XCR ROUND 5

Doncaster Newsletter 

Round 5 – 29/06/2024

Livinia Nixon said, “For this first weekend of the school holidays, it looks like indoorsy weather and great for watching a couple of DVDs.”  (One would also add: munchies, trackies, heater…)   However, on June 29, 44 dedicated athletes and 13 teams headed to Sandown Racecourse for road relays!   These strong numbers were very pleasing to see!  Some Junior age groups raced 1 lap (3.1km) of the infamous Sandown circuit, whilst others took on 2 laps.  In Men’s Open Division 2, six athletes slogged out a total of 12 laps and 37.2km – a mammoth effort.   

The rain and strong winds prevailed for most of the afternoon, improving slightly for later relay legs.  There was a “Cheer Cheese” vendor serving toasties, and a coffee van – both were kept very busy.  Even with the oppressive conditions, there were some excellent results for DAC athletes and teams.   Quickest male athletes were Joel Tobin-White (Open), Joel Denny (U16), and Anthony Paige (40+).  Among the women, Connor Gist (Open), Chloe Baldock (U14) and Lydia Rinaudo (40+) shone for DAC.   Joel, Chloe, and Alfie Onley & Harry Maddocks (both U16) all finished with top 10 leg splits for their age groups over 3.1km.  Joel Tobin-White was 13th fastest among all Open men over the 6.2km course.  Additionally, three teams finished among the placings – U14 Girls’ (2nd), U16 Boys’ (2nd) and Women Open Division 3 (1st).  Anna Firth was a last-minute invitee, joining an U16 boys’ team.  Great to have her along!    Eamon Wright is a newcomer to XCR and had a fantastic first outing – we also welcome him on board!   

Though officially on ‘school holidays’ 5 junior teams flew the Donnie flag.  It was great to see the Kearney sisters (Madeleine and Lucy), and Bella Davey combine to form an U18 Girls’ team, who were only just outside of the medals.  Grace Baldock and Sophie Brooks are both just 10 years of age and toughed it out in difficult conditions over 3.1km.  Edward Borham is also just 10 years of age, and Sawyer Onley just 11, and very successfully combined with Lewis McLennan to be just outside the medals in the U14 competition.  Meanwhile, the DAC Boys’ U16 team looks very promising this season with 5 strong performances at Sandown –including 3 boys in the U16 top 10.  

Open Men featured 2 complete teams in Divisions 2 and 5. Matt Christy certainly had his work cut out for him with 44 athletes to manage, a strong leg of the relay to run, and social plans to fulfil!  We thank him for his efforts this season so far.  Joel Tobin-White, John Portwood, and Alex Jones were standouts, as was Josh Ascar, stepping up from U18.  Nathan Down got out there, and William Sullivan, Brock Goddings, and Nick Finch were dependable as ever.   Even with such an excellent DAC turnout, the competition was hot, and the teams finished 7th (Div 2) and 10th (Div 5), respectively.     

Open Women fielded a very strong Division 3 team, the Ladies winning by just 0.32 of a second in front of 2nd placed Mornington, thanks to a gallant sprint finish by Georgia Chalmers.  Anita Finch, having newly returned from giving birth, Lydia Rinaudo, stepping up from 40+, and Connor Gist gave the team a great start.   Such has been the results in XCR 2024 so far, could there be a promotion to Div 2 for the women towards season 2025?  

DAC Masters athletes fielded 5 complete teams, and all performed admirably, and special thanks to our 40+ Team Manager, Cambell McLennan.   Furthermore, a sincere thank-you to those who assisted the Club with volunteer duties this round Amanda McLellan and Christal Xie, especially in the testing conditions.   

Having completed Round 5, we’re now mid-way through the XCR season, and there are some very pleasing results emerging on season ladders.   

Currently, Male 40+ and 50+ are clearly in the lead on the short-course ladders!  They lead on 31 points, ahead of long-time rivals, Diamond Valley, on 26 points.  Female 40/50+ and 60+ teams are sitting in 8th on all respective ladders, and the Ladies have been working hard as a supportive unit. 

Open Women Division 3 are also looking very strong; after the relay success, now in 2nd position, and may achieve an automatic promotion to Division 2 next season?  South Melbourne (72pts) are clear leaders, and DAC (63pts) need to hold off 3rd placed club, Mornington on 57pts. 

Open Male Div 2 and 5: such is the tough competition, both divisions are struggling to maintain their positions in those divisions.  Hopefully the remainder of the XCR season, and further strong participation can secure their positions within these rightful divisions?   

In the Junior age groups, males U16 are doing the best, currently in 2nd position on the season ladder.  Essendon are leading on 53pts, Doncaster have 41 pts and Williamstown are sitting on 34pts.  Great job lads!  The DAC Female U16 team are 13th, male U14 8th and female U14 are 7th.  Though there have been some excellent individual performances by individual U20 & U18 male and female athletes, these age groups are struggling a little on their respective ladders.   

All summary results are provided below.  Please be sure to check Resultshub for further details.  Results Hub