Founded in 1869

KYAL 2014

Home Up

Last updated 17 December 2015

Kent Young Athletes League (U15 & U13 Boys & Girls) Results for 2014

All you need to know is on the KCAA website
6 July 2014 - Kent Young Athletes League - Gillingham 8-07-14
15 June 2014 - Kent Young Athletes League - Norman Park 17-06-14
11 May 2014 - Kent Young Athletes League - Erith 14-05-14
26 April 2014 - Kent Young Athletes League - Ashford 28-04-14

6 July 2014 - Kent Young Athletes League - Gillingham

Full results here...

Hi all

Blackheath and Bromley U13 boys won their fourth and final Kent league fixture on Sunday, making it 4 straight victories .This result, along with the U15 boys results, secures BBHAC the Kent league title once again. Brilliant! With the Kent league being used as our development league for new and less experienced athletes, it shows what strength and depth we have in the club and proves we are the best boys track and field team in the county.

We had two boys making their Blackheath and Bromley debuts, Nathan Urwin in the sprints and Tom Mills in the throws. Tom made a great impact winning both his throwing events convincingly and impressed the Kent selectors, who were there making their last minute team selection for the forth coming inter counties match. Tom, who has only had a couple of training sessions, albeit with our own multi events man Steve Timmins, put the shot 9.52 ranking him in the top 15 in the country. His discus soared out to 24.88m, a massive throw giving him another high National ranking just outside the top 10. We are all looking forward to seeing Tom throw the Javelin, his favoured event at the next National league fixture on 19th July.

Nathan also had a great debut and posted the fastest BBHAC sprint time of the day in the 100m with a quick 14.2. Nathan also had the glory leg in the 4 x 100m relay maintaining the fine lead the other 3 boys had given him, racing down the home straight to victory.

Rowan Fuss, who has been excelling over 1500m all season turned his hand to hurlding and sprinting and proved what a versatile athlete he really is. Rowan's time of 13.3 in the 75m Hurdles was a PB, having never hurdled before, won him the B string race and ranks him in the top 40 in the country His 200m time of 28.7 was the fastest BBHAC on the day and quick enough to place him third in the A string amongst the recognised sprinters. To complete his day Rowan put the shot over 6m.

New Sprinter Phil Tenyue had another great day running his first ever 200m and winning the B string in 29.2 before another debut event leaping 3.87 in the long jump. Phil also had two great baton changes in the relay powering down the back straight helping the team to first place.

Myles Duffus showed his range of talent running 30.2 in the 200m before winning the B string shot put with 6.23 despite having a stiff neck sustained at a school PE lesson.

Matthew Proctor helped do the clean sweep by winning the B string discus at the start of the day, before lining up again near the end of the day in the 800m, kick finishing with great speed but just outside his best.The few hours gap between events gave his father Stewart time to help officiate in the field earning the club more valuable points. I't's not just the athletes who are awarded points, clubs are also rewarded for supplying track and field judges. If you as a parent or guardian are often standing at the side of the track, bored, waiting for you son or daughter to compete and would like to get more involved, we would love you to and look forward to hearing from you.

Back to the action. Caelan Raju, having only just recovered from tonsillitis, had a tough battle with his arch rival from Tonbridge unfortunately losing out this time by hundredths of a second, as they were both given the same time, equal to Caelan's best. Caelan then had an unusual conclusion to his high jump , finishing on a clearance of 1.30 and not with a failed height. The high jump was running late and so clashed with the hammer. Having cleared 1.30 Caelan raced over to the hammer, threw a life time best ( hammer debut!) but on returning to the high jump found the competition had finished. It was a shame as Caelan was jumping well.

Joseph Georgiadis had a busy day running a brave first lap in the 800m, leading the field out but a stitch hindered his second lap and he slowed slightly, finishing just outside his best .
Joseph came 3rd in the A string long jump 3.92 and jumped a PB 1.20 in the high jump.

Cameron Swatton was another busy athlete competing in three events and was 0.2 seconds off his best for 800m, threw 12.20 in the discus and was 3rd in the A string hammer with 11.50 on his very first attempt at the event.

Sprinter Leo McCallum was 3rd in the B string 100m just 0.2 off his best and had a great third leg in the 4 x 100m relay helping the team to first place. Leo wasn't sure if the story he heard about the starter getting 50 pence every time he fired the gun, was true. However, with lots of false starts being called it got us all wondering!

Robert Suckling is used to the gruelling 2 lap event of the 800m and so was pleased for a relatively easy day equalling his best in the high jump before leading the sprint relay team off like a sprinter with a speedy first leg on the opening bend.

Young Elliot Wanagho was the fastest c string runner on the day clocking 14.6 and also jumped 3.00 in his first long jump competition.

Billy Keene had a day off hurdling to concentrate on the 800m running just outside his best but then jumped a great 3.77 in his first long jump competition. Watching the race walk must have really inspired him!

Keir Lundy ran another impressively controlled 800m, letting the rest of the field pull away on lap one before slowly winding it up to sprint past the whole field on lap two, slicing nearly 5 seconds off his PB timing 2:25.0.

Our three past presidents Graham Botley, Ian Wilson and Chris Haines, all celebrating their 70th birthdays and 150 year BBHAC membership collectively, quite rightly had the club tents for their very enjoyable weekend bash at the club house. A few comments were directed at us about falling on hard times as our make shift home of varing sizes of green and blue gazebo held together with gaffa tape did look a little sorry. But this didnt stop the athletes and supporters getting behing everyone as the team continue to show great team spirit. This was evident when young and old all contrbuted in taking down and packing away our temporary home for the day. As I've said before Blackheath and BromleyHAC are a great team on and off the track.

Looking forward our next fixture, the National league Saturday 19th July Tooting Bec.

Paul Austridge


Sunday marked the final fixture of the this season’s Kent Young Athlete’s League. Sunday was also a key date in the London Youth Games calendar with finals for Athletics, Hockey and even Weightlifting taking place. The performance Blackheath and Bromley’s young athletes put in on sunday illustrated the depth we now have in the squad, along with the athletes' own deep desire and tenacity.

In spite of the drain on the squad from the other events Blackheath and Bromley under 15s finished the day in third place, just 10 points behind Dartford who were able to field a full strength team on the day, and who produced their best score of the season. This great performance from Blackheath and Bromley meant that the final standings for this season’s competition stand as follows:

1st Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC 727
2nd Tonbridge AC 685
3rd Bexley AC 613
4th Medway and Maidstone AC 579
5th Dartford 557
6th Tonbridge AC 2 185

The athletes drive was clear from the first event:

In the Shot Put newcomer Oscar Bailey was paired with our two Harrys, Harry Taylor and Harry Keene. The athletes racked up 18 points for the team between them. Harry Taylor produced a PB on his first attempt. Oscar who had a go at the discipline “a bit at school” sailed in to the places in the A string. Harry Keene was a little exuberant with two wayward attempts that fell outside of the field, but produced a beauty on his third round only to step out of the front of the circle. Frustrating but that’s athletics!

A Oscar Bailey 3rd 9.19m Debut, B Harry Taylor 2nd 8.70m PB, NS Harry Taylor DNS

On the track the hurdles had been laid out, despite a greasy surface from the morning rain, George Pope and Lewis Stickings (clearing a bar without a pole) held their own PB party and added 13 points to the team total.

A Lewis Stickings 4th 15.6 PB, B George Pope 4th 15.2 PB

With the hurdles cleared away it was time for the day’s blue ribbon event - the 2km walk. Yellow numbers were donned and Charlie Short and Harry Keene cautiously approached the start not wanting to use up too much energy. That caution was well rewarded. It was a win double for the team! With the maximum 24 points going to the team. Charlie Short knocked a full 30 seconds of the time he had set earlier in the season. Harry Keene making his debut in the event went even faster and won the A string, this was in spite of a judge disqualifying an athlete on the final event right in front of Harry. Harry wasn’t put off and kept his focus right to the line. It was a thrilling 13 minutes of action. Both boys are now close to the club record set in 2005 by Cameron Ward who achieved 12:44.5 in 2005. It looks likely next season that Harry and Charlie will better that result which will have stood for a decade! Make sure you keep up the walking through the winter season!

A Harry Keene 1st 13:05.3 Debut B Charlie Short 1st 13:38.7 PB

During all that drama on the track, Robert Perry, Harrison Parker and Rhys Urwin were called on to represent the club for High Jump. All of the clubs regular High Jumpers were away at Crystal Palace, and I have complete admiration for Robert and Harrison who stood in for the event. All our events are tough in their own way, but high jump combines athletic performance with a large dose of psychology and confidence. Both Robert and Harrison had three great attempts, but were unable to clear. Robert sailed over the bar on his final attempt only to clip with his feet. Rhys Urwin produced a solid performance clearing 1.30m in the non score, but there was more to come from Rhys later in the day.

A Robert Perry DNS, B Harrison Parker DNS, NS Rhys Urwin 1.30m

Action moved next to the cage, with Henry Henderson and Charlie Short preparing for the Hammer. Henry Henderson’s attention to his technique paid off handsomely beating his previous PB by nearly 3 metres. Charlie Short produced a another solid performance in excess of 20m. These great performances added 16 points to the team total.

A Henry Henderson 3rd 21.40m PB, B Charlie Short 2nd 20.52m

Back on the track it was the 100m. With Adefela Lipede still out injured, Harry Taylor has stepped up to the A string with gusto. He was joined by George Robinson and Robert Perry. The boys produced a whopping 20 points between them for the team, and George smashed his previous PB by 0.6 - literally by a country mile in this event. Robert made a great debut for the club at the event, recording himself a great time for power of ten.

A Harry Taylor 2nd 12.2, B George Robinson 2nd 12.3 PB, C Robert Perry 4th 15.0 Debut

Sporting a close aerodynamic hair cut Callum Myatt was joined at the Long Jump by George Pope and Lewis Warren. Callum continues to improve at the event recording a new PB which bodes well for next season. Both George and Lewis produced jumps within a whisker of their PBs, and were unfortunate not to record new ones on the day. The athletes together added 9 points to the team total.

A Callum Myatt 6th 3.82m PB, B Lewis Warren 5th 3.33m, NS George Pope 4.10m

Back on the track it was time for the 200m. The trio of Rhys Urwin, Oscar Bailey and Lewis Stickings brought home 18 points for the team, and all three smashed their previous bests to hold their own PB party.

A Rhys Urwin 2nd 25.2 PB, B Oscar Bailey 3rd 26.7 PB, C Lewis Stickings 2nd 28.50 PB

The final field event of the day was the Javelin, Harry Keene joined Charlie Short and Henry Henderson. Their throws yielded the team 18 points. Harry achieved great distances but unfortunately couldn’t make a mark in the ground on his first two attempts. It was heartening to see Charlie and Henry offering advice and on his third throw Harry managed a clean throw which will now record on Power of 10.

A Henry Henderson 2nd 29.68m, B Charlie Short 3rd 17.61m, NS Harry Keene 17.33m

The last individual track event, the 800m, saw George Pope team up with Callum Myatt. Great runs from both athletes added 13 points to the day’s total. Callum achieved his second PB of the day. In the non scoring race Lewis Warren and Harrison Parker excelled in a fast field to hold their own PB party. The continued good performance from the athletes is so encouraging for the cross country this winter and going in to next season’s track and filed as all of them will be in this age group.

A George Pope 4th 2:24.7, B Callum Myatt 4th 2:27.5 PB, NS Lewis Warren 2:27.3 PB, Harrison Parker 2:44.2 PB

The grand finale of the 4x100m relay Blackheath and Bromley took maximum points in a riveting race. Rhys Urwin’s first leg set the team up so well, handing to George Robinson who motored up the back straight, handing to Oscar who held off Dartford, giving Harry Taylor just enough room ahead of Justin Oludemi of Dartford Harry’s nemesis from the earlier individual event. Harry opened up the throttle however and left the result in no doubt. It was a great finish for the team on the day.

This meeting concluded the Kent Young Athletes League series. I have said it before and I will say it again that I love the set up the Kent League, the professionalism of the officials balanced with the desire to encouraging and bring on the athletes through the pre event coaching sessions and the full Non Scoring opportunity. A big thank you to Wendy Daniel who started the season in the comfort and glamour of the control room at Ashford, and finished in the snug homely hut at Gillingham (up close with Brian!), who has opened new opportunities to a wide range of athletes through her dedication to the cause of non scoring. The team earned 20 points from the provision of officials, the efforts of Jackie Montgomery, Mike Davies and Steve Hollingdale were much appreciated, and I must mention John Pairman who helped with 5 events on the day, having competed himself the day before. Finally to Bailey Stickings and Will Pope, who enthusiastically stepped in to marshall the relays at the end of the day.

Thank you also to all the parents and grandparents, who made the trip to Gillingham. The support you have given this season, and especially at Gillingham have helped the athletes achieve so much.

Nicolas Corry
Under 15 boys manager

Top of Page


 

15 June 2014 - Kent Young Athletes League - Norman Park

Full results here...

Before I start my report I would like to thank all my U13 boys, their parents, the other team managers and supporters who all helped me to run the team. All the athletes were in the right place at the right time with such enthusiasm. It made my day really enjoyable. Thank you.

I would also like to thank some of the U13 boys who stepped aside today to allow new and inexperienced boys a chance to have a go. This shows just what a great U13 boys team we have.

As per the norm the U13 boys had a great day of athletics and won the competition. (Who needs Paul Austridge!!)

The first field event was the discus and not only was it the first event of the day but also Cameron Swatton and Rowan Fuss’s first ever discus throw! They both had great throws with Rowan coming 2nd in the A string with a throw of 12.79 and Cameron coming 1st in the B string with 12.56. A great start to the day!

The first track event was the 75m hurdles with Caelan Raju coming 2nd in the A string with a PB of 13.30 fantastic. Billy Keene continued his track success by coming 1st in the B string with a time of 14.8 just off his personal best.

The next field event was the shot and a debut for new Blackheath Harrier Myles Duffus. Myles had a great start to his athletics career by putting 6.31 and coming 2nd in the A string, Cameron came 2nd in the B string with 5.78. In the non scoring Rowan scored a great 6.11 having never putt the shot before! Calean's achieved his second PB of the day already, with a distance of 5.76.

LJ Wright had a fantastic 100m sprint recording a PB of 13.8 making him 2nd in the A string he was joined by new Blackheath Harrier Phil Tenyue making his debut for the club with 13.8 putting him in 1st place in the B string, what a great start for Phil. Leo McCallum came 1st in the C string with a time of 14.5 just off his PB.

Joseph Georgiadis had a fantastic 1500m race he timed his acceleration perfectly with a very strong finish giving him a PB 5.01.8, he then had to jog over to his debut in the long jump, because of this he missed the first round which was frustrating but luckily he managed to get two good solid jumps in with a PB of 4.07 making him 4th in the A string, Ben Gardiner jumped 4.02 and came 2nd in the B string.

Matthew Proctor had a gutsy run in the Non scoring 1500m attacking from the bell but unfortunately his legs could not hold onto the lead. He recorded a great time of 5.08.4 PB especially as this was his first 1500m. He then went over to the long jump. Luckily his legs regained their strength and he jumped 3.56.

Robert Suckling continued his track and field success by scoring a PB in the long jump of 4.06.

Fortunately, Billy Keene had had an early night which enabled him to have a gutsy debut in the 1500m. He went off hard (which made Dad Mick Keene very nervous) and recorded a great time of 5.02PB. This made his Dad's Father's Day very special!

Myles Xavier jumped 1.25 just below his PB. I would like to thank Myles for his help in coaching the two relays teams. He also offered to step in to any events if needed at short notice (a team manager's dream athlete!)

Robert Suckling had a cracking first leg in the 4 x 100m relay especially as he was in the middle of his high jump competition, he passed to new comer Phil Tenyue in first place, Phil held the position and passed to Ben Gardiner who ran a great leg to LJ who did the glory leg to victory in a time of 57.0, brilliant.

After lots of emails and several discussions it was finally agreed one hour before the race was due to start that we would be allowed to run a Non scoring 4 x 100m relay.

Leo and Myles Duffus had just got a throw in the javelin when they had to rush over to their relay starts. Billy Keene had a great first leg and passed to Caelan who handed over to new boy Myles Duffus who ran a good leg to Leo McCallum who is always so enthusiastic he ran an excellent leg but was overtaken by what can only be described as a giant of a boy! In a time of 57.9 great running and team work.

Leo and Myles then went back to finish their javelin recording 13.67 & 13.14 respectively, which Rowan Fuss also debuted in and recorded a throw of 15.57.

Robert and Ben completed their Non scoring high jump with a jump of 1.15 each.

Caelan jumped 1.35 giving us maximum points by coming 1st in the A string just after completing the relay.

Once again the team were well supported on the day by Mr and Mrs President, past president Bob Cliff, club officials and many parents, grandparents and siblings.

One of the highlights of the day is often the taking down of the club tent and today was no exception I don't know how we would have managed without my in laws expert assistance (not quite sure if they helped or hindered)

We had some minor challenges today one being a shortage of pins, two trying to persuade the track officials to have a Non Scoring 4 x 100 relay team and the parking, other than that it all went very smoothly!!

Thanks again for a great afternoon of athletics and team spirit. I will now leave you in Paul's capable hands for the next events!!

Claire Austridge
U13 Boys U13 Boys Reserve team manager (whilst Paul is away going redder in Spain!)


It was a busy weekend for the cub’s young athletes and officials. School’s County Championships were held on Saturday, and on Sunday the Kent Young Athletes League rode in to town, arriving at Norman Park. It was a grey, overcast, blustery day, but but the weather brought out the best in everyone, with an overall “can do” spirit prevailing.

It was nice to see the ladies getting stuck into erecting the club tent, refusing all offers of help, it was Father’s Day after all. As the day wore on it served as a Field Hospital as St John’s ambulance set up shop, and a steady stream of injured appeared for treatment. All were dealt with kindly and with efficiency, and as a father of one of the injured athletes I’d like to thank them for their voluntary services on Sunday.

Being a home fixture we wanted to give as many athletes the opportunity to represent the club, and for their families and friends to see them in action. We must also give a big thank you to Wendy Daniel, Brian and the rest of the Officiating Team who allowed us to enter a number of non scorers. Wendy bravely held on to her paper work as the wind did its best to send race numbers and entry forms across the Kent countryside.

The day’s action for the under 15 boys commenced with the Shot Put. Battling away against the men-mountains from Tonbridge, Blackheath and Bromley were represented by Henry-James Cowie, Charlie Short , Harry Taylor and Henry Henderson. The team earned 18 points, and scoring was open for the day. A Henry-James Cowie 2nd 9.73m, B Charlie Short 3rd 4.74m, NS Harry Taylor 8.22m, NS Henry Henderson 6.46m.

The points continued on the track. Our hurdlers added a further 20 points to the total, with both athletes recording PBs. Lewis Stickings also achieved the team’s first place of the day. A Coleman Corry 3rd 13.9 (PB), B Lewis Stickings 1st 15.4 (PB)

At the last YDL match at Reading Frankie Scrivener was a last minute entry to the High Jump, in an attempt to help the team fill the score card. It was great to see him enter the event at Norman Park, having had some training. Frankie set a new PB winning the B string. Edward Adams returned to the event for the first time this season, and held his own in the A string. 800m specialist Lewis Warren tried out the event in a non scoring role, but unfortunately clipped the bar with his attempts. The Jumpers earned the team a further 20 points. A Edward Adams 3rd 1.45m, B Frankie Scrivener 1st 1.40m (PB).

Back on the track and the team were very unlucky not to take all the points on offer in the 100m. All the athletes matched or set new PBs however. Matthew Knight made his debut for the team, and a strong finish saw him beat the times set at the recent Norman Park open meetings. In the A string, Adefela Lipede equalled his PB, again running sub 12, all the more remarkable considering Mum Kehinde had been treating him for a cold the night before. Harrison Parker knocked 0.3s off his previous best time. These performances added 20 more points to the team total. A Adefela Lipede 2nd 11.9, B Matthew Knight 2nd 12.3 (PB), C Harrison Parker 2nd 15.9 (PB).

I must mention also that at the Kent Schools in Ashford on Saturday, Harry Taylor set a PB of 12.21 in the 100m final. This sunday the next round of the YDL comes to Norman Park, and we will be teaming up Adefela Lipede, Harry Taylor, Matthew Knight and Edward Adams in the 4x100m relay. One event not to be missed!

At the Javelin it was all the “Harrys”, with Angus Harrington, Harry Keene, Henry Henderson and Henry-James Cowie throwing for the team. Our throwers attracted considerable support. Shouts of encouragement and advice from a number of the girls’ team lifted their throwing, helping Henry Henderson to win the B string. The throwers added 22 points to the team total. A Angus Harrington 2nd 31.87m, B Henry Henderson 1st 28.50m. NS Henry-James Cowie 21.39m, NS Harry Keene unfortunately did not score.

The day prior at the London Schools Femi Sofolarin threw over 38m to win the Javelin competition. Femi will be in action next Sunday in the YDL at Norman Park.

Angus Harrington went straight from the Javelin to the 1500m to be joined by George Pope and Callum Myatt. The long distance lads scored highly for the team bringing in 20 points. Angus ran a terrific race winning the A string with a new PB, and George Pope comfortably held his own with a number of year 9 runners, achieving 3rd in the Bs. Callum Myatt performed well in the non scoring race coming home 3rd. A Angus Harrington 1st 4:38.2 (PB), B George Pope 3rd 4:53.3 NS Callum Myatt 3rd 5:07.2

Next it was over to the cage, for the Discus. I’ve mentioned before that we have to thank Wendy and the Kent Officials for letting us field a number of non scorers. How things unfolded at the Discus may never have occurred had it not been for this. Henry Henderson’s best this season had been 16.93m. Coleman Corry tried out the Discus as a non scorer, having never tried the event before. Coleman saw James Lancaster and others whirling round like helicopters, he followed suit and achieved 20.64m. This prompted Henry to change his technique, and the result was a new PB of 27.32m. James Lancaster fresh from winning the Surrey Schools Hammer throw, went on to set a PB in the Discus of 34.26m. Charlie Short also threw 14.66m. This success at the cage added 22 points for the team. A James Lancaster 2nd 34.26m PB, B Henry Henderson 1st 27.32m, NS Coleman Corry 20.64m (Debut), Charlie Short 14.66m.

Following the events at Norman Park Paul Lancaster was informed that James has been selected to represent the English Schools at Hammer. A great Father’s Day present for him. The club wishes James every success.

At the track it was time for the 300m. Harry Taylor and Charlie Scrivener were joined by Robert Perry, who was glad of a Sunday fixture, as he has school on Saturdays and has had to miss most of the season’s events. The boys added 16 points to the team total. Harry Taylor ran a valiant race after setting multiple PBs in the 100m the day before at the Kent Schools. Charlie Scrivener won the B string, and Robert came home first in the C string. A Harry Taylor 5th 41.9, B Charlie Scrivener 1st 42.9, C Robert Perry 1st 48.6 (Debut)

Back at the field it was over to the long jump. Harry Keene, Callum Myatt and Harrison Parker representing the team at an event which will surely become their own next season. Harry Keene set a new PB and Harrison and Callum made exciting debuts. The jumpers added 11 points to the team total. A Harry Keene 5th 3.66m (PB), B Callum Myatt 4th 3.61m (Debut), NS Harrison Parker 3.32m.

The team had scored consistently well throughout the day, all that remained were the relays…

In the 4x100m Harry Taylor, Edward Adams, Lewis Stickings and Adefela Lipede were on rockets, putting nearly a second between themselves and the rest of the field. They also shaved 1.6 seconds off the last time they were together as a team. This performance earned a whopping 14 points for the team. A 1st 49.9.

For the 3x800m, Coleman Corry and Henry-James Cowie were joined by Lewis Warren who has set PBs at each of his last meetings at 800m. It was no surprise that these three destroyed the rest of the field, bringing another 14 points home for the team. A 1st 7:01.5.

Last of all it was the 4x300m, due to there being free lanes we were able to field two teams, and both performed admirably. The A string comprising The Brothers Scrivener, George Pope and Callum Myatt sped to victory in 2:57.8, and the Non Scoring Quartet of Robert Perry, Harry Keene, Matthew Knight and Harrison Parker beat Bexley’s A team. The team ensured we maxed out on points in all three relays. A 1st 2:57.8, NS 3:15.5.

The Under 15 boys team topped the table for the day. Their total combined with the Under 13 boys (who also finished 1st) and with maximum points from the Officials Blackheath and Bromley HAC have extended their league in the competition. The final round is on the 6th of July at Gillingham, which is also the date some of the squad will compete at the London Youth Games. As the report shows above we have great strength and depth in the squad, and we will be looking for a strong finish to this competition.

Thank you to all those that came to support the team yesterday. All the parents and grandparents, and finally to our President and First Lady, who yet again brought the team an extra winning impetus with their support. The team is in action again at Norman Park this Sunday in the YDL. They would welcome your support. What other way to spend the longest day of the year?

Nicolas Corry
Under 15 boys manager

Photos from Rod Harrington

 

Top of Page


11 May 2014 - Kent Young Athletes League - Erith

Full results here...

Team Blackheath and Bromley brightened the most overcast of days, by maintaining their lead in the Kent Young Athletes Lead at Erith Stadium. The team performance further demonstrated the strength and depth that is now building. A number of athletes made their debuts for the team.

There was one last minute selection headache however. Dave and Hanna would not be available to put up the Blackheath tent. A substitute team was hastily put together, and the Austridge family in an effort worthy of the A-Team got out the duct tape and got to work erecting the team shelter, Paul Patten making useful observations throughout. 42 minutes and 3 sore thumbs later HQ was set up and we were in business.

The KYAL is our development league and there are two great features of the league besides the opportunity to compete. Before the meeting starts coaches offer their services in selected events to give athletes a teach in. Paul Patten hosted the long jump class, and there were classes offered in sprint starts and shot put. The second great feature is the way the league encourages non-scorers, we took full advantage of this fielding extra athletes in the 800m, Long Jump, Hammer and Walk. All day in a small room above the stadium a dedicated team of officials work to collate times, register non scoring athletes, facilitate name changes, and even weigh equipment such as shot and hammer. This dedication allows our young athletes to achieve so much, and their work needs recognition. A thank you to you Wendy, and please pass one on to Brian and the team.

Once the coaching was complete, the first event was the Shot Put. Charlie Short and Frankie Scrivener with new techniques fresh in their ears provided 18 points to the team. Frankie’s best effort of 6.87m landed him 3rd in the A string. Charlie Short recorded 5.30m to finish second in the Bs. It was also Frankie’s debut at the event.

Meanwhile on the track two more debuts were about to be made for the team in the 80m hurdles. Charlie Scrivener was narrowly beaten into 4th in the A string despite a valiant sprint for the line (15.6). Lewis Stickings keeping up the family hurdling tradition with a 4th in the B string (16.1). The hurdlers added 13 points to the team total.

Back at HQ, however, a crisis was developing. A chronic shortage of pins. This would be tested to the limit by the next track event: the 2km walk. Blackheath very nearly came away with maximum points. Sporting their extra number: the walkers made their way to the start. The boys set off at a terrific pace, acting as a group. A strong finish saw Charlie Short home in 14:09.2, Lewis Warren in 14:10.1 and Harrison Parker in 14:10.5. The walkers added 22 points to the team total.

All the while competition in the U13 girls high jump was intense. So much so that events in the field began to over run. The under 15 boys High Jump which had meant to commence at noon didn’t really get started til nearer 1pm. It was a small blessing that the High Jump was located next to the throwing cage, as Henry-James Cowie could move between the High Jump and Hammer. However it meant that he had to sacrifice his High Jump spikes. The Jumpers also had to contend with an oversize opposition shot putter who insisted on scissoring the bar all the way up to 1.45m. In spite of this set back the Jumpers earned 17 points for the team, Coleman Corry finishing 2nd in the As, setting a new PB (1.50m). Henry-James’ 1.35m placed him 4th in the Bs.

In the Hammer James Lancaster and Henry-James Cowie took maximum points for Blackheath and Bromley. James’ best throw of 40.28m winning the As, Henry-James won the Bs with a distance of 26.29m. 24 points added to the team.

With events on an even keel in the field, at the track the 100m was about to start but the fastest man in the team was stuck in traffic! A quick reordering of numbers saw Harry Taylor step up to the A string, and Frankie Scrivener move to B. Harry came 4th in the As in 12.7, Frankie came 3rd in the Bs in 13.1. Together adding 13 points to the team total. Heartbreaking for Adefela on the one hand, but a relief to arrive to see his team mates do so well.

Back at HQ the pin situation was getting dire. It was heartening to see team members, boys and girls, mums and dads, coaches and managers, helping the athletes make do with what was available.

Over at the cage James Lancaster and Charlie Short were back on duty in the Discus. They took home 18 points between them, James 2nd in the As with 27.28m, Charlie 3rd in the Bs in 14.09 (scarily similar to his time for the walk). Charlie missed out on 2nd place by 1cm….!

In the 200m the boys added 12 to the team total, Harry Taylor 4th in the As in 26.3, Charlie Scrivener making his 200m debut came 5th in the Bs in 28.4, and Callum Myatt 3rd in the Cs in 30.80.

In the Long Jump Coleman Corry and Harry Keene were joined by non scorers Henry-James Cowie (4.94m), Lewis Warren (3.35m) and Lewis Stickings (3.71m). The Long Jump team added 9 points to the total. Coleman 6th in the As (4.14m), Harry Keene 5th in the Bs (3.37m). All the Long Jumpers were involved in the next two track events the 800m and 4 x 100m relay, and I have to thank the mums and dads at the pit who helped get everyone where they needed to be and back again during a hectic half hour for British sport!

For the 800m a large crowd had congregated around the Blackheath tent. In the main race Callum Myatt and Harry Keene lined up, men among giants. One of the features of the age group, competitors can be bigger than you, much bigger than you. However, no one quite has a stride like Callum Myatt, honed over a winter of park running (when it wasn’t flooded), and we know the Keene family has form. Callum (2:31.8) and Harry (2:38.7) blazed around the track earning 11 points for the team.

In the 4x100m regulars Henry-James Cowie, Harry Taylor and Adefela Lipede were joined by debutant Lewis Stickings. The boys ran a fantastic race, which was thrilling all the way to the tape. Finishing in the same time as the eventual winners 51.9, the relay runners were sadly denied first place, but still provided the team with 12 points.

The full final results are attached, 25 points were provided to the team by the work done by our officials. A really big thank you to them. This placed the team 2nd overall on the day, being pipped by Medway and Maidstone by just 2 points. However the team’s margin (combined with U13 boys) over the series has now grown into a lead of 34 points over 2nd placed Tonbridge.

The next match in the KYAL is at Norman Park on Sunday the 15th of June. Hopefully with "home advantage" we can increase this margin further. We will need to, as the final match in the series at Gillingham on the 6th of July coincides with the London Youth Games at Crystal Palace. The KYAL will be thrilling to the end...

Nic


 

Erith was the venue for the latest fixture in the Kent league and the cold wind was more suited to cross country than track and field.

However, President Dick Griffin said it was " positively tropical " compared to the previous days weather in wet and windy Swansea! Dick, along with Mrs President Sheila had made the long journey west to support our senior ladies in the opening premier league fixture and it was great to have them and Past President Steve Hollingdale at Erith supporting our young athletes.

The weather did affect times and distances but it didn't stop some great performances and a handful of personal bests.

The U 13 boys had three boys making their Blackheath and Bromley debut. Ben Ward, having only done two or three training sessions with the club, enjoyed a great run out over 200 m clocking a respectable 31.1 before taking on the 800 m and timing 2:54.2, a good solid start to his athletic career.

Bees Academy LJ Wright was another debutant, only recently back in training having suffered with painful knees for many months.Taking precautions LJ raced in flats but still managed to clock 15.0, a great first time run and we look forward to seeing him fully fit and sprinting very soon.

Matthew Proctor also made his debut for BBHAC and first time out in the long jump soared over 4 m. Matthew then raced over 800 m and finished showing great speed coming down the home straight recording a best time of 2:47.5.

The Kent league enables us to give the athletes a chance to try events they don't normally do so it was brilliant to see Peter Guy flying around the bend in the 200m and powering down the windy straight in 28.0 sec a PB. Peter then tried the hammer for the very first time and won the competition in a strong 16.79. Peter completed his day coming second in the shot and running the second leg in the 4 x100m relay.

Ben Gardiner had a busy day having his first attempt at hurdling but was disappointed to lose the lead clipping the final hurdle and slightly losing his balance but holding onto second place in 16.6. Ben was just below his best in the long jump but had a strong run in the 800m running a new PB time 2:37.9 before running the third leg in the 4x 100 m.

The windy conditions did nothing to stop Billy Keene hurdling his way to a personal best in the 75 m Hurdles, a well deserved best as Billy really attacked each hurdle.

He then improved his 800m best by 10 seconds finishing strongly in 2:41.0 and was also the lead off runner in the 4 x100 relay.

Leo McCallum was as busy as ever and has now perfected his finishing dip, running a fine 15.0 in the 100m, jumped over 3m in the long jump, threw over 14m in the javelin and then sprinted down the home straight as the final leg runner in the relay, just being pipped by the Tonbridge athlete, who was approx 18" taller.

Our relay boys disappointment at coming second was soon lifted as Tonbridge were disqualified ( not for having tall boys!) for an illegal baton change.

Myles Xavier, one of the countries furthest long jumpers turned his hand to the vertical jump and despite the competition starting 1 1/2 hours late, managed to jump 1.30. Myles' 13.6 sec in the windy 100m and 4.44 in the long jump show what great form he is in and we look forward to to seeing Myles compete in better conditions.

Hurdler Caelan Raju turned his attentions to jumps and a sprint and was just over 30 sec in the 200 m, jumped a great PB of 4.14 in the long jump and showed consistence in winning the high jump with a PB equalling 1.40m.

Most spectacular U13 race of the day saw Keir Lundy power through the last bend in the 800 m and go from third to first and finish a comfortable winner, recording a negative split (75 sec 1st lap,74sec 2nd lap ) PB time of 2:29.0. Keir was so happy he wanted to do it all over again.

Cameron Swatton spent his Sunday morning helping his football team secure third place in their league in a 3-3 draw, before racing over to Erith to put the shot, with only minutes to spare. His reward was 2nd place, he then threw the javelin just over 1m further than his previous best.

The only real drama of the day was when the U15 boys team manager Nic Corry, bellowed across the track, for all to hear,( without the aid of a mega phone) " Blackheath have wrong lane, Blackheath lane 1". Halting the race. Nic's instructions, being clearer than the public address system, ensured no confusion and so the relay could start and what a race it was. From the side lines it looked a dead heat but the result was eventually given to Bexley but with the same time as us.

Paul Patten was once agin on hand advising and coaching all our long jumpers as was Nigel Stickings who always gives positive words of encouragement to all the boys and girls in the team.

The U 13 boys again won on the day and this result along with the U15 boys and girls gave us overall victory, seeing BBHAC on top of division one.

Fantastic result and lets hope we can keep the memento going for the National League.

Next Kent league fixture is out home fixture at Norman Park on Sunday 15th June but before that is our next all important National league match at Reading on 31st May.

Monday 19th May we have the first of our open graded summer meetings and it would be great to see all the U13 boys there competing.

Paul

Top of Page


26 April 2014 - Kent Young Athletes League - Ashford

Full results here...

You will see that we finished the meeting in first position, and now lead Tonbridge by 1 point.

Note: In fact the scoring for the 4x100m relay was incorrect which we have flagged to the KCAA. They are correcting and that should increase our margin of victory to 7 points from 1 point.

What stands out is the number of points each athlete contributed to the team.

It was a wet and windy morning when we arrived at Ashford, however with such a great day of track and field the inclement conditions soon became irellevant. Edward and Harry set the tone for the day in the first event: Shot Put. Edward Adams put a Personal Best (10.81m) with his first attempt taking 2nd in the A string, and Harry Taylor’s best (8.64m) drew maximum points for the team from the B string. 22 points from the Shot Putters, thanks lads.

Meanwhile on the track the hurdlers took 18 points for the team, Henry-James coming third in the A string (13.76) narrowly missing his PB and Coleman second in the Bs (15.11) with a new PB.

The hurdlers then decided to raise the bar and headed over to the High Jump. 17 points were added to the team total as Henry-James cleared 1.45m pipped into third by number of attempts, and Coleman sharing second in the B pool.

There was high drama at the 100m. Harry Taylor was so quick the photo video technology missed him. I must thank Sean - Harry’s Dad, for pointing this out to me, as we could have missed out on a valuable 10 points. A quick visit to the judges’ office had them forced to go to the manual reports, and they amended their error. The sprinters: Ade (12.58), Harry (12.82) and Callum (16.14) added 22 points to the team total.

Next up were the big lads in the Javelin. Charlie and Henry bringing in 16 points for the team both taking 3rd place. Charlie’s longest (18.32m) was a new PB. Henry’s best (27.07m).

The 1500m saw some thrilling running. The long distance lads took 18 points home both in new PBs. Oscar (4.52) screamed home 16 seconds clear of his last. Charlie (5.09) in spite of a troubling stitch, George Pope ran a full on non scoring 1500m - I haven’t found the official non-score results yet.

After the excitement of the 1500m the throwers returned to the centre of the track for the discus. Henry and Charlie were up against the National Champion, and it raised their game, adding 18 points to the team. It was Henry’s first go at the discus, 27.07m placed him 3rd in the A string. Charlie took 2nd in the Bs (15.11m).

By now a few of the events had over run, and the discus was a long competition. Next on the track was the 300m. The trio added 8 points to the team total. Coleman ran a PB in the A string (43.74), George (46.14) and Callum won his heat spectacularly (46.95), the Park Runs really paying off.

The 4 x 100m relay followed shortly after, and the Blackheath and Bromley 4 must have been the largest relay team the competition has ever witnessed. A big plaudit to Henry Henderson who made it possible to field a team. The lads managed a valiant 3rd, adding 3 points to the total (52.00 averaging 13 secs a leg!). I must confess I don’t understand the scoring attributed to the 4 x 100m relay as it seems to be in reverse order, with Tonbridge taking the most points for coming last!

Striding off the track the long jumpers: Edward (5.16m) and George (3.86m) added 18 points to the team total, Edward winning the A string to take maximum points.

Events took a turn for the worse next as the organisers managed to clawback valuable minutes and bring the events back on schedule. This threw the entrants for the 3 x 800m, and sadly Blackheath and Bromley were unable to enter the event, arriving at the start too late. A plaudit to Callum, who did try to hold the space with the officials. A lesson for the team and manager, always be at each event 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start to register the team…

With everyone stunned and feeling a little low, our spirits soared at the finale the 4 x 300m team produced. The team took home maximum points with a fantastic display. George ran a terrific first leg positioning the team well, handing over to Oscar who ran the leg of his life. He handed Charlie Scrivener a good lead and Charlie held on to first to hand over to Ade. Ade had been unsure about the distance prior to the match, and valiantly stepped in due to late injury in the squad. We were very glad he did. He flew round that track landing Blackheath and Bromley a fitting win in the last event of the day. (2.54)

It was truly a team effort, and we look forward to the next meeting 11th May at Erith. Thank you to all the competitors who took part, and also to the mums and dads who got the lads to Norman Park in good time, and to those Mums, Dads, Brothers, Sisters, Grandmas and Grandads who supported the team so well.

Nicolas Corry
Under 15 boys manager


A great opening fixture to the 2014 track and field season saw Blackheath and Bromley win their first Kent league fixture at Ashford in both the boys and girls U13 and U15 age groups.

Blackheath and Bromley had great support on the day led by Mr and Mrs President, Dick and Shiela Griffin and Mr and Mrs Past President Denis Lawrie and loads of parents some of whom spent the day track and field judging.

The U13 boys had a great day with many personal bests and a comfortable win in the relay.

Peter Guy led the 1500 m from the gun and powered home to a new best of 4:54.15 smashing the elusive 5 minute barrier and placing himself in the top 10 in the country. Peter also won both the discus and shot put competitions again with personal bests.

All had to contend with a strong head wind down the home straight but this didn't stop Myles Xavier winning the 100 m in 14.0 and second placings for Caelan Raju 14.9 and Leo McCallum 15.7 making his debut for BBHAC.

Myles, currently ranked 2nd in the country in the long jump, dominated winning comfortable with 4.72 and also ran the anchor leg in the 4 x 100m.

Leo had a busy debut winning the B string javelin, second in the discus and running the 3rd leg in the winning relay team.

Caelan also won the 75m hurdles A string in 13.6 currently placing him 5th in the country. Caelan also set a personal best winning the high jump in 1.40.

Robert Suckling had a busy afternoon with his three events happening all at the same time but still scored loads of points for the team placing 1st in the B string long jump, 3rd in the 1500 and 3rd in the high jump. Despite his busy afternoon Robert still had his wits about him enough not to stay on the Bexley coach for the journey home but to get off and travel home with Blackheath and Bromley!!

Cameron Swatton also had a busy afternoon scoring valuable points for the team coming 2nd in the B string shot and 3rd in the A string javelin. Cameron also knocked off a large chuck of time getting a great new personal best in the 1500m.

Billy Keene on his debut performance for BBBHAC had a great afternoon with two 1st place finishes. His first ever full hurdle race saw him crossing the line first and he led the relay team off the start for another victory.

Team spirit on the day was once again superb and we are now looking forward to the first National league fixture at Southampton on 3rd May 2014.

Paul Austridge

Top of Page


Site designed and maintained by robin-web.co.uk