On Saturday the unfancied combination of Aleesha Heywood, Brendan Speakman, Frank Busch and Cameron Poole-Smith reigned supreme to win the Strifflechase relay at Anderson Park by 34 seconds. The formidable team of Shayna Heywood, Laura Nagel, Eric Speakman and Ryan Smith had to settle for second, comfortably ahead of the Natasha Town, Anieke Engels, Graeme Edmondson and Stefan Smith selection.
A beautiful autumn day attracted 46 competitors, nine making their debuts with Napier Harriers. Shayna Heywood(8.34) produced the quickest opening lap to gain a 15 metre advantage over her sister. Crossing third was Annie Creagh(8.59) displaying plenty of effort to hold off Katie Harvanes.
A hand in plaster was no barrier for Brendan Speakman(7.56), who recorded the fastest second lap and gained a decisive 39 second buffer over Laura Nagel by the changeover. Strong runs from Anieke Engels(8.15) and Katie Harris(8.09) promoted their teams to 5th and 6th.
In running the quickest third circuit Eric Speakman(7.25) reduced the deficit by 16 seconds, but Frank Busch insured his combination retained a handy lead.
Cameron Poole-Smith(7.00) inherited to glory lap and revelled in the responsibility, stretching his team's margin and stifling any challenge from Ryan Smith. Daniel Wallis(6.04) recorded the fastest lap of the day bringing his team upto fourth, while Ryan Woolley(6.20) was the next quickest. |
