Round 1 XCR17: Jells Park Cross Country Relays

MUAC collected silver and bronze medals amidst reports of widespread mayhem at Jells Park yesterday. A sudden influx of more than 1200 people to the normally serene parkland in Melbourne’s East turn into a chaotic scene of cheering, grimaces, sweat and lots of running.  Unconfirmed estimates put the total distance run at more than 4000 kilometres in hot conditions.  Melbourne University Athletics Club members have been named as instigators of much of the action with more than 40 of them seen running around the park in a distinctive sash uniform.

Emily French, Maddy Button and Sarah Lloyd kick off the action with a silver in the Women’s U20 race, the three MUAC debutants a fine second place just 45 seconds off first.  French, Button and Lloyd are part of a big cohort of U20 MUAC women who will be challenging for podium positions all winter.  MUAC’s Premier Men, always in the thick of the chaos, took an pleasing third place, in what has traditionally been a weak point for MUAC’s top men’s team. Kicked off by young gun Isaac Hockey, and with solid runs through the middle by Zac Newman, the enigmatic Charlie Park, Frankie Conway and James Maguire, Nick Earl crossed the line not far behind rivals Box Hill and St Stephens Harriers.  Earl only faltered with his dubious weather forecast with bright sunshine and warm temperatures a long way from the showers and overcast conditions predicted. The tight racing sets the scene for what looks to be a tough winter of competition for the team chasing the premiership.

MUAC’s Premier Women took out 10th place, brought home by debutant, and fastest runner of the day for MUAC, Ciara Boyd-Squires Long.  The MUAC Division Three Women run well to take 13th spot.

MUAC’s Division Two Men, with debutants Jack Powell and Luke Bell providing some of the fastest times of the day, rolled into fifth place in a very competitive division.  Our Division Three Men, featuring Matthew Connolly and Daniel Brundel on debut, got a respectable 9th place, with only one thirds team ahead of them. Division Five Men, with Alister Perkinson making his debut in the MUAC sash, took fourth place to continue the solid results for MUAC, with the Division Seven Men, with debutant Jeff Contreras, surprising themselves to collect 2nd place.

A big thanks to Daniel, David, Tim, Ally, Sho, Tim and Hamish for helping out with MUAC’s volunteer duties.

MUAC’s XCR teams will be back in action on May 13th at Wandin Park for Round 2 of XCR’17, with cross racing from 2km to 8km over a scenic, hilly course.

Results