DAC Newsletter – 21st June 2022
XCR Round 3 – Saturday June 18
Twenty distance athletes made the journey to Cruden Farm; a private property in Langwarrin. It has been a favourite of many winter athletes for cross country, and on Saturday it did not disappoint them!
The Open and Masters (long course) event was 12km for both Men and Women, and this was an excellent test of their winter preparation. The Masters short course event and junior events ranged from 5km to 8km, still quite the challenge over sometimes muddy and slippery ground.
There were certainly some thrills and spills, but thankfully no major injuries.
After 3 weeks of miserable Melbourne winter weather, the day was beautiful; still, sunny and around 15 degrees! Perfect running weather! The resident cows kept their distance, only their deposits and footprints etched in the mud signalled their presence.
Rachel White was a standout at Cruden Farm – placed 1st in her 6km U16 race! Rachel has been a very strong junior athlete, since joining the club when aged just 11 in 2019. Now, she is blossoming as a very promising young athlete!
Another excellent performance was from Sue Kilmartin, 2nd in the Women’s 50+ short course event; it was only in recent months that Sue commenced competitive running. It seems – ‘A Natural’!!
David Vaughan had another great run – being 7th in his M55 event (12km).
It was a big welcome to Erick Niyiragira! This was Erick’s first run with DAC, and he was easily the quickest of the club’s males over the 12km distance course. Great to have you join us!
In the teams’ competition, we faced tough opposition. Furthermore, we were slightly down on numbers in some age groups, affecting team scores. Junior athletes (and their parents) were weary as they near the end of term 2, and Masters Athletes (some) were competing in a Masters competition on Sunday 19th.
After 3 rounds of XCR competition, positions on the season ladder are becoming established. Our Men’s U14 and U18 teams are currently sitting in 2nd position, the Women’s Open (div 3) team in 4th, and Women’s 40+ team in 7th. A fantastic start to the season! Other age groups need a burst of involvement to gain a few positions on the ladder.
Hope to see YOU in action very soon!
Congratulations to all athletes who took on round 3 at Cruden Farm. Thank you also to team officials and the parents and volunteer helpers who made the day a good one!
All results:
Women Open and 40+ (12km) (Place and Number in age group)
Anita Finch 53:23 OPEN 53rd of 129
Kate Downward 1:01:31 (W45+) 13th of 17
Leah Finch 1:08:11 OPEN 116th of 129
Women Under 16 (6km)
Rachel White 23:37 1st of 20
Women 50+ (8km)
Sue Kilmartin 39:22 (W50+) 2nd of 12
Colleen Kelly 43.38 (W60+) 6th of 12
Men Open and Masters (12km)
Erick Niyiragira 42:58 OPEN 81st of 331
Brendan Cullen 48:59 OPEN 179th of 331
David Vaughan 50:34 (M55+) 7th of 30
Campbell McLennan 53:42 (M45+) 19th of 29
Jason Merrett 58:43 (M45+) 25th of 29
Brock Goodings 1:02:05 OPEN 307th of 331
Darryl Kilmartin 1.05.39 (M50+) 26th of 30
James Finch 1:11:10 (M60+) 19th of 20
Men Under 20 (6km)
Luca Scholes-Robertson 21:03 12th of 25
Josh Ascar 21:37 18th of 25
Lachlan Marasco 22:27 20th of 25
Men Under 18 (8km)
Liam McLennan 31:52 17th of 23
Men Under 16 (6km)
Aiden Marasco 23:37 23th of 28
Men Under 14 (5km)
Lewis McLennan 27:27 16th of 16
XCR Round 4 – St Anne’s, Saturday 25th June
We’ve got a quick turnaround to XCR round 4, this being the Eikiden Relays at St Anne’s (Bacchus Marsh). Entries are managed by the club, and several teams have been entered. If you require assistance with transport, please contact Matt Christy (Winter Coordinator) winter.coordinator@dac.org.au
The Track – Another Update
There have been further delays in completing the track resurfacing and renovation project. At this stage, the track will not be opening until after the coming school holidays. As yet, there is no official date confirmed. The track is still a work site, and entry is prohibited – trespassers can be charged. Not worth this risk! Please stay tuned for further updates. We look forward to returning to training as a club, and expect the result to be worth the wait.