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Phoenix out in force

Saturday 16th April 2016

Phoenix out in force

From the two hundred teams who entered the Sussex Road Relays at Christ's hospital on Saturday 10th April, Phoenix came home with a medal haul, including their 6th successive senior men's victory and a return to force for the Phoenix females.

Splitting their lead runners between the A and B teams, the Senior men dominated their race. The B team of Max Pickard, Jon Pepper, James Miles, Dan Thomas, Sean Parker-Harding and Josh Guilmant lead for the first 2 legs. The A team of Jose Luceron, Bill White, Ross Skelton, Patrick Acaye, James MacCarthy and Robbie Fitzgibbon did move in to the lead to take their 6th successive victory with Robbie running the fastest lap. One of the most exciting finishes saw Josh sprint for silver in the last 100m.

The indestructible O60 men's team of Malcolm Kemp, Terry Avey and Paul Whelpton won another gold for Phoenix. Paul took over the last leg a good minute behind the leader, only to storm in first by a good distance and run the fastest lap.

Well done also to the O40 men's team of Steve Groves, Steve Selby, Matt Greenall and Paul Wishart and O50 men teams Nigel Herron, Mike Townley & Ray Mathews for their bronze medals.

Maintaining their form, the Phoenix U15 girls team Maia Hardman, Naomi Fonteyn and Saorise Mcguiness brought home another gold whilst the U13 girls (Milly Dickinson, Alice Wright and Eloise Nicoll) took bronze. Maia continues her fantstic form, running the fastest lap in 6:02.

Well done to Liz Halliday, Louise Gregory and Lesley Fairbairn in what looks like a silver medal in the O50 women's race after at first being mistaken for an O40 team such was their speed! (official confirmation pending...)

It is good to report there were four (yes, four!) women's teams entered covering the Senior, O40 and O50 races. This is a return to strength for the Phoenix females who have been dwindling in numbers in previous races.

Well done to all those who took part.