Lightweight Slalom Plus are Outgunned

There was to be no repeat of May’s heroics. SRL round 2 saw the return of some familiar faces amongst the opposition, and a further weakened TSP ‘A’ would be up against it.

A return also to traditional Race League weather. Flaming June came disguised as early autumn, as a cold, wet and windy day took hold.

Western Counties had set the course, taking advantage of lots of newly laid slick matting to lay out a fast track. Long settings at the top would favour those who had eaten all the pies over devotees of green salad.

TSP ‘A’ had lost 3 ‘veterans’ - Robyn Marment, Tom Paine and Fraser Mitchell – to the calls of school gymnastics and cricket. So, in came Luke Henry at under 15 for his first outing in 2009, whilst fast improving Oliver Andrew got a deserved crack at top level, as did the lovely Ms Jubbly, Emily Mills. Otherwise, it was May’s selection, Bryony Goddard-Jones, Livvy Mitchell, Kieron Tyrrell, Christian Marment, Mike Stephens, Dave Brennan and Chris Gardner.

Cricket and illness meant late withdrawals from TSP ‘B’ leaving them with 8. Good to have the Holdsworths back, in the shape of grinning 8 year old Jack and sweetness herself Lauren whilst mum Claire took charge of the afternoon duals. They were joined by aspiring Penelope Pitstops Alex Jeynes and Holly Becket, the Boulder Brothers Oliver and Jay Shaw, and Peter Perfect played by Ben McKinley. Last but not least there was Louis Szopinsky, who was juggling the competing demands of Ballet with his skiing. He did so by squeezing in one morning timed run and an afternoon dual whilst Mum Lidia played taxi driver. Hope he had time to get his ski boots off before taking his ballet exam?

In theory, Harlequins boasted an unprecedented one and a half teams. In practise it was chaos as there were no shows, late draftees and some transfers to other teams. Phil Gardner and Jean had a hard time piecing it together, and the outcome was 9 in the ‘A’ Team including TSP’s Mela Roberts, and just 3 in the ‘B’s.

As expected, the slighter racers found the morning timed runs a challenge but there were some good results. Livvy Mitchell is tall for her age and is beginning to generate the sort of power that we’re accustomed to seeing from brother Fraser. Her 13.13 seconds for 2nd in group and 46th overall was outstanding. Likewise, 6th for Kieron and 7th Creagle were excellent efforts. Bryony’s 12th was a tad below par, but the afternoon was to bring her revenge. Luke Henry arrived late with wax-less skis; lack of practise and poor equipment preparation left him a modest 16th in the fiercely competitive under 15s, way below his best. Ollie Andrew’s 7th in the under 20s was good going and he is a racer on the up. Mike, Emily, Dave and Chris used the conditions to best advantage with two 4ths and two 2nds in age groups, the guys breaking the 12 second barrier.

Jack, Alex and Lauren led the way for the ‘B’s with strong showings in the under 9 and under 15 group. Ben, Jay and Oliver also continued their improvement. Holly also put in a spirited run whetting her appetite for the duals.

For Harlequins ‘A’, Tom Dwight and Heather Askew took creditable 11th and 12th positions in the under 20 group and Ethan Hemming 16th at under 9. Pride of place though to Emily Brooks in the ‘B’ team with 4th in the under 12 group.

At lunch, TSP ‘A’ had notched 148 points, 4th behind Western Counties’ 165, Midland Hawks’ 167 and a resounding 175 by Gloucester ‘A’. Lots of work to do in the second half.

At this point, it’s worth mentioning how helpful it has been that most racers came ready with the exact race fee of £11. But there is always one that bucks the trend. To save embarrassment, I’ll let him retain his anonymity. Let’s just call him Peter Crews. Anyway, first time I’ve been offered a £50 note for ages.

The duals turned into a right Curate’s egg. Bryony and Mike were untouchable. Kieron, Christian, Emily and Dave seared to two victories, all narrowly missing out on a clean sweep. Livvy’s timed run had put her in elevated company, but she still took one win and was a close loser twice. But Luke, Ollie and Chris couldn’t muster a win between them. Still, 59 points had been racked up.

Once again, the Holdsworths led the ‘B’s attack. No one could head Lauren, and Jack missed three wins only by conceding a tie. Oliver, Holly and Jay won twice apiece, none enjoying victory more than Holly. Ben battled hard as ever taking a deserved win and a tie. Breathless Louis returned from Ballet and pirouetted to a win from his only race.

James Haskew starred for Harlequins ‘A’ and was unbeaten. Mela Roberts, Sarah Kingsman and Heather Haskew secured 2 victories. In the ‘B’s, David Locke won twice, whilst Meical Harding took a win and a dead heat.

When the results were calculated, clear winners were Gloucester ‘A’ with a formidable 235 points, followed by Midland Hawks 227, Western Counties 220 and TSP ‘A’ 207. After 2 rounds, that means Midlands Hawks move up to first on 447, a single point ahead of Western Counties. Gloucester ‘A’ and TSP ‘A’ are 5 points and 14 points off the pace. So it looks like being a cracking season, with all of the top 4 capable of winning on their day and everything to play for.

TSP ‘B’ ended with 83, leaving them 12th in the league whilst a best ever 79 took Harlequins ‘A’ to 14th just 37 adrift of Welsh Pillagers.

TSP’s hotshots for June were Dave and Mike with 26, Emily and Livvy 24, Kieron 22, Creagle and Chris 21, Bryony 18, Ollie and Lauren 17, Jack 15, Oliver 11 and Ben 10. For Harlequins, Emily Brooks stood tall with 20, Heather 16, Tom 13, and Ethan, James and Sarah 10.

Despite the weather, it was fantastic to see so many families at the event. Heartfelt thanks to Phil for collecting the cash, preparing skis and doing the start marshalling. Also, Brodie, Jessie and Claire Holdsworth for getting the racers into the gate and helping in the duals.

Next round July 4th. We’ve some catching up to do.

Chris Gardner