Wednesday 30th June saw the third race in the Yorkshire Vets. League.

It took place at Esholt over a distance of 10k. The warm summer evening lead to good racing conditions, and the times of the runners proved this to be right.

The race was run around Esholt reservoir and along the canal, this course proved to suit Clive Grace who was Wakefields first man home in a fast time of 33:44, which earned him 10 points.

Second man home was Derek Price, 24th in a time of 36:29, who had a close race with Steve Wilkinson 26th in 36:41.

This left Wakefield in a good position in the team event, waiting for their fourth counter. But despite the absence of three of Wakefields top vets 40, Richard West, Steve Crossland and Dave Brailsford. The runners still managed third team, due to the return of Peter Isaacs. One of Wakefield's top vets although short of quality training, his 31st place proved vital, and left Wakefield still in first place overall.

Other competitors on the night were Joe Johnson who had a great run in the vets 55, and finished 54th overall in a time of 38:59. Stuart Anderson 71st in 41:10, who proved once again to be a top vet over 60, Dave Jeffries 82nd in 42:31, Alan Stainer 100th in 45:56, despite carrying a thigh strain sustained in the race.

In my opinion the success of the vets teams this season has been due to two things, one organisation and two squad size.

If you take the last point into consideration and look back at other team results, you will see that the team counters have been rotated. This just goes to show that if you keep having a large turnout you will gain success.

It's worth thinking about...