Middlesex Veterans’ Championship – Ruislip – 7th February 2004

Two South of England veteran champions proved the class acts of their county championships, both enjoying victories by the best part of a quarter of a mile, Gavin Collett reports.

Highgate’s Nick Martyn quickly moved clear of the field, despite not being totally happy with the combination of mud and stony paths on the undulating course, and the area champion was never in any danger of suffering a surprise defeat.

However, the over 50 category did throw up something of a surprise with Ealing’s Steve Plested overturning English international and reigning champion John Willoughby.

Charles Doxat of Serpentine did retain his over 60 title, where his nearest challenger was southern over 70 champion Ron Higgs.

The women’s race proved a comprehensive victory for Ealing’s Fiona Kennedy, the Southern over 45 champion winning the overall women’s race, leaving Heathside’s Jackie Wastell to continue her recent good form by taking the over 35 title.

On home ground, Hillingdon AC packed well to take an over 40 and 50 men’s team double for the first time with Thames Valley awarded the over 40 silver medals by virtue of their fourth scorer finishing in front of Ealing’s, though Ealing had the consolation of comprehensively lifting the women’s team title again.