With exactly half the season gone, the Hampshire Road Race League tables are starting to take shape. Tables are current following Stubbington 10k.
Ladies A currently occupy second spot behind the always strong Winchester A in the top division. Incredible that this is their first season in the top flight following promotion last season; 'amassing' a low score of 17 points - pulling further away from nearest challengers Denmead (on 26) in third since HRRL #5 Victory 5 mile back in December 2019.
Ladies B currently occupy second spot behind Winchester B in the top division and will look to hold off what is shaping up to be a straight challenge from Lordshill B, to finish higher than their 3rd place finish last season (currently tied on 23 points). With Salisbury having 43 entrants to Lordshill's 33, in the next fixture at Ryde 10 mile, an opportunity to put some daylight between themselves awaits.
Ladies C ARE currently top of their division with an eye wateringly low score of 6 having 'won' EVERY SINGLE RACE this season so far. Barring a catastrophic collapse coupled with a herculean effort from Victory's B team (currently 39 points behind), they look odds on to join Ladies B in the top division next season.
Ladies D are in their debut season and the only team keeping them off top spot are their C Team counterparts. Well clear of third place with a score of 18 over Victory B (45), they look odds on for promotion in just their first season along with Ladies C.
Men’s A have relinquished their top spot in the top division following a very strong performance from their rivals Winchester A at Stubbington 10k. Having led the way all season, an exciting second half awaits in what is only their second season in the top league, having consolidated their first year in the division with a 5th placed finish last season. Having 43 entrants to Winchester's 18 in the next league race at Ryde 10 mile, an opportunity may well present to allow top spot to be regained.
Men’s B have slipped into second spot following a very strong showing from local rivals Winchester B & C and Stubbington Green B at the Stubbington 10k race. still very much remarkable considering their 4th place finish last season. Again, with 43 Salisbury entrants in the next fixture at Ryde 10 mile, (Stubbington Green have 33) results will make for interesting reading once the dust settles.
Men’s C have retained 4th spot with a score of 32 in the top division; remarkably sitting behind rival ‘B’ teams following their promotion last year and sitting well clear of many other ‘B’ teams. Currently streets ahead of nearest challengers Stubbington B, it would appear to be a case of can the ‘C’ team catch Lordshill B team for that 3rd placed spot, given that they are 11 points ahead of nearest ‘C’ team challenger – Winchester C, currently on 43 points.
Men’s D, in their debut season, are enjoying top spot with a resoundingly low score of 19 - a huge 16 points ahead of Alton’s ‘B’ Team, stretching their lead by 9 points following Stubbington 10K.. They’re 20 points clear of third place, currently occupied by Denmead ‘C’ 39 points) and barring a monumental collapse due a low club turn-out over the remainder of the season, will look forward to instant promotion to join Salisbury B & C teams in the top division next season.
Full details of the HRRL tables and scores can be found HERE
by Craig Weatherburn