Fabulous fourth

ILFORD AC caught the eye, finishing in fourth place overall during the National 10 Miles' Road Walking Championship held in conjunction with the Essex Championship.

The club saw two key walkers cry off with injury in former captain Dave Kates and Steve Allen, who was 50/50, but made a late decision not to start.

One non-starter making an even later decision was stalwart Laurence Dordoy, who had been showing good form of late. He was well into a pre-race warm-up routine when he suffered a hamstring strain, preventing him from starting.

From the start it was protagonist Scott Davis who again showed best for the Cricklefield's-based outfit. He was always within sight of the van, and in what was a top class field, kept up a good pace throughout to be rewarded with fifth position in one hour 16 minutes and 15 seconds.

In his wake was second-claim member Stephen Crane, who this year has his sights set on much longer distances, who filled 12th spot in 87.13 with ease. Next was former captain Steve Uttley, who battled away to secure 18th spot in 1:32.55.

Current captain Dave Sharpe was his usual reliable self as he recorded 1:38.17 to claim 25th position and this enabled Ilford to take fourth place in the National Championships, just a few points adrift of Guernsey-based Sarnia Walking Club.

Further down the order recent signing Tony Kelly had a sound debut over the 10-miles distance as he comfortably pounded out 1:50.38 for 36th place.

Experienced veteran of many such national events, Bob Dobson, endured frustration as he fell foul of the judges late on.

In the Essex Championships, Davis retained his County title and Ilford the team trophy.