The 71st running of the Sweeney Shield relay was won comfortably by the team lead by Ryan Woolley, with strong support from Natasha Town-Warner, Sarah Starkey, Steve Lindsay and Wayne Smith. They completed the 20.7km circuit in 83mins 39secs, 71 seconds clear of the next combination comprising of Cameron Poole-Smith, Gina Finlayson, Daniel Smith, Brendan Speakman and Laura Nagel.
Sadly the feature of the 2005 event was the poor number of competitors. With nine club members competing in the local marathon and a couple of others in a multi-sport event, plus the international basketball, illnesses and injuries the cream of the club was taken out of contention. It was sad to see this prestigious and historic club event attract so little attention from a club boasting over sixty active members.
On the opening lap of the relay, Woolley began conservatively before charging to the top of Puketapu Hill. With a fast descent, Woolley (17.12) had established a huge 75 second advantage over Poole-Smith by the changeover.
Natasha Town-Warner (13.26) ran resolutely to keep her team in front, while James Harris (11.45) brought his team from fourth to within 6 seconds of the lead. Gina Finlayson kept her team in contention, 30 seconds adrift.
Sarah Starkey (13.22) fought desperately to just hold out Daniel Smith (12.49) by a mere 3 seconds at the next changeover.
With the fickle nature of selections 12 year old Brendan Speakman was pitted against 49 year old Steve Lindsay on the next demanding 5.4km leg. With storming runs up the Poraite Incline, the two exchanged the lead several times before Lindsay finally got an advantage on the new Prebensen Drive extension. Lindsay was just contemplating his conquest when fast finishing Craig Eustace (19.53) raced by. Eustace gained a 15 second advantage over Lindsay, while Speakman gallantly held on to be only another 11 seconds behind.
The oldest runner in the relay Wayne Smith took only 400 metres to cut down the leader Shayna Heywood. Meanwhile, Laura Nagel chased Smith boldly to the Greenmeadow Shops but couldn't bridge the gap and her effort told over the last kilometre. Smith (18.13) powered to the finish line at Taradale, recording the quickest time for the homeward leg.
report courtesy Trevor Fulton
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