Week Ending - 2025/02/15

WARREN TAKES A FINE SECOND PLACE IN MUDBATH

Holly Hayes Wood played host to the fourth cross-country league race of six this season, and like most of the Midlands, failed to escape the persistent rain that has become synonymous with 2026 so far. The course was as muddy as could be, with participants struggling for grip on what is usually a very technical double circuit. Badgers were missing a few of their big beasts, but one ever-present of the current campaign, Danny Warren, produced a fantastic show of running that almost landed him the race win. The 39-year-old assumed a lead over Poplar RC’s Sam Martin, and by halfway, things looked promising for the dad of two. However, as the race entered the final stages, Warren had to slow his pace in order to navigate runners being lapped on the second circuit, and the gap began to close. Despite digging deep, the Baddesley man could not halt the younger Martin, who surged home in the closing sections to leave Warren disappointed but still rightly proud of another exceptional performance. 

Adrian Payne was next home in 14th place, first vet to finish, with captain Glyn Broadhurst running strongly to take 24th. Lee Taylor ran a great race to make the top fifty and become the fourth Badgers scorer. A fit-again Mark Coggan and the reliable Matt Green finished in 69th and 80th place, with the final scorers making their scoring debut for the club, as Michael Garrett and Dan Hilton finished within a place of each other to continue their solid starts. There was back-up close behind as Paul Grubb marked his 50th representative league race for the club in arguably the worst conditions experienced of the lot. Dave Jenkinson and Mark Reynolds all ran well. David Craig, Colin Lees and Eamon Thawley all managed to complete the treacherous course.

The ladies were once again led home by skipper Megan Griffiths, the deputy headmistress, who is fast approaching veteran status, and here she paved the way for her gallant gals in 24th place. Emma Masser is in the form of her life currently as she powered her way to a brilliant 26th spot, and with the reliable Janey Barrett and the improving Erica Bassford both well inside the top fifty, another good morning was had by the girls. With the experienced Stephanie White, vice-captain Sharon Jackson, and veterans Judy Parkes and Joanne Crow all battling hard, the team were never more grateful to finish and get into the warmth of the pub, where, for once, the official team photo took place rather than at the race venue!

In other events, Rhys Hopwood performed well in the Naseby 1645, coming through in 2:35. Alice Blecher and Vicky Brunsdon both featured in a 10K canicross event somewhere, and Mia Cox sped to overall success in the Riversley Park Junior parkrun in a PB time of 8:07. 

In parkrun itself on Saturday morning, Holly Smith marked her 300th appearance with a run out at an unusually sunny Bedworth, where team-mate Chris Horton set a new V50 all-time course record with his second place run of 17:39. Stephanie White was the highest placed female in the club with her 5th position at Rosliston. Megan Griffiths was the fastest female with her 25:04 at Babbs Mill (10th place), while Maggi Savin-Baden was the furthest flung as she tore round Redcliff Park in Brisbane, Australia.