BRIGHT START TO TRACK & FIELD SEASON
South West League 2, Match 1 (B Programme), Exeter
South West League is a
competition for all age groups over 11 years old. Not every event is
covered in each match, which is why the 4 matches are split between an A
and a B Programme so that over the season all events are covered. It is
an ideal introduction to competition and as such is recommended for all
athletes who have yet to experience competitive athletics, as well as
our more seasoned athletes.
Those who were able to
travel to Exeter for the first match of the season enjoyed a superb day
out. Weather conditions were ideal for early season competition – warm
and not too much of a breeze. Though, having said that, by the middle of
the afternoon, it was perhaps a bit uncomfortably warm for the 5000
metre runners.
We’ll start by singing the
praises of the ‘novices’. In the under 13 boys, and our only
representative in that age group, Liam Winton, jumped in to 7th
place in the Long Jump. The under 13 girls saw Kelly O’Mahoney, Shae
Hardy, and Sharon Hutchings step up to compete for the first time.
Highlights for them were Kelly’s determined run to 5th place
in the 1500m, Shae’s Long Jump, another 5th place, and
Sharon’s excellent 2nd place run also in the 1500m. Finally,
we must mention our two not quite so youthful ‘novices’: Lyn Hutchings
rounded off a good day for Team Hutchings by taking part in the 5000m
and finishing 3rd in the Senior Women; and Dick Winton (Team
Winton) with a debut league appearance in the Senior Men’s Javelin
competition throwing 20.16m to score in 6th place.
Hannah Winton bagged 1st
place in the Long Jump in the under 15 girls age category and she was
joined in this age group by TC Hardy and Abbie Card (both 1st
year in this age group). Both Abbie and TC look well matched in the
200m, and, in fact all three are very close in the 100m so it will be
interesting to watch their performances over the season.
It was also good to see
some of our athletes trying out unfamiliar events, and surprising
themselves. Abbie Card (4th Shot Putt), and Matt Curtis (6th
Triple Jump) come to mind.
Another of the many
highlights was Callum Kennedy in the 3000m. Despite this being the first
ever attempt at 3000m on the track, Callum ran a sensibly paced race to
win the under 15 boys category.
In fact, the under 15 boys
category was, perhaps, our strongest age group with Alwyn Harries, Aaron
McCoy, Matt Curtis and Jack Snook as well as Callum all performing well
in their events. It was great to see a Wimborne AC boys relay team in
action – the first time in many a season – more so, as no other club
managed to field an under 15 boys relay squad.
We did have some more
seasoned athletes competing. Ben Amey continues to improve – his 100m
and 200m times both better than recent performances at a recent Sprints
and Hurdles Challenge at Yate. Kyle Wilson and Karyn Light both dipped
their toes in the competition waters after long layoffs due to injury.
It was great to see them both back in action in the 100m. Trudi Carter
somehow managed to compete in 3 events as well as guesting in the Pole
Vault (I thought Pole Vault took all day!), receiving vociferous support
during the 1500m from the Wimborne AC contingent camped near the start
of the home straight. Peter Impett starred in the 100m, though rued the
head wind (about -0.1m/s I reckon), and finally Steve Snook managed to
bag a win in the triple jump, courtesy of no other athletes turning up
for the event.
One final mention needs to
be made of the parents and supporters who came along. Thank you for your
support and an extra special thanks to those of you who were able to
assist in running some of the field events – we picked up an extra 15
points for your efforts – but more importantly without such help some of
the events would just not happen.
Well done everyone –
here’s to the next match!
