HVH is calling now for members who wish to compete in the 2014 NZ Road Relay Championships to be held in Christchurch 0n 4 October. Sign-up via our Facebook site or send an email to Tony McKone – clubpresident@hvh.org.nz.
HVH last competed in the Christchurch relay in 2009 when we won the C-grade championship. Let’s see if we can repeat our success. And to wet your appetite here’s what you can expect, taken from the tribute to the members of the 2009 C-Grade champions and their support crew…..
Rhyme of the Hutt Valley Harrier – By Tony McKone (2009)
The vision was set, the uniform it was made
As our eight hardy harriers did Christchurch invade
Two women to tend and support them prevail
From the Port Hills to Akaroa in the snow, rain and hail.
A lead was established by J Wyatt in style
As he followed the leaders, at least for a mile
Then down from the Kiwi to Allandale did he race
First to the change over – then Darbs took his place.
The rain did fall down as our Darbs hit the road
While closely behind him the chasers did bode
He led them thru’ Teddington, but dropped back alas
As first Scottish, then Napier and Leith they did pass.
At Gebbes, a valley, the Carlsonian stood up
He took hold of the baton and was off – he was tough!
Thru’ wind blown flat lands to Kaituna his goal
Carlsonian gave his best, he gave it his soul.
T’was Quirkey who next the challenge befell
“Close the gap on the leaders” his mission we did yell
As slowly and gradually, the seconds decreased
And much nearer the leaders when he hand to Pete.
Now Pee-Vee we called him, his stride long and high
Took off from the get go, we watched him speed by
Thru’ the River they call Little and up to Cooptown
He chased and he caught them, he ran them all down.
Then the Tank he took charge as he shot up Hilltop
Thru’ the sleet and the rain and without polyprop
For six km he did climb, up and up he did go
Until finally at last he found Tones ‘neath the snow!
Tones now alone in the rain and the hail
Took off down the mountain, he was surely no snail
With his feet all a burning, his legs pumped up and churning
Down into Duvauchelle for the beer he was earning
And finally t’was Mantis, our lead fine and tall
Who took charge of the baton and gave it his all
O’er the hills round the harbour, down to Akaroa
His pace was fantastic; he made all else look slower.
Then finally at last, the race it was done
The team all exhausted, to the pub for some fun
And then the prize giving, t’was time for some history
With Hutt Valley Harriers, named Champions of Grade C.
And so that’s our rhyme of our weekend down south
We beat all the others, they’re down in the mouth
Our thanks to our ladies who helped with our gig
We couldn’t have done it without Mir and Brig!
