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 2nd, 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 6th 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 3rd
1968 2.52.10 2nd (1st local)
1969 2.52.48 2nd
1970 2.57.20 2nd
1971 2.49.31 2nd
1972 2.49.35 2nd
1973 2.53.58 4th (3rd local)
1974 2.46.47 1st
1975 2.49.42 1st
1976 DNS
1977 2.53.44 2nd
1978 2.51.23 2nd
1979 2.55.38 3rd
1980 3.07.30 3rd
1981 2.55.10 2nd
1982 2.55.05 2nd
1983 2.56.32 3rd (2nd local)
1984 3.05.39 2nd
1985 3.04.55 2nd
1986 3.10.55 3rd
1987 3.30.33 6th (2nd local)
1988 3.16.01 5th (3rd local)
1989 3.16.15 6th (3rd local)
Dave Dorey Guernsey profile at: http://walkguernsey.wordpress.com/sportsman-champions-profiles/dave-dorey/
