Press Report

Press Report 4th December 2006

It was certainly a great day for a "Plod" as Ilford Athletic Clubs’s amiable Scottish policeman Iain Campbell became the Essex Vets over 40 cross country champion at Claybury on Saturday. After some very near misses in recent years Campbell finally got the better of his demons with a superb victory over the 7.5k course. After losing out to Woodford’s John Sear in a titanic battle last year Campbell must have felt the bad dream was returning as he once again single-handedly battled a very strong Woodford Green team comprising Sear himself, Matt Flannelly, former winner Chris Brogan and a rejuvenated Johnny Wallis.

It was these athletes which all vied for positions as Colchester’s Paul Spowage led out a very strong field on the first small loop of a very sticky and difficult course with 3 tough larger loops still awaiting them. It was on the second of the larger loops that Campbell began to stretch away from Flannelly in pursuit with Sear holding 3^rd and Brogan and Thrift Green’s John Barker both coming through strongly. The gap had increased to over 200 metres by the end of the large loop as Campbell put in an arresting surge up the final hill to a much deserved victory shoutin his full battlecry of “at last” as he sped through the line.

Ilford’s Terry Knightley who self-confesses that his style is not suited to the mud was next home in 27^th with Neil Crisp battling through to36th . Steve Cheal closed the team in 78^th to place Ilford 8^th overall out of 13 complete teams.

Success tinged with some disappointment came in the men’s over 50s race as ex international Andy Catton tried valiantly to come away with a medal. With one of the strongest over 50’s fields for some years Catton’s brave attempt failed by 15 seconds as he finally had to settle for 4^th behind Dave Cox of Woodford, last year’s winner Alan Butler of Thrift Green and Mick Bond of Colchester. More disappointment followed when the team result was announced with Ilford finishing on the same number of points as Colchester but narrowly missing out on bronze by virtue of the placing of the 4^th scorer.

The consolation was that John Batchelor continued his excellent form by taking the over 60’s gold in 19^th position overall ably supported by a great run from John Mackenzie in 23^rd. Martin Clarke closed the team in 34^th just 2 places and 6 seconds adrift of his Colchester counterpart. Graham Williams was the only runner for an incomplete B team in 60^th place.

More success came in the women’s race which was held in conjunction with the over 50s men as Bree Nordin took gold in the womens over 45 with Pam Jones a silver to Walthamstow’s Pauline Rich in the over 55s.Mel Jones made a welcome return from injury to somehow find an excellent 25^th , a position she was delighted with. Sally Gillam and Dianne Crisp enjoyed their customary seesaw duel with Sally 49^th once again just pipping Dianne 50^th to the post.

The club enjoyed even more success during the week. Firstly it was learnt that 12 year old Alex Richards has won his first county cross country vest when he was asked to represent Essex in the under 13 boys at the SEAA Inter Counties cross country Championships to be held at Parilament Hill next Saturday. Alex has been running exceptionally well in the Essex Cross country leagues this year where he currently lies 5^th in his age group, and is rapidly improving and training with the senior men at the club..

Also the final results of the Essex County AAAs Road Grand Prix have been announced with Essex medals for Malcolm Muir (silver in the senior men), Terry Knightley (silver in the 40+ men), and Bree Nordin (siver in the vet women 45).

Ilford AC now look forward to 2 events this week. Firstly on Wednesday evening they are holding a welcome night for new members at Cricklefield stadium at 7pm. Runners of all standards are welcome. Secondly they are hosting the club 10 mile cross country championships including the insurance cross country championships (5 miles) to be held at Chigwell Row on Saturday 9^th December at 2pm.