EXMOOR 30/30 HOT NEWS.

From the Branch Chairman,

Good day everybody -
          Well...we had a great day on Saturday 15th September and this short report will tell you all how it went.
 
Finance first.
As you will know, all in all, we managed to raise £8,129 for the RBL for this
event. The total amount raised by the competition was in the region of £35,000
which was a magnificent effort by everybody concerned. We raised the most, thus
that huige wooden trophy in The Coaching Inn stays with us for another year. So,
well done everybody who helped out.
 
Now the competition. The weather this time was perfect and first team to go left at 0430hrs, the others setting off at 5 minute intervals behind them. Our lads started eleventh (0520hrs) and really got stuck in. So much so that at the second checkpoint they had overtaken everybody and were out in front with a clear field in front of them. Home and dry, one might have thought. But...no way! Suddenly another team appeared on their shoulder and a seriously tough and punishing race began. The two teams were neck and neck all the way to where they waded across the River Barle at Sherdon Hutch and beyond - in fact until they were approaching the last check point but one. This was a devil of a climb (over 700 ft from the river to the top) and I knew that one or other of them would crack here. That remorseless climb after twenty-five miles completed was unforgiving and it was our rivals who broke, leaving our lads to race home, beating them in by almost half an hour. They crossed the finishing line triumphant but absolutely whacked in a record time of 7hrs 42mins (one hour and thirteen minutes faster than last years winning time!). 
 
It was a truly magnificent effort, something that we can all be proud of - and we must not forget the back up team who kept the lads fed, watered and properly dressed throughout. The day ended with a splendid dinner and prize giving out at the excellent Reception
Centre at Lisscombe, way out on Winsford Hill where the lads collected their prizes. There are many people to thank - first of all the team themselves  - Barney Andrews, Ian Marchant, Paul Hackman, Andy Horsnell and Jim Hunt - who gave their all. Secondly the back up team consisting of David Tomkinson and John Miller who really earned their keep by keeping the boys going. And finally to all of you who took time and trouble to come out to Exford and cheer the lads home. Your presence there was much appreciated, I can assure you, added to which it showed everybody what a splendid team spirit exists within the Branch.