Page 19 - Summer2018Gazette

Athletics Report 19

Third Time Not So Lucky

For our Junior Women in Castellon

First to have to brave the Out in the field, Hannah Ma-
We like it in Castellon. This will elements is Rebecca Hawkins caulay would have had to throw
have been our third trip in seven in the high jump. Luck of the a big PB to finish any higher in
years. The sun always shines and draw? Not much. Although the the discus than she does, but
the food is recognisable. And our precipitation eases off during she is competing against girls
record here is good: our previous warm up, it comes back strongly two years her senior and more
visits in 2011 and 2016 both once the competition starts, to progress will doubtless mean
produced third place finishes. But such an extent that it triggers more points next year. Then we
this trip proves to be a little bit the crash of the system feeding experience our first disappoint-
different, to say the least. Not all the infield scoreboards, ment of the day: Parris Johnson
only are we accompanied by the making it extremely difficult, succumbs to cramp nearing the
Boys (who will no doubt provide not only for the competitors, finish of the 100m. Her day is
their own, first time, take on but also for spectators to follow done and our already depleted
proceedings) but, on the big the competition. Rebecca battles sprint relay team is left with only
day, it rains and it rains with a on regardless to finish in a tie Anastasia from the squad that
vengeance – mainly on the plain for 2nd and a good start to the started the season.
my aspidistra! (What have we match. Meanwhile, Victoria Over to Jade Oni in the triple
done to deserve this? Which had Wiltshire is faced with a wet jump to lead our fightback.
also been a recurring question circle in the hammer but, using Improving with each of her four
all her experience, ensures she
during the build-up to the event, rounds, she does just that and
as we lost not one, nor even two, masters the conditions and pro- secures another fine 2nd spot,
duces some solid throwing, just
but three of our best athletes to missing out on 3rd spot. while Louise Evans times her
colleges in the US.) We, of course, finish in the 400m to perfection,
look for the positives: this should Moving to the first track event overhauling everyone but the
make us feel right at home. But of the day, the sprint hurdles, Turkish winner, to replicate this
we didn’t come to Spain to get Anastasia Davies, our Team position. In the 800m, despite
rained upon (though at least it’s Captain, has tough competition going with the pace at the bell,
warm rain). from the World Juniors’ finalist Iyata Santos runs out of legs
from Fenerbahce and, with a and has to settle for a battling
true skipper’s performance, 6th place. With events coming
comes very close to beating thick and fast, we’re soon into
her, finishing in a fine 2nd the 400mH, where Steff Fisher’s
place. Moving swiftly on, the lack of competition at the back
non-scoring 100m race proves end of the summer means she’s
to be a rather select one. Mary never really in the race, which is
Adeniji, despite running in her probably one of the most com-
jumping spikes, leads the field petitive of the afternoon.
home and, although it delivers
no points, her win is well
received. (Something clichéd
could be observed here about
momentum, but let’s just say it
reflects our promising start to
the match.)