CUHH v Thames Hare and Hounds 2009
CAMBRIDGE HARES MOB THAMES HOUNDS
Standing in the rain on Queens’ Backs getting splashed by cars, we waited for our bus to arrive. This dreary start to the day was thankfully not a sign of the fortunes of the Cambridge University Hare and Hounds in their annual race against sister club, the Thames Hare and Hounds on Wimbledon Common last Saturday.
As the encouragingly sized teams, both male and female, arrived at the course for the event affectionately known as the ‘Mob Match’, the sun broke through the clouds and the races, approximately 4 miles for women and 7.5 miles for men, got under way. The courses are extremely similar to those that will be run in the Blues Varsity Match at the beginning of December so the race is particularly valuable in terms of preparation for the big day.
Although not a surprise winner, Churchill’s Amanda Scott ran superbly to cover the ladies’ course in a rapid 23.20. This was the fastest time over the course since 2001 so it is looking like Scott will be a very precious member of the Varsity team come December. It is a shame that the Churchillian is only studying in Cambridge for one year as part of the Gate Scholarship Scheme. 2nd and 3rd in the women’s race also went to Cambridge in the form of Lauren Barklie and Anna Anderson whose times, along with the subsequent girls to finish, underlie how strongly the women’s squad is looking this year. The first Thames Hare and Hounds lady finished in 7th place showing some superb domination by the light blues.
The men’s race also provided fantastic results and promising times for Cambridge. With Jesus’ James Kelly taking the men's 7.5 mile race in a blistering 38.05 he was closely followed in by Aidan McGowan in 38.20. Club Captain Robin Brown finished in 3rd place and must surely be heartened by his team’s performance on the day as a whole. Once again, Thames Hare and Hounds’ runners were pretty far off the pace.
Next up, the Hare and Hounds will face stronger opposition in the shape of the RAF and Eastern Counties this Saturday at RAF Halton; let’s hope the club’s results continue to soar.