed a podium placing (and more importantly a chocolate) by a lone one point. There are still two series to go in the competition and with seven rounds apiece there are many opportunities to score points (or a chocolate), you at Tomerong village this Friday. Enquiries phone Kevyn Davis 44478309. |
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Road Run Report - Round 7 - Saturday, 20th October New Course tests runners THE warm conditions last Saturday afternoon (20-10-07) did little to deter the enthusiasm of Nowra Runners when 36 starters lined up to do battle for round seven of Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing Competition. This was the final round of series one of the competition and this fact combined with the intrigue of a new course were probably conducive to the good roll-up. The Bernie Began Sporting Complex at North Nowra was the start/finish point with the course winding along throughout the adjoining bushland for it's six kilometre journey. With a scarcity of any severe hills the front runners made every post a winner with Kerry Parker leading from start to finish to post to score a resounding runaway win. Kerry maintained a sizeable gap throughout to cross the line with a winning margin of some one and a half minutes. In a great battle for the minor positions keen running mums Sky Martin (4.30) and Claire Pitkethly(1.30) gave it all in the run to the judge to score second and third respectively narrowly ahead of a huge finishing bunch of back-markers. For the chasers points were all important and positions four through to 25 saw several mass group sprints for the line with mere inches separating many as they crossed the stripe. Going into this the final round of series one, the points table showed a great battle in the standings with Di Ozolins 200, Leane Davidson 186, Bill Seary 181, Alex Pitkethly 178, Lucia Vernon 178, Rob McDonald 175, Alison Strand 167, Terry Bailey 164, Chris Davies 162 and Ed Egan 161 being the leading 10 contenders. The big question was could Di Ozolins follow her previous two rounds victories with another good run and therefore cement a title win? Initially her chances appeared almost beyond dispute when second and third placed challengers Leane Davidson and Bill Seary were non-starters. But race results showed Di had a shocker last Saturday finishing a dismal 32nd - was this the title gone or did she still have enough of a points gap? Come along this Saturday when all will be revealed. All that can be disclosed at this stage is that the fight for honours was extremely close with only 25 points covering the top 10 and less than 10 points separating the top four. The program shows the annual string relays scheduled for this coming Sunday, unfortunately this has been cancelled and members should note that there will now be a run on Saturday at the forest course off Jervis Bay Road. This will be a handicapped relay race for teams of two runners with each running four kilometres instead of the usual six kilometres. Runners are urged to arrive by 4.15 for a normal race start time of 4.30. Runners may nominate their teammate or alternatively partners will be drawn on the day. Enquiries phone Kevyn Davis 44 47 8309.
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Road Run Report - Round 6 -
Saturday, 13th October Perfect weather conditions once again brought out good numbers last Saturday for round six of Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing Competition. The challenging, but delightful -Vincentia course with it's lovely winding tree-lined avenues was the venue and the cool, calm weather conditions made for some fast and furious racing among the 36 starters. There were actually 37 but Debbie Sansom suffered a knee strain, mid race and was forced to with draw- the only plus for Debbie was, that at least it did not happen the week before when she was competing in the Melbourne half marathon, but more of that later. Back to Vincentia - and in a scintillating display of hill running young Yasmin Smith (7.20) cleared right out from the field to score a huge upset and cross the line well out in front by a big margin of just on a minute. Running mum Lucia Vernon (5.00) continues to show rapid improvement as a result of regular training sessions to come home an impressive second, while the extremely talented youngster Jyle Smith (14.10) snatched third away from veteran Bill Seary (0.20) by a stride in a photo finish for the final podium position. This is the third time in the last four runs that Bill has had a chocolate snatched from his grasp when only metres from the judge after six kilometres of dour front-running. Life just isn't fair sometimes - or should we just blame that heartless soul - the dastardly handicapper. There were some big runs on the day and the most impressive included Jo-Anne Warren,Warwick Jones, Leane Davidson, Dean.Bryce, Terry Bailey, Di Ozolins, Peter Dooley, Tammy Jones, Scott Martin, Mathew Kinsele and Sandra Coyte who filled positions five to 15 after some tough duelling along the demanding and fairly hilly six kilometre course. Such was the closeness and depth of rivalry that at one stage there were some 20 runners charging for .the finishing tape with just over 60 metres covering the entire group - kept the officials right on the ball. The previous weekend a number of runners traveled to Melbourne to compete in the Melbourne marathon and half marathon. The group's three half-marathon exponents were particularly successful with personal best times recorded by all three. Glenn Sansom recorded an outstanding 1 hour 24 minutes for a two-minute personal best, while wife Debbie Sansom achieved a superb 1 hour 55 minutes, which was a massive mind-blowing 8 minutes faster than her previous best half marathon time recorded earlier this year in Canberra. Nowra's other representative 61 years veteran Eric Moeller-Duhme was a tick over 1 hour 40 minutes in a sterling run to reduce his personal best by a wide margin of some 3 1/2 minutes. To top off these outstanding results Glenn and Eric both finished a magnificent fifth placing in their respective age categories. Nowra had two runners in the tough full marathon event and despite some setbacks with a touch of the flu on the day both Geoff Crook and Eva Moeiler-Duhme dug deep and successfully completed the testing 42-kilometre distance. Their times were a little slower than expected at 4 hours 22 minutes and 4 hours 42 minutes respectively, but just to finish a marathon is a huge achievement at the best of times let alone when you are really not well. Congratulations to these five runners Nowra runners once again, out and about achieving excellent results. This Saturday round seven of the summer competition is on a new course at North Nowra. Bernie Regan Sports Complex is the venue with pre-race admin at the usual time of 4.15, enquiries phone Kevyn Davis 4447 8309.
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Road Run Report - Round 5 - Saturday, 6th October Tomerong Proves to be a Challenge THE peace and tranquility of Tomerong village was shattered last Saturday afternoon when 34 road runners arrived and huffed and puffed their way around the delightful tree-lined avenues. It was round five of Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing Competition and the cool southerly change earlier in the day made for ideal running conditions. Taking the honours (and the biggest chocolate) for the second consecutive week, running mum Di Ozolins absolutely blitzed the field off her two- minute handicap to score a resounding victory by a clear margin of 34 seconds. Talented young teenager Rose Dooley (8.10)repeated her previous outstanding run back in round one on this course to power past the early starters to come home strongly in second. Completing the femme fatale trio in the podium positions was another keen running mum in Sky Martin (3.00) who had to pull out all the stops in the run to the line to snatch third in a thrilling photo finish for the minors. The desperately unlucky fourth place finisher was popular mum Bronwyn Jeffrey who ran superbly out in front for much of the six kilometer journey only to succumb to the chasers in the concluding stages and miss a chocolate placing by a whisker. Never mind Bronwyn - there is always this week. Just metres behind the leaders the following three runners flashed across the line virtually in unison. In a spirited finish young visitor Mathew Davis(11.30) pipped experienced campaigner Linda Weatherill (12.00) on the post after a dour racelong struggle. Front-runner Claire Pitkethly (1.00) held on bravely to be the closest of sevenths, while versatile veteran Bill Seary put in a courageous run off his “go” start to be close up in eighth. A short gap of 40m further astern a trio consisting of Jonathon Davies (10.00) and super-quick back-markers Alex Pitkethly (16.20) and Damian Smith (15.20) lunged across the line absolutely locked together to claim positions nine, 10 and 11 in that order in a titanic finishing sprint. A long procession of some 20 runners then greeted the judge only scant metres apart which kept officials well on their toes for the next minute or so in a great finish to a strongly fought 6km battle. This week racing will return to the challenging, but scenic Vincentia course. Plantation Point car park is the start/finish location and runners should arrive by 4pm-4.15 for a race start time of 4.30. The distance will be the usual 6km and it will be interesting to see if the chocolate diet of the previous two rounds victor Di Ozolins can once again propel her to a convincing win - and some experts would have you believe chocolate is bad for you - must be some losers that’s what I reckon. As they say winners are grinners. See you at Vincentia.
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Road Run Report - Round 3 - Saturday, 15th September, 2007 Frontrunners put it to their faster and stronger back-mark rivals when they took the first five positions in round three of Nowra Runners Summer Road Running Competition conducted on the fast Bells Lane course last Saturday afternoon. Thirty-three starters lined up to do battle in near perfect cool weather conditions and spirited running was the order of the day. The course was the longest encountered thus far at approx 6.3km a situation which it was felt would favour the faster back-markers. However exactly the opposite eventuated when the frontrunners were able to maintain a solid tempo and lead the chasers a merry dance through out. The lack of severe hills also played into the leaders' hands (or should that read feet) and unlike the previous week's race at Vincentia, which is quite demanding and hilly; the Bells Lane course allowed the leaders to keep a good cadence going for the entire Journey. At the line it was a last gasp sprint for podium honours which saw "go" marker Alison Coates tip out fellow frontrunner Bronwyn Jeffrey by a narrow 20 metres. Long legged veteran Terry Bailey (2.30) once again displayed his legendary "end of race" sprinting ability with a "turbo-boost" last 100 metre dash. to claim third over fellow veteran campaigner Bill Seary (2.30) with newcomer running mum Julie Evans (5.00) finishing the closest of fifths in an eye-catching run. The well-traveled and highly experienced Crissy Suffolk (15.30) was the best placed of the rear mark starters after powering through the field to claim sixth off a 28th starting position. There was then a short gap of 50m to a big bunch of some 16 runners surging across the line with just strides separating them in a titanic last gasp battle for points. Keeping timekeepers and officials well and truly on their toes this group consisted of a good mix of youth versus experience frontrunner versus faster back-marker. Steve McCullagh (17.20) charged home to head the pack in 7th position followed closely by Eva Moeller-Duhme (8.30) 8th, Doug Jeffrey (9.30) 9th, Jon Schol (19.30) 10th, Linda Weatherill (15.00,) 11th, Jonathon Davies (13.10) 12th, Le-Ann Hanson (2.30)13th, Rob McDonald (15.00)14th, Elisa Godwin (14.20)15th, Mathew Kinsele (18.40)16th, Di Ozolins (2.30) 17th, Paul Jennings (14.20) 18th, Chris Davies (13.10) 19th, Patrick Ozolins (18.00) 20th and Michele Cumming (12.10)21st. The remaining 12 finishers either simply found their handicap just too severe or alternatively just had an easy run in preparation for a long-distance beach race to be held at Cronulla the following day. This Saturday round four will be held at the forest course off Jervis Bay Road. Turn right into the forest approximately 4.5km along Jervis Bay Road from the Princes Highway. Start time is 4.3Opm sharp with pre-race admin from 4pm. Race distance is the usual 6km and this course is particularly delightful along peaceful forest trails. New. runners as always are most welcome, enquiries, phone Kevyn Davis 44478309.
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Road Run Report - Round 2 - Saturday, 8th September Round 2 of Nowra Runners Summer Road Racing Competition was conducted on the popular Vincentia course last Saturday afternoon Conditions were ideal at the 4.30pm start time with the heavy rain squalls experienced earlier in the day dissipating completely. As was the case during last year's competition the challenging, but delightful Vincentia course attracted a good roll-up of competitors with some 37 runners lined up to do battle as the starting gun fired. As the participants congregated during the pre-race registration period there was a definite tenseness in the air when many runners discovered that their handicaps had blown out some three to four minutes from the previous week at Tomerong. Most of the experienced Nowra runners are fully aware that the race handicapper is completely untrustworthy, is a most heartless individual and considered by many to be an absolute idiot when assessing running capabilities. And so it was with much gnashing of teeth and rumbled mutterings that runners set out on their testing six kilometre Journey. Unfortunately for several of the front runners some of the course directional arrows were tampered with resulting in a number of competitors taking wrong turns and some running a much longer distance while others inadvertently ran shorter. Despite this setback thankfully the majority of the field ran the correct course and the racing proved to be keen with some fantastic tussles taking place both at the front and further hack in the pack. The battle for line honours was a beauty with fleet-footed mums Michele Smith (9.10)and Leane Davidson(9.30) going at it hammer and tongs for the entire six km journey. Into the finishing straight it was anybody’s race and in a last titanic finishing print Michele got up by a stride over Leane in what was a superb race day by both ladies. The fairer sex completed the trifecta with third going to another running mum the ever improving Lucia Vernon. Lucia has recently undertaken a fairly solid training regime and is already reaping the benefits even at this early stage of the season. The next three placings also went to the ladies with rising star young Lauren Carroll backing up the previous weeks win with a strong fourth position just pipping experienced Tammy Jones on the line. Strong Melbourne half marathon campaigner Debbie Sansom finished the closest of sixths to this pair in the final sprint to the line. And so the race was run and won and certainly the podium finishers were quite happy with proceedings as they munched contentedly on their winner’s chocolate bars. The other 34 finishers left for home holding some forlorn hope that the handicapper might lift his game for this week's race round three which will be held on the Bells Lane course at Bomaderry this Saturday. Start time is the usual 4.30 with pre-race administration from 4pm.The start/finish is at the residence of Paul and Tracey Jennings at 34 Tartarian Crescent. Race distance is the usual six km. New runners are always most welcome and enquiries please phone Kevyn Davis 4447 8309 or Paul and Tracey Jennings 44218332.
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Good Field for road opener-1st September, 2007 A GOOD field of 33 runners faced the starter for round one of Nowra Runners Summer Road Running Competition held last Saturday afternoon. A new course at Tomerong Village proved popular with the quiet village and bushland setting providing a pleasant atmosphere for the runners. The undulations also kept competitors on their toes and the final kilometre downhill run home was ideal for some fast finishing sprints. The course was well marked thanks to co-ordinator Dean Bryce and all contestants commented favourably on the excellence in this regard. Young Lauren Carroll scored a narrow but well deserved win over a hard charging Alison Strand with experienced marathon campaigner Eva Moeller-Duhme only metres away in third. Former world cross country competitor Rob McDonald was inches behind Eva for the closest of fourths followed closely by youngster Rose Dooley who surged home strongly to pip veteran Ed Egan for fifth. Newcomer Mathew Kinsele (with a 1.23 half marathon to his credit) ran well in his first outing with the club despite a fairly severe 16 minute rear of field handicap. Other first time starters Mitchell Hudson, Jo-Anne Warren, Julie Evans and Alison Coates had relatively tough runs, but have quickly learned that although the race handicapper tries to impress with gifts of chocolates he is really not a nice person. This Saturday round two will be held at Vincentia with start/finish at Plantation Point car park. Start time is 4.30, but runners are urged to arrive 15-20 minutes earlier to allow for pre-race administration. Race distance will be the usual six km and new runners are always most welcome. Enquiries phone Kevyn Davis on 4447 8309.
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