Southern Men’s League – Portsmouth – 6 June 2009

A small but not perfectly formed group of Wimborne athletes made their way to the Royal Navy’s track facility in Portsmouth on Saturday 6th June to take part in the 3^rd round of the Southern Men’s league together with colleagues from Poole AC and Weymouth.

The common denominator that afternoon was that no matter which car or minibus or motorbike the athletes travelled in we all got lost at some point trying to find the venue. No matter, we made it in the end.

Was it worth it? Well yes – as a team me managed to come 3^rd out of 4 teams beating Havant on the day.

Tim Harris had come to the event fresh from his ultra challenge the week before, but sadly a niggling injury picked up in the week did for him in the 5000m, but not before getting some valuable points in the Shot Putt and Hammer.

Tim’s injury left some golden opportunities(?) in the 1500m and 3000m steeplechase. These were eagerly (?) taken up by Guy Thompson and Dave Pearson (both 1500) and Steve Snook (chase).

Wimborne youth was represented by Ben Amey in the sprints and long jump, though injury tempered his performances on the day – all valuable points for the team though.

‘Biker’ Dave Pearson also found his niche in the 110m Hurdles, proving that there is mileage in combining athletics with ‘Horse of the Year’, with his eight faults for refusals at flights 6 & 7. A game performance appreciated by the spectators in the packed (poetic licence) stands and, more to the point, a big points earner.

Glyn Davies was another of our Masters at work on the day with some sprightly performances on the track and in the field, though his right shoulder was reminding him that injury is never far away in the Javelin and Discus.

All in all, a very satisfying afternoon of competition for all involved with good camaraderie, witty banter and plenty of deep heat for afters.

Roll on the next fixture!