The latest fixture (race number seven of twelve) of the Hampshire Road Race League (HRRL) took place on Sunday 2 February 2020 at the hilly Ryde 10 mile.
Ladies A finished third at Ryde 10 mile and have retained their second spot behind the always strong Winchester in the top division having pulled yet another point further away from third placed challengers Denmead Striders whom finished fourth. Again, this is incredible stuff from Salisbury Ladies A given that this is their first season in the top flight following promotion last season.
Ladies B have relinquished second spot following a very strong showing by Lordshill B. An interesting run-in; in what is shaping up to be a straight tussle between Ladies B and Lordshill B for second spot. Ladies B will be delighted to match or finish higher than their 3rd place finish last season.
Ladies C are top of their division where they have remained all season; and currently an eye-watering 89 points beyond than their nearest C team challengers - Victory C. Whilst they will not be counting their chickens just yet, a place at the top table with Ladies B next season is their's to throw away.
Ladies D remain second and considering they are in their debut season, it is notable that the only team keeping them off top spot are their C Team counterparts and look odds on for promotion in just their first season along with Ladies C.
Men’s A are back joint first in the top division having won their race fixture in the division. In what is only their second season in the top league and having consolidated their first year in the division with a 5th placed finish last season, the season is already looking to be an incredible success considering the gap to third place.
Men’s B have roared back in to top spot having won the Ryde 10 mile race fixture in their division - incredibly having to only beat their counterpart C team to win the fixture - with nearest challengers Winchester B and Lordshill B finishing third and four respectively. An outstanding season so far from the B team following their 4th place finish last season.
Men’s C have retained 4th spot, finishing second only to their B team counterparts at Ryde 10 mile. Considering the C team are in their first season at the top table following promotion last year; they are currently the highest ranked C team by some margin - sitting behind rival ‘B’ teams and standing well clear of many other ‘B’ teams.
Men’s D finished a strong second in their race fixture at Ryde 10 mile. Currently in their debut season, they are enjoying top spot with a resoundingly low score of 21 - a huge 20 points ahead of Alton’s ‘B’ Team. Barring a monumental collapse due a low club turn-out over the remainder of the season, the D team will look forward to instant promotion to join Salisbury B & C teams in the top table next season.
Full details of the HRRL tables and scores can be found HERE
by Craig Weatherburn