Round 4 XCR17: Victorian Cross Country Championships

MUAC turned out in force for Round 4 of XCR17 with 35 athletes heading to the highest point in metropolitan Melbourne, Bundoora Park, for the 2017 Victorian Cross Country Championships. State titles and selection in the Victorian Team for the Australian Cross Country Championships were on the line, as well as valuable premiership points in the XCR17 series.

MUAC’s volunteers kicked off the day early, fronting up bright and early to help out for the All Schools races in the morning. A hearty thanks to Ilka, Kate, Matt and Max.

Ciara Boyd-Squires Long, Maddy Button and Sarah Lloyd continued their U20 team’s domination, all finishing inside the top 10 with Boyd-Squires Long just outside the medals in 4th place, and the team in 2nd.  The team has already built substantial lead, and will look to lock away the premiership in the next two rounds.

Josh Taylor had a solid run in the U20 8km race, flying the flag solo for MUAC and finishing 12th.

MUAC’s Premier Women continue their steady march up the ladder, with Sarah James leading the way in 9th place over the 10km course, MUAC debutant Freya Hik providing valuable points, and a late but welcome appearance from birthday girl Ruby Turner.  Currently sitting in 7th and just a point behind 6th, they’re easing clear of the dreaded relegation zone.

25 MUAC men were part of the 420 athletes in the Open Men’s 10km event, with Martin Mashford making a welcome return from Sydney to lead the White Train home in 8th place.   MUAC debutant Al Failla stepped straight into the big time taking the final spot in the Premier Men’s team, who came within 6 points of St Stephens Harriers for second place, with whom MUAC now share second place on the premiership ladder. Rob Vukman also made his MUAC debut, finishing just outside 40 minutes for the tough 10km course. MUAC scored well through all the divisions, with Divisions 2, 3 and 5 all mid table after four rounds of the season. The welcome return of Phil Van Dueren will see MUAC’s honourable gentleman back on the scoresheet in 50+ men, claiming 17th.

MUAC’s teams will return to action soon with racing two weekends in a row: Round 5 of XCR17, the Sandown Road Relays on Saturday 8 July and then Round 6, the Albert Park 10km on Sunday 16 July.

Provisional results

U20 Women, 1st, 23 points

Ciara Boyd Squires Long, 4th

Premier Women, 7th, 309 points

Sarah James, 9th

Premier Men, 3rd, 216 points

Martin Mashford, 8th

Division 2 Men, 8th, 673 points

Division 3 Men, 11th, 1102 points

Division 5 Men, 4th, 998 points

Provisional individual results