It was a trophy bonanza for Shrewsbury Athletic Club following the last fixture of the North Wales Cross Country League at Oswestry on Saturday. The triumphant squad returned to the County town with an impresive collection of team and individual awards having successfully retained their 2007/08 senior mens title.
Although in a strong position to win the League before the last race, there was nevertheless a large turnout, spearheaded by England International Mike James. James, who had finally shaken off a chest infection, stormed to 3rd place, behind Chris Davies of Telford Athletic Club and Richard Roberts of Eyryi. Despite the absence of Ian Coupland and Dom Kirby through injury, the team rose to the occasion, with Duncan Beales, consistent once again in 20th place, then the welcome return of Andy Yapp in 23rd, with Kevin Francis edging out club captain Graham Jones in 25th and 26th places and Juan Castillo completing the team scorers in 34th.
Anna Bartlett narrowly missed out on achieving her highest placing, holding on to 2nd place in the Ladies' Race before being overtaken just before the finish.
The end result was a hatfull of awards. The club achieved 1st Team Trophies in the Senior Men And Men's Veteran categories and individual titles for Kevin Francis and Graham Jones in the highly competitive over 40 and over 50 categories respectively. Series prizes were also awarded to Anna Bartlett, 3rd in the Ladies'category and 2nd in the Over 35 Vets, Evan Williams, 3rd in the Over 70 Veterans, and Duncan Beales 2nd in the Over 45 category.
Most fitting was the special achievement award, the Bebbington Trophy, presented to Graham Jones, the Club's highly regarded and long serving captain. Jones' received the honour for his leadership and enthusiasm that has reversed the fortunes of the seniors' section of a club that recently celebrated it's silver anniversary. Jones has guided a dwindling team through a worrying period of low membership and achievement and built a highly successful squad of senior athletes capable of competing with the region's best. Attaining back to back cross country titles in the strong North Wales League is testament to Jones' dedication and popularity amongst his team mates. The seniors section now boasts its highest ever numbers with training tailored to cater for athletes of all abilities.
Results:
3 Mike James, 20 Duncan Beales, 23 Andy Yapp, 25 Kevin Francis, 26 Graham Jones, 34 Juan Castillo, 40 Steve Waters, 57 Steve Hatton, 66 Chris Wakeman, 86 Andy Beeston, 110 Ben Nash, 112 Duncan Rose, 120 ,Adam Stockwell, 124 Derek Owen, 125 Steve Oliver
Ladies Results: 3 Anna Bartlett 84 Sheila Richards
Photos of the days action can be found by following the link on the right of the webpage.>>
