The Barlick men's 12 stage team travelled to Sutton in Coldfield to take on the UK's best in the National 12 man relay. Apart from Luke Maude coming in for Julian Hood, it was the same team that managed to qualify from the northern 12 stage.
Chris Singleton ran the fastest long leg of the day with the top runners on the first leg bringing the team back in 43rd place. Jimmy Craig backed this up with the fastest short leg of the day bringing the team up 6 places to 37th. Nick Treitl pulled another place back with another great run on leg 3. Lucas Payne did a great job on leg 4 before Gary Shaw got the team back up to 37th taking back 4 places. Leg 6 and it was the turn of Shaun Chew and he ran a solid leg. Ian Livesey consolidated the position on 7 as did Russell Parrington on leg 8. At this time Rossendale were about 3 and half minutes up and Blackburn 90 secs. Chris Smale ran a cracking leg overtaking Blackburn in the home straight. Stephen Chew took the baton on leg 11 and pulled back 4 places before Luke Maude overtook Rossendale on the last leg with the second quickest short leg of the day.
A very creditable 32nd of 60 teams who compeletd - a fantastic achievement for a club our size. Next stop Calderdale relay to see if the men can improve on last years 3rd place.