CUHH v RAF v Eastern Counties 2008
By James Chettle
The build-up to the Varsity races got underway this weekend as the Hare & Hounds took on strong teams from the Eastern Athletic Association and the Royal Air Force. The hilly Magog Down course provided a stern test of running against the stunning backdrop of the city of Cambridge. Despite missing several key runners in both the men's and women's races, Cambridge will be encouraged by the strength in depth in the squad as strong displays were in evidence in midfield as well as at the front.
In the women's race, a strong EAA team took the top two places, with Trinity's Naomi Taschimowitz claiming third. Polly Keen held off a strong surge from two EAA athletes behind her to cross the line sixth, while Emma Figures narrowly edged out team mate Jane Mackey to claim Cambridge's third scoring position. Multiple injury-related absences for several top athletes meant the result of the team competition was never in doubt, with EAA scoring a resounding victory.
The men's race, though a far closer affair, again saw Cambridge miss out on victory, this time to the RAF. Club captain James Kelly continued his run of good form on from the Birmingham relays to record a comfortable victory. The industrious Will Mackay took fifth with an impressive display of aggressive running while Matt Clark, returning to the fold after a lengthy absence, finished tenth with a run that further affirmed his huge natural talent. A strong second lap from James Gill enabled him to gain some clear space on the group of runners behind him, within which Jon Cook and James Chettle followed him in to round off the scoring. The Cambridge 'A' team had lost 42-54, but credit must go to the Cambridge 'B' team who, led by Alastair Cliff and Maz Firouzi, edged ahead of the Eastern Athletics Team.
Thanks again to all those who made this event such a success, including all the marshals and timekeepers provided by EAA, whose help was invaluable.