Brimbank Cross Country

Having trained steadily under Tony’s watchful eye, the White Train were both physically and mentally prepared tackle Brimbank, one of the most ominous courses of the AV season. The very name sends shivers down the spine of even the most elite athletes, as the course has been quoted as the ‘ultimate showdown of fitness and endurance.’  The 8th of June delivered a beautiful winters day, with the sun shining gaily through a perfect blue sky as we gathered proudly under the Melbourne University banner.

This idyllic backdrop quickly dissolved as the women charged out of the gate. Although the 8 strong team started steadily, ‘hill-break hill’ proved just that for the select few who had spent the evening on the dance floor of Pugg Mahones.  Fuelled by energy from the sidelines however, Amanda Paulin dashed across the finish line in a time of 22:18 to place 4th.  After Brimbank, The Div 1 team are ranked 3rd, but will need to perform to keep APS United safely in their wake.

Smashing last year’s time, Mark Kirwin crossed the finish in 52:20, a repeat performance of 6th place. 15 of the White Train’s finest completed the 16km course, testament to our passion and die hard spirit. Whilst the Div 1 men are currently placed 6th, the DIv 2 team sit in  8th position. Special mention to James Macguire who competed in the Mens Under 20s and came in at 12th  in a time of 22:30.

After the grueling competition, some of the men retired to Gaylord – an  Indian restaurant so old it’s practically an institution. As I’m sure some will testify, there is no pain that a case (or bottle…)  of Hayward’s can’t fix.