10 August 2005

Hatton Darts provided 2 mens vets teams for the Derby AC annual  4x2.5 relays at Moorways stadium Derby. A two lap course with 12 teams competing. Having won this event for the last 2 years the Darts were confident they could make it an hat-trick but Derby AC had tactical plans to put a stop to any celebrations the Darts had in mind. Having just travelled back from Scotland with 30 minutes to start, Tony Caulton led off for the mens "A" team and sped round the course to prove what was to be a course record best of 8 mins 09 secs., a superb effort giving the "A" team 24 secs lead..

Waiting for Caulton to go in 2nd spot Pete Wright whose worry to go second never showed as he produced a first rate run in a  time of 8 mins 43 secs knocking 9 secs off last years time.

Waiting for the hand of Wright was Chris Fletcher who dashed round in fine style and again gave a mighty performance to romp in at 8 mins 50 secs. With the Derby AC  Home team breathing down the necks of the Darts, Knopik went off sharp but was overtaken early on by a very strong dash from John Nibb, Derby AC's last runner (8 mins 10 secs). But Knopik never lost sight and finished seconds behind in a superb run (8 mins 42 secs) to bring the Darts Home in 2nd place overall.

Darts "B" team also had good sucesses with Anthony Shephard making a rare race appearance going off first and sprinting round the first lap but lack of racing showed as he slowed second time round but still pleased with his time of 10 mins 06 secs as he handed over to good friend Tim Knopik who despite having a sore knee got round well in a time of 10 mins 35 secs. Geoff Mulcahy's 3rd visit to this event went well as he ran strong and managed a fast finish in 10.34 to hand over to anchor man Phil Salt who opened a few of his club mates eyebrows to conjure up a great run and finish in a time of 10 mins 09 secs.This good effort helped the Darts " B" team into 4th place overall.

Geoff Mulcahy
geoffmulcahy .