Six teams, consisting of three RATS per team, were keen to contest the annual relay championships at Narrawallee.

The relay was run on a slightly modified 2.9km course which sounds easy, however it still included the steep little hill up Matron Porter Drive, from Bangalow to Victor Avenue.

The handicapper graded each member based on their expected finishing times then balanced the times with handicaps to create an even competition.

Conditions were quite mild and good for running, with front markers Kim for Team Wil, and Jack for Team Bob, off to a flyer.

Wendy, on Team Steve, pushed through to second place, splitting the front markers with a great run on the initial lap. Meanwhile, the middle markers were making ground, with Maree on Team Kev, Leanne on Team Steve, and Nicola on Team Bill all producing great times.

In what appeared to be a great tactical move, young Wil Harding made a captain's call and elevated himself to second runner. After the conclusion of the second lap, Team Wil had secured what appeared to be an unbeatable lead.

Five minutes and 53 seconds was the gap back to Team Bob which was in second place, followed by Team Bill and Team Kev.

The faster back markers on Team Steve and Team Tilly/Craig were 7.52 and 10.26 in arrear.

Newcomer Gerry Caelli, Team Wil, had his rear view mirror operating as he tried to hang on for victory on the final lap.

Captain Steve, however, had other ideas and was burning rubber as he passed Kev, Bill and Adrian on his way to producing the fastest time of the morning, a 10.05.

All hailed Team Wil though, with Gerry hanging on to record a famous victory.

A mere eight seconds separated the top two teams, with Team Steve in second place followed by Team Bob in third, a further 1.42 back.

A close race for the minor placings saw Team Bill fourth only four seconds back, then Team Kev in fifth, a further 1.07 behind.

Team Tilly/Craig although beaten were not bowed.

They boasted the fastest Lady RAT of the morning with Tilly Fischer recording a very quick 12.09 and Craig Hancock producing a creditable 13.08.

The handicapper sometimes gets it wrong though, unwittingly giving Supervet Don Miller a pretty tough handicap 'on suspicion'.

There's always next year though.

Sunday, June 2, will be the third handicap run at Mollymook with a 5.5km and 10km option, run in the reverse direction. Meet at the fourth pergola north of the Mollymook Surf Club for a 7am start.

The Ulladulla RATS welcome guests, visitors and potential new members for any of their runs or rides. For more information call or text Lauri on 0438 44 55 73.