Gavin Lewis ran the fourth leg for Woodford Green at the National Road Relays. Pic: Ken Bray

Terry McCarthy leads team to 12th at the National Road Relays to cap a fine season

Team manager Terry McCarthy is delighted with the consistency Woodford Green AC have shown this season, following their 12th-place finish at the National 12-Stage Road Relay on Saturday.

Despite missing seven of the team that took fourth place at last month’s South of England relay race, Woodford’s new-look side proved just as competitive at Sutton Park, Birmingham.

McCarthy’s men clocked a combined four hours 21 minutes 24 seconds to record their third best finish ever and leave the boss smiling.

“This was a great end to a very rewarding season,” he said.

“Fourth in the Southern 12 Stage, fourth in the Southern CC, 12th in the National CC and 12th now in this, while winning the Met League again – I’m very pleased with the consistency we’re achieving.

“Really, it’s what Woodford are all about – being very solid and not making mistakes. The athletes are extremely helpful and proud to represent their club and we are successfully bringing the younger lads through in the correct way.”

Running alternate long and short legs, Daniel Agustus launched the Woodford challenge, clocking 27.18 for 25th place and a solid start.

Tim Prendergast struggled to keep pace with the pack and finished in 16.03, as Woodford slipped down to 28th.

Tom Beedell was next to go and finished in 28.42, while 21-year-old Gavin Lewis got Woodford back on track when he clocked 15.09 to lift the team up to 23rd spot.

Top triathlete Matt Gunby ran the fastest Woodford long leg of the day in 27.17 and debutant Ed Shepherd continued the charge with a super-swift 15.00 – the fourth fastest overall on stage six.

With the club 18th at the half-way point, Harold Wyber (28.47) maintained their position, but the second quickest run on leg eight from Oli Heeks (15.04) shot the team up to 12th.

Matt Shone was pleasantly surprised with his 28.25 run and stalwart Bertie Powell’s 15.12 effort moved his team into the top 10 for the first time.

Tomaz Plibersek completed the penultimate leg in 28.48 and Angus Holford closed the team’s performance with a 15.39 finish to cement 12th spot.