Slalom Plus keep it in the Family
Dull. Dull, dull, dull. That was the weather, not the racing, in the October penultimate round of the Race League.
Notable absentees for TSP included Brodie Goddard-Jones who kicks a pig’s bladder around for the County most Saturdays now. Big Dave Brennan broke a fetlock playing footy on the eve of Race League and had to be destroyed. Rapidly improving Tom Paine had been made an offer he couldn’t refuse to play for his school’s egg-chasing XV (first of the Mafia style references – stay alert there will be more later). Robyn Marment was selected to be pinging around gymnastically on race day afternoon and had also withdrawn. The Manager, alias the Godfather, had decided he was due a day off and contented himself with stalking the slope, encouraging the teams to hit the heights that he can’t. Phil Gardner was blotto somewhere in Nailsworth.
But such is the strength in depth at TSP, that the A and Bs both fielded strong teams, bolstered by the heads of the main families doing there bit. In the A’s, back from injury came the rubber faced Fraser Mitchell, Chantelle returned from footballing parental duties, and David Innes came in to seek the success that eludes his Magpies. October’s special guest star was TSP legend Rich Luxton. The B’s were much as September, but welcomed Nicki Innes, a genuine all-action adrenalin pumping athlete, who bounds over mountains before breakfast.
Briony G-J and Shannon Tyrell made their customary appearances for KAT, joined by 6 from Avon, George Case, Emma Penhale, Harry Hartley, Annabel Hancock, Thomas Hancock and Dale Thrupp. Leather faced Derek Jackson completed the team.
All in all, there were 4 Innes’ (a unique occurrence for TSP), 3 Marments (Robyn did morning forerunning duties), 3 Mitchells, 3 Holdsworths, 2 Tyrrells, 2 Poths and 2 Goddard Jones’. Members of the 7 families, TSP salutes you!
It was to be expected that Rich Luxton would be rusty. Natural therefore that Rorie would lend him some rusty edged planks to keep him in his place. But by the days end, ski’s would be swapping round like car keys at a swinger’s party, and onlookers would be treated to a glimpse of the racer that took All England and other honours a few years ago.
The morning couldn’t have gone much better for all 3 teams. For the A’s, Robert Poth, Iain Innes and Kieron Tyrrell took places 1, 5 and 6 in the under 10s, with Daniel Poth and Fraser 1st and 7th in the under 13s. Rorie, James and Rich fought out 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the under 30s, whilst Chantelle and David Innes nicked 1st and 4th in their groups.
Several racers in the B Team are in prime form. Simon Holdsworth took 2nd in the under 40’s with a blistering run, Mike Stephens zipped to 5th in the under 18 ‘group of death’, whilst Lauren Holdsworth and Creagle Marment hit top form to register 8th and 11th in the equally competitive under 13s. Jack Holdsworth, Olivia Mitchell and Robbie Innes all showed that they will be zooming up the rankings next year when kilos and metres will be added to their diminutive frames. Nicki was grumbling that she was under prepared for the race, but it didn’t show. She slotted in comfortably, just behind Karen and Phil. KAT raced with great heart, led by Harry Hartley and Shannon Tyrrell.
So, lunch was taken in good spirits, the A team having scooped 176 points and the B’s 95.
2007 has seen a remarkable improvement in TSP's dual slalom form, even from the smallest racers. Rich Luxton was untouchable (geddit?) and Iain simply refuses to be beaten. Their clean sweeps were matched by Rorie whilst David, Chantelle, Fraser and Rob all won twice. Compromise is not in Daniel’s vocabulary, and he scorched out in every run! A tricky last gate put paid to some of the best racers, and robbed Kieron of 2 wins.
James was bitter and twisted after suffering a disqualification and a defeat to Rich, all this on top of a panning by a girl last month. James is not available in November as he’s going stateside, but he’d have been dropped anyway as an example to faint souls. I might send him a Sicilian message too, perhaps a big girl’s blouse left in his bed?
The B’s were just as impressive. Creagle and Lauren were imperious and Jack’s delight at his 3 wins brought smiles from all. Nor was Nicki to be denied, twice victorious. Karen, Robbie and Olivia won once and Simon scored a dead heat and more bruises. KAT’s Shannon and Harry won two apiece, Briony, Annabel, Thomas, Dale and Derek once.
By the day’s end TSP A had netted 232 points in first place, taking their overall lead over Midlands A to a decisive 67 points with just November 3rd to come. TSP B’s 145 was enough for 7th, moving them to 8th overall, 7th being a real possibility next month. KAT were 12th and a good result next month should keep them there.
And finally … Phil Mitchell looked pretty bushed all day. Something to do with working in London all week and Claire being very pleased to see him on Friday night. Next time Claire, let him get some sleep before a race, he’s all yours after.
Notable absentees for TSP included Brodie Goddard-Jones who kicks a pig’s bladder around for the County most Saturdays now. Big Dave Brennan broke a fetlock playing footy on the eve of Race League and had to be destroyed. Rapidly improving Tom Paine had been made an offer he couldn’t refuse to play for his school’s egg-chasing XV (first of the Mafia style references – stay alert there will be more later). Robyn Marment was selected to be pinging around gymnastically on race day afternoon and had also withdrawn. The Manager, alias the Godfather, had decided he was due a day off and contented himself with stalking the slope, encouraging the teams to hit the heights that he can’t. Phil Gardner was blotto somewhere in Nailsworth.
But such is the strength in depth at TSP, that the A and Bs both fielded strong teams, bolstered by the heads of the main families doing there bit. In the A’s, back from injury came the rubber faced Fraser Mitchell, Chantelle returned from footballing parental duties, and David Innes came in to seek the success that eludes his Magpies. October’s special guest star was TSP legend Rich Luxton. The B’s were much as September, but welcomed Nicki Innes, a genuine all-action adrenalin pumping athlete, who bounds over mountains before breakfast.
Briony G-J and Shannon Tyrell made their customary appearances for KAT, joined by 6 from Avon, George Case, Emma Penhale, Harry Hartley, Annabel Hancock, Thomas Hancock and Dale Thrupp. Leather faced Derek Jackson completed the team.
All in all, there were 4 Innes’ (a unique occurrence for TSP), 3 Marments (Robyn did morning forerunning duties), 3 Mitchells, 3 Holdsworths, 2 Tyrrells, 2 Poths and 2 Goddard Jones’. Members of the 7 families, TSP salutes you!
It was to be expected that Rich Luxton would be rusty. Natural therefore that Rorie would lend him some rusty edged planks to keep him in his place. But by the days end, ski’s would be swapping round like car keys at a swinger’s party, and onlookers would be treated to a glimpse of the racer that took All England and other honours a few years ago.
The morning couldn’t have gone much better for all 3 teams. For the A’s, Robert Poth, Iain Innes and Kieron Tyrrell took places 1, 5 and 6 in the under 10s, with Daniel Poth and Fraser 1st and 7th in the under 13s. Rorie, James and Rich fought out 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the under 30s, whilst Chantelle and David Innes nicked 1st and 4th in their groups.
Several racers in the B Team are in prime form. Simon Holdsworth took 2nd in the under 40’s with a blistering run, Mike Stephens zipped to 5th in the under 18 ‘group of death’, whilst Lauren Holdsworth and Creagle Marment hit top form to register 8th and 11th in the equally competitive under 13s. Jack Holdsworth, Olivia Mitchell and Robbie Innes all showed that they will be zooming up the rankings next year when kilos and metres will be added to their diminutive frames. Nicki was grumbling that she was under prepared for the race, but it didn’t show. She slotted in comfortably, just behind Karen and Phil. KAT raced with great heart, led by Harry Hartley and Shannon Tyrrell.
So, lunch was taken in good spirits, the A team having scooped 176 points and the B’s 95.
2007 has seen a remarkable improvement in TSP's dual slalom form, even from the smallest racers. Rich Luxton was untouchable (geddit?) and Iain simply refuses to be beaten. Their clean sweeps were matched by Rorie whilst David, Chantelle, Fraser and Rob all won twice. Compromise is not in Daniel’s vocabulary, and he scorched out in every run! A tricky last gate put paid to some of the best racers, and robbed Kieron of 2 wins.
James was bitter and twisted after suffering a disqualification and a defeat to Rich, all this on top of a panning by a girl last month. James is not available in November as he’s going stateside, but he’d have been dropped anyway as an example to faint souls. I might send him a Sicilian message too, perhaps a big girl’s blouse left in his bed?
The B’s were just as impressive. Creagle and Lauren were imperious and Jack’s delight at his 3 wins brought smiles from all. Nor was Nicki to be denied, twice victorious. Karen, Robbie and Olivia won once and Simon scored a dead heat and more bruises. KAT’s Shannon and Harry won two apiece, Briony, Annabel, Thomas, Dale and Derek once.
By the day’s end TSP A had netted 232 points in first place, taking their overall lead over Midlands A to a decisive 67 points with just November 3rd to come. TSP B’s 145 was enough for 7th, moving them to 8th overall, 7th being a real possibility next month. KAT were 12th and a good result next month should keep them there.
And finally … Phil Mitchell looked pretty bushed all day. Something to do with working in London all week and Claire being very pleased to see him on Friday night. Next time Claire, let him get some sleep before a race, he’s all yours after.
posted by rorie scott at 8:54 AM
