Coe Fen Relays
By Andy Duncan
A summer sun shone in early February, and in the unseasonal warmth the first of the College League relays got underway. The 3km loop took in a small amount of grass, but mainly tarmac, perfect for some speedy times.
Both the Mens' and Ladies' races started at the same time, with David Yu, Robin Brown and Tim Pattison flying out at the front. Pattison (Downing) completed the course in a blazing 9:33, with second-placed Brown placing Jesus' baton fractionally in front of Trinity's in a sprint finish. Joining this trio in the sub 10-min club was Ulrich Paquet (Wolfson) and Jamie Brunning (Jesus). Brunning was instrumental in Jesus' college victory on the day, chasing down and overtaking Wolfson's Oliver Jardine on leg four. Notable team performance from Darwin, gaining third place.
In the Ladies' race, Charlotte Roach (Trinity) stamped her authority with over a minute gap between first and second place. Captain Harriet Owles completed her first College League race of the season, coming second (though competing for Selwyn Men). Newnham and Emmanuel turned out huge sides for the event, thanks to the efforts of Catie Knox (N'ham) and Ruth Kiveal (Emma). However, a rejuvenated Trinity with both Dr Joan Lasenby and Roach in-form pushed Emma into second, while a talented Darwin team took third ahead of Newnham.
A SUPER day with excellent racing conditions, and indeed excellent racing!