Dave Dorey the Church racewalker

Dave Dorey at the Church to Church

 

Dave Dorey in 1974

One of the most consistant sub 3 hour Guernsey walkers and perhaps the unluckiest, finishing second on eleven occasions in the annual Church to Church walk, is the current Sarnia Walking Club President Dave Dorey.

Competing for the first time in 1967 at the age of 20 he finished just outside the 3 hours barrier finishing behind Len Bretel and the young John Brouard.

He was denied the Victory Cup the following year when the trophy was awarded to the Olympic walker Paul Nihill from Surrey Walking Club. The cup has now for many years been awarded to the first Channel Island walker to finish. Dave finished in a deserved second place, well behind the new course record of Nihill but ahead of local favourite Len Duquemin.

For the next 4 years he placed 2^nd, behind John Moullin in 1969, Rob Waterman in 1970, Len Duquemin in 1971 and Andy Le Heron in 1972. In these years he came closest to victory in 1971 when clocking his then best time of 2.49.31 to Duquemins winning time of 2.48.05.

 

 

St Sampsons Church in 1971 chasing  Len Duquemin

Finishing only 4 seconds slower the following year he came second best to Le Herons new Island Best time of 2.45.39.

Victory finally came his way in 1974 when he finished in 2.46.47 to Le Herons 2.50.03. His joy at finally taking first place was perhaps dampened when the Press report had a photo of Dave marginally “off the ground” in the finishing straight. The club was split and events highlighted in local papers as the “should he be disqualified” or “should the result stand” letters came in.

After some time he was awarded the win and the Victory Cup, the offending photo nowadays would not even raise eyebrows.

 

Dave made sure the following year getting the better of Sarnia WC Champion Mick Elliott with a 7 minutes winning advantage, after the two had been together for half the race.

 

Mick Elliott and Dorey 1975

Sidelined in 1976, he had the challenge of another Elliott in 1977, this time it was Mick Elliotts eighteen year old son Robert. Revenge was sweet as Daves huge final 5 miles effort still only gave him second place, ten seconds behind Rob. Elliott had a three minutes plus advantage at 15 miles but Dave closed down to within sight of the finish line where he drew level with the youngster but could not get ahead. History shows Rob found a huge sprint from deep within to leave Dave trailing.

Seconds after the 1977 finish, Dorey, Rob Elliott, Mick Elliott. (All local press cutting photos)

Another close finish a year later had him once again in second place, this time behind 21 year old Mick Perrio. Long time leader Rob Elliott retired at 17.5 miles, leaving Perrio and Dorey to fight for first place. Dorey was now leading with Perrio close behind. Perrio bridged the gap just before 18 miles and edged ahead with half a mile to go to get the victory by 17 seconds in 2.51.06.

Doreys best years were now behind him but he still got under 3 hours on another 4 occasions, finishing as second local between 1981 and 1985. 

His final appearance as a walker was in 1989 when he walked 3.16.15 for 6^th overall place.

Church walk factfile on Dave Dorey:

2nd 11 times to 7 different walkers

5th  Fastest Guernsey walker to date 2007 walk

16th Fastest Allcomer to date 2007 walk

14 sub 3 hour performances

 

1967 3.05.20 3^rd

1968 2.52.10 2^nd (1^st local)

1969 2.52.48 2^nd

1970 2.57.20 2^nd

1971 2.49.31 2^nd

1972 2.49.35 2^nd

1973 2.53.58 4^th (3^rd local)

1974 2.46.47 1^st

1975 2.49.42 1^st

1976 DNS

1977 2.53.44 2^nd

1978 2.51.23 2^nd

1979 2.55.38 3^rd

1980 3.07.30 3^rd

1981 2.55.10 2^nd

1982 2.55.05 2^nd

1983 2.56.32 3^rd (2^nd local)

1984 3.05.39 2^nd

1985 3.04.55 2^nd

1986 3.10.55 3^rd

1987 3.30.33 6^th (2^nd local)

1988 3.16.01 5^th (3^rd local)

1989 3.16.15 6^th (3^rd local)

Dave Dorey Guernsey profile at: http://walkguernsey.wordpress.com/sportsman-champions-profiles/dave-dorey/ 

1973

Local Press Photos (left to right) Rosser, Dorey, Waterman, Moullin

1973 Church to Church Walk as told by local Press.

 

“That hill at the beginning will put two minutes on anybodys time” was the quote given by race winner and Welsh International walker Dave Rosser after completing the 19.4 miles walk in 2.45.06.

Dave Rosser and Guernseyman John Moullin had flown in for the race to join the local competitors.

Early leader Andy Le Heron, who had set the local record a year earlier was overhauled by the two visitors between five and seven miles.

At five miles Moullin was on Le Herons shoulder with Rosser close behind. Dave Dorey and Mick Elliott had been dropped and previous winner Rob Waterman was four minutes down. By seven miles Moullin had a half minute advantage over Rosser, with Le Heron close in third place.

Three miles later Le Heron found himself more than two and a half minutes behind Rosser, whilst Moullin had increased his lead to a minute.

At 13 miles things changed, Moullin was suffering with nosebleeds and Rosser had closed the gap to move ahead. Moullins challenge was starting to fade as fatigue set in and by 15 miles Rosser, looking fresh, had forged over a minute and a half`s lead.

Rob Waterman who had started cautiously, moved into third spot as Le Heron retired at 12 miles and Dave Dorey was passed. Walking a great last quarter of the race he closed the gap on Moullin, whilst Rosser inceased his lead to three minutes.

 

Split times for Dave Rosser: 5 miles 42.35, 10 miles 84.16, 15 miles 2.06.18.