David Spares No X Spence

By Brian Marantelli 27 June 2011

The Independent Signs 10k was run on Sunday at Woodlands Homestead under extremely windy conditions. Under theses trying conditions the backmarkers David Spence and David Page proved too strong for the field with Spence eventually winning by one second from Page and Tom Hecimovic running a good third. Sunday's win was Spence's first win with the Victorian Cross Country League but like his coach, last week's winner Mark Hipworth, David has won many of the more prestigious races on the VAL calendar. David, besides collecting the $400 first prize, also pocketed a pair of Ozsports Skins donated by Robert McGhie.

Although still well the backmarkers looked very competive at the halfway mark as the majority of frontmarkers were struggling to maintain their advantage into the wind. The one exception was Joe Caruana competing on his regular training track, who was still the leader inside the final kilometre before tiring to finish sixth. Tony Parsons and Greg Foran continued their good recent form running creditably to finish fourth and fifth. Returning to the top ten after a lengthy spell was Colin Davis, once again showing his keenness on the tough courses. Olivia Findlay rounded out the top ten and also gained the fastest female award. Fastest overall times went to David Spence (34.19) and David Page(36.45). Following on from a very good effort at Bendigo, Irene James took the novice prize.

Outside the placings, Roger Simondson, back after an extended break from the club has continued to show his old form may not be too far away. Wayne Davis finished last but obviously stopped to feed the kangaroos at some stage of the event.

The race was sponsored by Leanne Callaghan's company Independent Signs, Allan McCullen, Hugo Sarpa, Dennis Hughes and Brian Marantelli.

This week's event is the VCCL relay at Norton's Park on Sunday with a 10am start. Runners please be early as some teams may have to be amended through withdrawals or injury.

Those wishing to book a place on the Murchison bus for the 38th Murchison 10k please contact Lyn McKenzie.

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