Donnar Gives Plenty

By Brian Marantelli 1 May 2012

After a timing glitch on the day of race one, the winner’s prize was finally presented on Sunday to Joel Donnar at Boeing Reserve. Joel, in his second season with the Victorian Cross Country League, won by twenty six seconds from David Haigh and Lisa Roberts. Haigh and Donnar dominated the sealed handicap from the start with David Haigh crossing the line in 23:16 and Joel not far behind in 23:50. After the handicap adjustments, Joel’s effort to cling to the pacemaker was rewarded with a comfortable win. Joel completed his first season with the VAL over the summer and certainly showed at Karkarook Park that he is a runner improving with age and training.

Lisa Roberts has continued on with her 2011 form and great track season to finish third and record her best 6.5 kilometre rating and looks sure to add to her remarkable VCCL record. Colin Davis, finishing fourth, recorded his best finish since 2010 and is another that looks likely to figure prominently in the next few weeks. Gary Blake after a lacklustre 2011 VCCL season has started this winter in fine form with an excellent fifth. Remembering that Blakey’s best form is usually later in the season, we can put Gary down as a sure winner in the coming months. Corina Kapusta finished sixth and was easily the winner of the fastest female award. The novice award went to first starter Todd Foster with a handy time of 26:25.

The Victorian Cross Country League would like to thank Tony Moran and his stable for once again sponsoring the event. Tony, a long time runner with the club, is currently injured but will be back in action shortly.

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