| In an effort to create more even racing and a certain amount of intrigue, a different format was promised, and the 2008 Green Shield provided just that. The cross country relay at the Springfield vineyards was made up of teams consisting of four mixed runners held over a 1.5km, 2km or 4km lap course. The format involved the fastest runner from each lap teaming with the slowest runner from the next lap. This meant that know one knew who was in their team until the last runner started. This new format made for an exciting finish with teams finishing very closely.
In the first 1.5k lap, 9 of the younger members of the club set out. The flat, fast course with a creek crossing and plenty of puddles proved to be fun with a grubby bunch of runners finishing their leg of the relay. First in was Georgia Creagh (6:13) battling her way to the finish with Jasmine Ngan-Sue on her heel only 2 seconds behind. Waiting for Jasmine was Niall McCormack who very quickly caught John Craven in front. McCormack managed a good steady run to only be over taken by Cliff Fellingham and the very impressive Eric Speakman. Speakman, who despite starting out in last place finished first in his part of the race and also took out fastest lap time of 13:51 seconds.
McCormack, now in 3rd place tagged Aleesha Heywood who now started her 2k lap of the course. Heywood also managed to hold onto 3rd placing with determined Harry Crichton only 4 seconds ahead. Campbell Busch had the fastest 2km lap time of 8:30 and was already 36 seconds ahead when tagging his next runner. Heywood released Annie Creagh into the race who took off fast, soon to take the lead. Creagh managed to keep the lead for her first lap of the 4k course, with some of the more seasoned male runners keeping her in sight. It could have been anyones race but Creagh giving it all that she had kept her lead right to the exciting finish, with Stephen Lindsay closing the gap and finishing 7 secs behind. Lindsay had the fastest 4k time for this round 16:33 secs. Next in was Lance Pearson and Kaden Hall at 4 second intervals proving an excellent tough race.
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