| It takes more than rain to dampen the spirits of Napier Harriers, who on Saturday contested the Green Shield Relay.
Nine Napier teams contested the event on a soggy Dolbel Estate, while another three teams from Hastings took the opportunity to join the racing.
The Green Shield was won by Mal Lochrie, Frank Busch, Ashley Aitken and Michael Lintott in 48.34, 17 seconds ahead of the Larissa Street, Craig Mathers, John Craven and Patrick McGirr combination. Third team home was Natasha Town-Warner, Mark Speakman, Jill Fuller and Holly Edmonds
Team captains ran the first lap with Lochrie (8.56) leading home a determined Street by 12 seconds. Over the 4km second lap, the teams were on tenderhooks as the running order changed dramatically. Mathers (14.29) promoted his team into the lead although Stefan Smith (13.21) finished hot on his tail, just 25 metres adrift. Smith had propelled his team from sixth to second with the fastest time, two seconds quicker than his training buddy Ryan Woolley. Frank Busch kept his team in contention, only 22 seconds from the front runner. Also on this lap, Mark Speakman gained the household bragging rights by heading home Eric Speakman by 14, yes 14, seconds!
From third place, Aitken (15.51) rapidly took control and opened up a sizeable gap. Jill Fuller (16.09) emerged from the chasing pack, to progress her team two places, while Craven surrendered two places. Jack Needes (15.50) just pipped Aitken for the honour of fastest third runner.
Lintott inherited a comfortable advantage for the final lap. Although McGirr chased diligently he wasn't within striking distance when Lintott received the hearty applause of the spectators at the finish area. Toa Elphick (8.06) signalled he has banished his recent health problems with the fastest lap, six seconds faster than Charlie Chittenden.
report Trevor Fulton
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