Diamond Al Presented With Brace of Silver

Supporter Alan Black marked his 60 years as a Belgravian on 15^th November, and the squad were delighted to honour his presence with two sets of silver medals in these races that are more competitive than ever. The SOT used to be marketed at the “2^nd tier” of runners, and indeed clubs. Well, not any more, what with the reigning National 6 Stage champions hitting it hard, and only managing third.With our men in the midst of their rebuilding process and the women still ravaged by injury, this was a quietly determined 11 that came to race. The men had a little back-up with three going for the final scoring berth, while the women were right up against it again with no spares.To the gun and a frantic start that soon descended and narrowed in equal measure. Phil Wicks, winner of this one in ’08, was back for his fourth outing of the season and was at once to the fore.Andrius Jaksevicius got off to a great start in his purple patch and was keeping a close eye on the leaders, whilst Alex Miller made a welcome debut for mission ‘15-16. The fight for the anchor was owned by me for the first 500 yards, but Matt Taylor and Roy Maddams were not impressed and soon sailed past.For the women, Samantha Amend, with Valencia just six days in her legs, got off to a spectacular start, creaming a 4-minute first 1200. “I just wanted to get out of trouble – all those men!” She settled down and was not so far off the excellent Reid and Clements by the end. Is Sam in the form of her life? Close to it.This was never going to be a course to suit a speedster like Zoe Vail Smith – it was an absolute brute – I can’t recall a tougher one. The first climb was amazing, around a mile in length, and there were two more slogs as well, including the last which left one feeling too big to cry, but far too badly hurt to laugh.Zoe was pretty furious at her inadequacies at the end but no need – her fine season continues apace and her time will come. Jojo Rhodes was next, just three spots back, running with the clinical efficiency that has been her feature for 3.5 seasons. Three in 8 for the Belles, but now to finish the job.Back to the men, and incredibly Phil got as far as 2^nd, off one session in six weeks, and was the only senior to finish in the top 3 – bookended by a junior and a vet. Phil’s first SOT individual medal was 11 years ago. Congrats to him and as many to Andrius who scored an epic 7^th.Alex says we’ll be seeing more of him in his looming post-army days, and that can only be a boon as he cruised along like a good ‘un here. Ever dependable Roy closed us in, pressed all the way by Matt; and to our pleasure the talented Tonbridge tribe had been felled. As for Kent, no chance, even with a resting Paskar Owor we’d have fallen short, so that tactical move is not be regretted with the four big Championships to come.Right – where was Megan Bailey? There she was, looking good and tucking us away safely ahead of a tie for bronze. Our hat-trick of titles was not to be, but it’s the Belles’ third podium of the season, which has seen them as vulnerable as a peach in a blender.Men:1 A Yee U20 (Ken) 25:24; 2 P Wicks 25:46; 7 A Jaksevicius 27:03; 14 A Miller 28:03; 26 R Maddams 28:53; 30 M Taylor 29:18; 49 W Cockerell M40 30:48; 101 P Willis 34:40. 182 finished.1 Kent 17; 2 Belgrave H 49; 3 Tonbridge 52; 4 H/W 88; 5 Herne Hill 90; 6 AFD 108; 38 teams closed in.Women:1 L Reid (Ton) 31:28; 3 S Amend 31:50; 5 Z Vail Smith 33:29; 8 J Rhodes 34:03; 51 M Bailey 39:41. 101 finished.1 Kent 42; 2 Belgrave H 67; 3 Dulwich R 76; 4 SLH 76; 5 Ranelagh 86; 6 Thames H&H 87; 20 teams closed in.