Storming Sam Steals Simon’s Show

David Staff Fell Race – 26^th November 2006

Report by Neil Taylor

Sam Watson’s run of the season put race winner Simon Bailey in the shade at Darwen today. Lucky for some 13^th place, Sam proved his metal and cruised home as first Wharfedale counter. What are fast becoming the 3 club musketeers of Lancashire based races, Sam, Kevin Rogan and Neil Taylor enjoyed a fine day and even finer race at the David Staff Fell Race, once again splendidly organised by Darwen Dashers.

Despite what looked like the potential for a cold and wet run – with an impressive rain shower on the journey to Darwen and some mean and threatening looking cloud formations during changing, the day stayed fine, indeed sunny at times. The customary pre-race debate of what gear to wear proved Kevin once again the bastion of good fashion sense, persuading Sam “it’s too ruddy warm for a vest…it’s only December” and Neil “strewth, this is near artic!” to compromise on vests being the order to the day. See attached photo for proof!

Fast starts by both Sam and Neil up through the woods with Kevin getting into his stride, picking off runners as he went, preceded the steady climb up to the space-rocket looking Jubilee Tower. Some supportive decent climbs and nice running, then back down through the woods. Sam held off the first lady (Lisa Lacon), Kevin just got the better of his race competitors, and Neil sprinted (yes, it can happen apparently!) to the line to just get ahead of the 3^rd lady (how unchivalrous!). Disappointment of the day was for Kevin who’s dodgy calf re-asserted it’s presence during the final run-in.

On intrepid trio’s positions from the 111 entrants…

Sam Watson	39:52	13^th place (3^rd U20)
Kevin Rogan	44:17	40^th
Neil Taylor	46:25	57^th

Prize giving in the Sunnyhurst Inn (which our 3 intrepid heroes decided to walk to rather than take the car – thereby facilitating themselves of a fine, if not unexpected, warm-down) with suitable refreshments rounded off a great way to spend Sunday.

Results service was the best we’d ever seen at any race. When we got to the pub (and we were some of the first to do so….hmmm…something about us here perhaps?) the first 100 places were already printed and on the wall, with full printed copies of the results available to all straight after the prompt prize-giving. Top show Dashers.

Our thanks to Darwen Dashers for another fine race

Good on you Darwenites!

Next week’s race…Bolton-by-Bowland!