WITH four members of last year?s winning team injured or unavailable, it was always going to be tough for Tavistock Athletic Club to retain the Ross Shield, Devon?s premier road racing team trophy, and so it proved. A disappointing seven members travelled to Brixham for the 10K event which was run in perfect conditions, mild, dry and no wind. Richard Drage proved he is still one of the club?s best runners with a superb second place in 35minutes 14 secs, winning the veteran 45 age group. Tony Symons was next home for the club in 12th in 37.39 and third in the vet 45 age group, with Adam Holland close behind in 13th. in 37.46. The remaining members of the team were Chris Eastaugh who was 24th in 40.21 despite little recent training; Andy Vernon, 30, in 41.10 and Tony Shearer, 58, in 44.17, a personal best by cutting 90 seconds off his previous best. He was also fourth in his Vet 55 age group. Despite all these efforts, Tavistock came third in the team event behind Torbay AC and hosts South Devon AC but this was still a creditable performance. Keith Bowles was last home for the club in 93rd place in 48.50 and was third in the Vet 60 age group.