Sport

More than 400 compete in Wimborne 10

Bright, sunny weather and an autumnal breeze greeted the more than 400 runners in this year’s Wimborne 10 Road Race on Sunday, November 21. This was the 23rd running of this popular local race organised by Wimborne Athletic Club and while ice and rain have sometimes characterised the race, the biggest hazard this year might have been the wrong sort of leaves on the road. Race director Steve Wyatt mobilised a large contingent of club members to carry out the essential duties necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the race. As a consequence, the prizes go elsewhere. Race regular Rob McTaggart of Bournemouth AC won the Men’s race in 53.34. He was closely followed by Chris Peck of Egdon Heath Harriers in 53.47 and Ben Renshaw of the Bridport Harriers team in 53.58. The first three in the Women’s race were similarly closely grouped. Unattached Molly Rasch was the race winner in 1hour 04.42 followed in close order by Diana Leggott of the Lonely Goat Running Club 1.04.57 and Jenny Lee Marshall of Purbeck Runners in 1.05.02. Members of the Wimborne Militia fired off the shot which stared the race. Committee members will determine how much they can donate to this year’s charity the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance.

Trek the coast with DiverseAbilities

THE LONG HAUL: Competitors in a previous challenge along the Jurassic Coast Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, has launched a new fundraising challenge for spring 2022 alongside the team at Ultra Challenge, offering a range of treks along the Jurassic Coast. Taking in the views of the World Heritage coastline, the event offers seven different challenges for teams and individuals alike to enter. With a new starting point in Corfe Castle, the route heads down to Swanage, and along through Lulworth Cove, past Durdle Door, with ups and downs to the Weymouth halfway point. For 100km challengers, it’s past Portland Bill, Chesil Beach, and on to West Bay’s cliffs (of TV’s Broadchurch fame) – before a finish line celebration in the vibrant Dorset town of Bridport. Challenges available on the weekend of May 14 and 15, 2022, include: Full continuous 100km at your pace through the day and night Full two-day ‘Daylight’ 100km, with an overnight pitstop in Weymouth First Half Challenge, 58km, from Corfe Castle to Weymouth Second Half Challenge, 42km, from Weymouth to Bridport Jurassic Marathon, 42km, from Corfe Castle to Lulworth Cove First Quarter Challenge, 25km, a loop to and from Swanage starting at Corfe Castle Second Quarter Challenge, 34km, from Corfe Castle to Weymouth All routes provide the option to self-fund the trip, pay a small registration fee and fundraise for Diverse Abilities, or pay for half of your trip and choose a smaller fundraising target for the charity. Each participant receives free food and drink at regular rest stops, plus support including medics, marshals and massage along the way. Finishers receive a glass of fizz, a T-shirt, and a medal to commemorate the achievement. Karen Hay, events manager at Diverse Abilities, said: “The Jurassic Coast is such a gorgeous attraction to have on

Picture: STEVE BELASCO our doorstep, and so many of us are guilty of not making the most of it, so what better excuse to get adventuring than by raising money for an organisation that is also on your doorstep and always needs your support? “Being part of the Ultra Challenge Series means that you get a whole raft of experts to help you out on the day and in the lead-up to the event. “You can walk or run any of the distances – it really is your challenge, your way.” Registration fees vary and start from £10, depending on the route and distance chosen, and how much fundraising participants would like to carry out. Visit https://diverseabilities. org.uk/jurassic for details.

Nick Douch from sponsor The Dorset Funeral Plan presents John Ridout from Wimborne with the groundsman of the year award he received on behalf of Colin Randall. Wimborne also won the Jack Douch Memorial Trophy for cricket in the community and the Under 18 performance of the season went to Lewis Freak for his knock of 203no against Cattistock and Symene. The awards were presented at The Leaze, home of Wimborne and Colehill Cricket Club where the Dorset Cricket League presentations were held.

DON’T TELL HIM PIKE: Mike Slater with his six-pounder landed on fly tackle

by Peter Impett Despite a difficult season Wimborne Athletic Club members, family and friends packed the Wimborne Football Club lounge for the by Gordon Wray annual Presentation Evening. It was hard to believe that we Club chairman Jason Hall were in the month of outlined some of the November when the Fly difficulties experienced in Fishers set off for Avon the year but was full of Springs for their November praise for coaches old and fixture. new and the time given by This attractive fishery is next officials and helpers. door to Stonehenge in Jason emphasised that there Wiltshire and although the was a need for more calendar said November, the volunteers to come forward weather was near perfect for to help with coaching, a great day’s fishing. officiating and team Avon Springs has two lakes management. and both were alive with The season’s results and good-size trout. These fish performances had been very were however, not easy to good considering some catch. difficult operating Many anglers found it hard conditions. going to catch a four fish International performances, bag. second place in the South However, Avon Springs gave West League East division two anglers an unexpected and second place in the surprise, pike, two of them. Under 11 Quadkids Mike Slater hooked into a competition of the Wessex six-pounder which was a real Young Athletes League were challenge to land on lighter among the highlights. tackle. Nine club members qualified The day was won by Gareth for the prestigious English Evans with a 12lb 13oz bag Schools championships held which included two rainbows in Manchester in July. weighing in at four and a half Top award as Coach of the pounds each. Year went to Lorraine Successful patterns included Winton who took five GRHE ands small buzzers. athletes to the English Nice one Gareth... but Mike Schools for long and triple takes the photo honours with jump. his six pounder.

Richard Cassidy received the Les Phillips Award for his all-round contribution to club life and Anita Hayward won the Robin Blackburn Trophy for her support in a wide range of roles. Athletes of course take most of the awards. Lauren Hill won the Jonathan Edwards Triple jump trophy and Harry Woods the Carol Hollins Long Jump Trophy. Jack Williams retained the high jump trophy and Rannon Dewi won the pole vault award. Harry Bunting and Freya Blundell won the male and female sprints titles and Jay Dunn and Isla O’Connor the awards for middle distance running. Lola Sainsbury and Harry Jones won the throws awards

Youth features in athletics awards Fish galore though not on the bank SUCCESSFUL: Wimborne Athletics’ Quadkids squad with Ella Jeffery securing the Hurdles title. Outstanding performance awards went to Emily Shaw and Piers Copeland competing in national and international competitions. There were also awards for some just starting out in athletics. Florence Van Der Feltz and Elliott Trickey won the awards for the best Quadkids athletes, though they were hotly challenged by Ava-Elliott Smith and Lucas Joliffe. The Quadkids won the Hill Ford Trophy for the best team performance. Charlie Cleal and Lucy Lucas were adjudged the Newcomers of the Year and Rory Connolly received the Clare Bailey Trophy for effort and commitment.