Senior Regional Competition 2014

Senior Regional Competition 2014

It was a long, and for most of us, a slow journey on every motorway in England when finally arrived at Aylesfordnear MeltonMowbray. Ali, Jack Wilkins Mum, who used to live in the area had arranged for all the Wales and Borders, 40 + to have a buffet supper at the Bluebell in Hoby. They put on a fantastic spread and everyone had a great evening. Thanks must go to Ali and her Mum for organising this, it was aninformal and very relaxing end to a long day.

On the Saturday we managed to pack everyone into cars to get to the Leisure Centre. The shoot phase went well except for Jack Spufford having a gun malfunction. Fortunately the fault was discovered in the practice time and he was able to borrow a gun. Despite this he managed to score a respectable 800!

The swim went without any problems and the friendly relay, usually a boys team and then a girls team, was changed due some Regions being down on boys. They decided to do a Medley Relay with two boys and two girls, which took a little organising by the Team captains. The Veteran Tetrathlets decided that they would field a mixed Regional Veteran team to fill the 8thlane, much against the organiser’s wishes. Audience chants of” let them swim” tipped the balance and they were allowed to join in. At the end of the day the boys were coming 2nd only 106 points behind Scotland and the girls were in 4th position only 136 pints behind Northern Pinks.

The Western theme party in the evening saw some interesting costumes, the winner wearing only Welsh Dragon underpants and chaps!! And one parent overheard saying ‘this is the reason I like coming to tets!’’

On Sunday the rain came and came and came!!!It was the wettest cross country we can ever remember.

Emily Christopher was 2nd on the course as she was sharing a horse with her sister. Sophia went off in even heavier rain. They did amazingly well given the conditions. There was a brief respite in the heavy rain for the rest of the girls, followed by more rain for the boys. We felt that the course was a proper Tetrathlon course which tested the rider. It was made even more challenging by the appalling weather conditions. Despite this the Wales and Borders teams had an impressive nine 1400 rides! Despite the rain, 2 of our competitors went for a swim in the water jump but came back looking no wetter than anyone else.

The girls had to run in the rain but by the time the boys ran the rain had gone and the wind blew away the clouds. Ben Philips had a storming run encouraged by Oliver who was already running. Great team spirit.

Prize giving was delayed by last minute queriesand but it was worth the wait as the boys won by a respectable 585 points. Oliver Christopher was 3rd, Ben Sawyer 4th, Adam Carlile 10th and Ben Philips 12th. The girls unfortunately dropped to 8th after the run. Issy Mogg, new to the Senior Regional’s was 8th

As we were leaving the Marquee we were greeted by the sight of the canvas roof blowing off the stables. Everyone had to rush to rescue their horses and in the ensuing chaos of packing and getting horses into lorries we werenot able to get theusual team photos.As always, it was a pleasure and a privilege to be the team managers. Well done to you all, not only for doing your best but showing such team spirit even in difficult conditions. You have once again done Wales proud. Robin and Bryony

Winning boys team

Ben Sawyer

Oliver Christopher

Jozef Hodge

Adam Carlile

Ben Philips

Note the winning fancy dress

Parents having far too much fun