7
September
2014 - UAG Final - Alexander Stadium,
Birmingham
Results
Edinburgh 1st, BBHAC 2nd
So our Upper age group are the second best team in
the whole of the Country! Well done one and all.
But, our girls
came first so are off to Europe next year!
Full results here...
Photos
from Jay Galley
6
September
2014 - LAG Final - Alexander Stadium,
Birmingham
Final results 1st Sale 606, 2nd BBHAC 598 & 3rd
Reading 584
So our Lower age group are the second best team in
the whole of the Country! Well done one and all.
Full results here...
Full report below...
Photos from Karen Desborough
Photos from Jay Galley
Photo from Nic Corry
Getting ready for their big day...
Prior to departing to Birmingham Dina gave them all a 'pep talk' and took
this selfie... The President also address them and told them that The Queen
wished them all well and good luck. Not sure if they all believed him...
If in doubt check this out...
Having been crowned Southern Premier Lower Age Group
Champions, our young athletes qualified for the National Finals of the Youth
Development League. These were held at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on
the 6th of September. The other qualifying clubs were Edinburgh, Preston
Harriers, Reading, Rugby & Northampton, Sale Harriers, Southampton and
Swansea. For most athletes this was their first experience of a Grand Final,
and they gained valuable experience for future large competitions, such as
using a dedicated warm-up area, and a rigorous call room schedule. The
athletes took this all in their stride and an all round team effort earned
the team the runners-up trophy. In a fiercely fought match Blackheath and
Bromley lost out to Sale Harriers by a mere 8 points.
The day’s events started outside of the stadium with
the Under 15 boys’ hammer. James Lancaster and Henry-James Cowie got the
team off to a tremendous start. James won the A string in emphatic style by
more than 10m. He missed out on the 50m mark by the narrowest of margins.
James returns to the age group next year, and the club record will surely be
tested. Henry-James produced a solid performance to place 4th in the B
string. Blackheath and Bromley were off to a great start! A James Lancaster
1st (49.34m) B Henry-James Cowie 4th (25.22m)
Inside the stadium the Under 15 girls were represented
by Eloise Locke and Carys Marsden. Eloise won gold in the A string by a
comfortable margin, and Carys produced a superb series of throws to place
5th in the B string. The girls received great support from coach Herbie who
was one of a number who had made the journey to see their athletes compete.
A Eloise Locke 1st (33.80m), B Carys Marsden 5th (19.81m)
In front of a highly partisan crowd the Under 15 boys
long jumpers received a rapturous welcome. Adefela Lipede and Coleman Corry
were up against a highly competitive field. Preston were fielding the 8th
ranked jumper in the country with a personal best of 6.07m, and he was
beaten into second place by the Sale Athlete who produced the 17th longest
jump in the UK this year at 5.95m. Adefela was struggling with an achilles
problem that has reemerged at the most inopportune moments during the
season. A Coleman Corry 8th (4.52m) B Adefela Lipede 8th (4.46m)
The Under 13 boys and girls commenced proceedings with
the High Jump. Alice Prentice and Isobelle Bridge held their own PB party
and also came away with medals. Alice earned a bronze in the A string,
Isobelle winning silver in the Bs. In the boys, Caelan Raju rose to the
occasion with a new PB, before diving off to take part in the hurdles. When
Caelan returned to the High Jump only one competitor was left but the bar
had moved up nearly 20cm! Caelan had passed all his previous heights and so
was allowed to attempt the new height. Caelan had three gutsy attempts at
what would have been a massive PB and gold medal. Caelan's efforts were
rewarded with the silver medal in the A string. Pedro Gleadall just missed
out on a medal on the count back. U13G A Alice Prentice 3rd (1.35m PB). B
Isobelle Bridge 2nd (1.30m PB). U13B A Caelan Raju 2nd (1.45m PB) B Pedro
Gleadall 4th (1.30m)
The first track event of the day was the 1km
invitational walk. Two Blackheath and Bromley Under 15 boys were invited to
compete due to their efforts in the Kent Young Athletes League this season.
Charlie Short and Harrison Parker set themselves a target of 6 minutes 30,
and with great support from the Blackheath and Bromley faithful Harrison and
Charlie came home 4th and 5th in the event. Harrison Parker 4th 6:28.36,
Charlie Short 5th 6:30.18
The Under 13 boys were in action again at the Shot.
Tom Mills only found athletics recently and after joining the club late in
the season soon got a Kent call up for his efforts in the throwing events.
Tom was disappointed only to win the bronze in the shot put, but that is all
part of the experience of competition and he will be a better athlete for it
in the long run. Cameron Swatton joined Tom in the event, and spent a few
evenings with his dad practicing and preparing for the final and it was
great to see him winning valuable points for the club after the taking the
event seriously. A Tom Mills 3rd (8.55m) B Cameron Swatton 6th (5.21m)
On the far side of the stadium the first Pole Vault
event of the day took place. Though they were unable to pitch the club tent
Hanna and Dave Cordell elected to bring the club poles up the motorway with
them. These arrived just in time for the event, and Lewis Stickings and
George Pope took to the runway. John Wakeman was another coach who had
travelled to Birmingham to watch the fruits of his labour. Lewis and George
only took up the event this season, and as the bar moved higher it was great
to hear the announcer at the stadium telling the crowd that George and Lewis
were both still in contention for medals. Both athletes rose to the occasion
with new Personal Bests. George was unlucky just missing out on the bronze
in the A string, but Lewis won Bronze in the Bs. A George Pope 4th (2.20m PB)
B Lewis Stickings 3rd (2.10m PB)
On the track, hurdles took centre stage. First up were
Grace Fullerton and Emilie Penlington representing the Under 13 girls. Grace
ran a terrific race in a highly competitive A string, winning valuable
points for the team. In the B string Emilie set a new personal best. The
Under 13 boys were represented by Caelan Raju and Billy Keene. Caelan has
had a great season over the hurdles, representing Kent earlier in the year
and the high jump had clearly warmed him up as he sped to a new PB taking
the silver medal. Billy Keene has spent a lot of Wednesday evenings running
over hurdles practicing his technique and taking a few whacks to the knees
and ankles for his troubles. These were all put to one side as Billy
sprinted to a new PB as well as picking up the bronze medal. Kate Purser and
Safiya Atkins-Dykes lined up for the Under 15 girls. Both girls were fired
up, Safiya equaled the PB she had set at Norman Park in the early rounds of
the competition (accounting for wind), Kate ran just shy of her PB and just
missed out on the medals. In the Under 15 boys Femi Sofolarin raced across
from the Javelin to take part in the A string. Coleman Corry warmed up from
the Long Jump ran just outside of his PB. U13G A Grace Fullerton 6th (12.54)
B Emilie Penlington 7th (13.69 PB), U13B A Caelan Raju 2nd (12.75 PB) B
Billy Keene 3rd (13.99 PB), U15G A Kate Purser 4th (12.12) B Safiya
Atkins-Dykes 6th (13.06), U15B A Femi Sofolarin 6th (13.04) B Coleman Corry
7th (14.01).
By now we got our first look at the team totals. Sale
were out in front and Blackheath were lying in 5th position.
Femi raced back to the Javelin to join Edward Adams
for the Under 15 boys. Edward has been a superlative competitor this season
and has recently been competing in a number of multi event competitions.
Inevitably this late in the season there is some fatigue. Edward's throws
placed him 4th in the A string, but then Femi the original B string athlete
surpassed Edward's throw by some 80cm, taking himself out of Gold slot in
the B string and 4th in the A string, such is the nature of the competition.
Both lads contributed highly to the points total for the team. A Femi
Sofolarin 4th (36.19m) B Edward Adams 1st (35.34m)
In the Under 15 girls Hammer Blackheath were dominant
with Victoria Wiltshire and Carys Marsden leaving the opposition far behind.
The athletes did the win double and Carys' best throw would have comfortably
earned her silver in the A string. Victoria ranked 4th in the UK this year
surpassed the 50m mark for the third time this season. A Victoria Wiltshire
1st (50.40m) B Carys Marsden 1st (39.73m)
With that win-double the fight back had started....
Shot Put was the next event for the Under 13 girls,
special credit to Kareena Galley and Daisy Dowling who put in admirable
performances in the absence of Tajera Baldie, out through injury. Kareena
almost put herself in the medals in the A string, pulling out a personal
best, which would have comfortably won her gold in the B string. Daisy has
been a great all round thrower this season and produced a solid throw in the
B string. A Kareena Galley 5th (7.54m PB) B Daisy Dowling 6th (6.19m)
Next to the crowd the Under 15 girls lined up for the
Long Jump. With news of their team mates success in the hammer coming over
the tannoy, Magda Cienciala and Karina Harris readied their run ups. It was
a tremendous competition and despite vocal support the athletes just missed
out on golds coming second in both A and B string, jumping within 2cm of
each other. A Magda Cienciala 2nd (5.03m) B Karina Harris 2nd (5.01m)
At the top of the stadium their Under 15 team mates
were involved in a hotly contested high jump. Tabitha Lisciotto won bronze
in the A string, while Antonia Alapafuja set a new personal best by 15cm -
literally a mountain in high jump - to take the B string silver. Both
athletes matched each other for height. A Tabitha Lisciotto 3rd (1.45m) B
Antonia Alapafuja 2nd (1.45m PB)
All the while the first of the sprinting races were
under way, as attention turned to the 150m and 200m races. In the Under 13
girls Grace Fullerton buoyed by her great hurdles effort, ran in a personal
best in the A string. Abigail Nelson was not far off her own personal best.
Abigail also had 2 more events to come. It was a win double for the Under 13
boys with Myles Xavier and Tom Mills destroying the field. Both boys had the
Blackheath faithful on their feet, particularly Tom who left it to the final
80m to take the lead through sheer determination and power. This was
followed by two more medal winning performances, with Olivia Richer and
Mhairi Brooks representing the Under 15 girls. Olivia stormed home to set a
new personal best. Mhairi fought to the line and was unlucky to miss out on
silver. In the Under 15 boys race injury overcame Adefela Lipede who
grimaced to the line, earning the team valuable points. He was dispatched
straight to physio Gemma Steinle who worked her magic, ensuring he would be
ok for the relay. Matthew Knight showed his finishing strength. Matthew has
really made his mark on the team, joining only recently but showing his
dedication to training, he finished 4th in the B string with a new personal
best. U13G A Grace Fullerton 8th (21.48 PB) B Abigail Nelson 6th (21.82)
U13B A Myles Xavier 1st (26.76) B Tom Mills 1st (27.51) U15G Olivia Richer
3rd (26.52 PB) B Mhairi Brooks 3rd (27.11) U15B A Adefela Lipede 8th (24.89)
B Matthew Knight 4th (24.52 PB)
This took us to halfway through the proceedings and
the athletes efforts had shaken up the scoreboard. Sale were still in the
lead but Blackheath and Bromley had climbed to 2nd. Sale's had secured a
large lead however, it would take a supreme effort to overcome that
margin...
There followed an astonishing 30 minutes on the track,
as the club's 800m took to the stage. Lily Tappenden and Lauren Goddard
represented the Under 13 girls. It was tenacity from the pair of them. Lily
was spiked on the first lap, but battled on through the pain to earn the
team valuable points. Lauren was coming back from injury, but produced a
thrilling run which earned her a bronze medal. In the Under 13 boys Peter
Guy has dominated the 800 m all season and was determined to keep it that
way going through the bell in a rapid 63sec. The equally talented
Southampton lad tracked Peter all the way and somehow found another pace as
he crept pass Peter on the top bend. Peter continue to push hard but the
Southampton boy kept his form to cross the line first with Peter just behind
recording his third fastest ever 800m. Such was the Southampton performance
that he broke the league record and won 'athlete of the match' award. It
took a super human effort to beat Peter, something no one else has done this
season! Peter's performances all year have inspired Robert Suckling to great
things and the final was no exception as Robert cruised through the first
lap holding a great position. Going up the back straight and rounding the
top bend the whole field seemed to surge forward but, fortunately for BBHAC,
Robert was the strongest and fastest as he eased in front to lead down the
home straight. Robert had run the perfectly timed race and there was no way
he was giving up the lead as he cross the line a comfortable winner. As he
came to a stop it was great to see him clench his fist subtly, over joyed by
the result. In the Under 15 girls races Katy-Ann McDonald and Yasmin
Austridge increased the Blackheath medal haul. Katy-Ann brought her
diligence to her first event of the day, running clear of the opposition by
5 seconds. This even allowed her to pull up into the finish conserving
valuable energy for the later events. Yasmin, who had put together an
inspirational film for the athletes at the finals, knocked nearly 2 seconds
off her previous best to bring home silver in the B string. In the Under 15
boys 800m Henry-James Cowie and Angus Harrington will both return to the age
group next year, particularly poignant as they took home medals. Henry-James
fought a hard race, having to dive in between lanes as one of the opposition
played fast and lose with his bulk to hold his position in the race. If not
for this, Henry-James would surely have taken home gold. His efforts were
rewarded with a bronze. Angus Harrington's gutsy run built on the quiet
improvements Angus has made all season in the 800m. He was determined all
the way to the finish and was rewarded with the gold and ran a new personal
best in the process. U13G A Lily Tappenden 8th (2:45.61) B Lauren Goddard
3rd (2:34.85) U13B A Peter Guy 2nd (2:15.36) B Robert Suckling 1st (2:25.85)
U15G A Katy-Ann Mcdonald 1st (2:15.82) B Yasmin Austridge 2nd (2:20.61 PB)
U15B A Henry-James Cowie 3rd (2:04.87) B Angus Harrington 1st (2:12.23 PB)
After this terrific burst of activity Blackheath had
moved into first place, 5 points clear of Sale. There were still a number of
events to come, Sale having dominance in the sprints, and favoured for the
relays, but Blackheath could rely on strength in the Field events, and the
1500m races were still to come. Could the 'heath hold on?
Tom Mills and Pedro Gleadall were determined to. They
stepped over to the centre of the field for the Under 13 boys javelin. Tom
threw a massive PB to take home gold in the A string, overcoming a strong
performance from the Rugby athlete, and Pedro comfortably won the B string
underlying his Kent credentials in just his first season in athletics. A Tom
Mills 1st (39.49m PB) B Pedro Gleadall 1st (32.24m)
Now it was over to the cage for the Under 15 girls
Discus. Carys Marsden added silver to her hammer gold. Eve Keith opened her
medal haul on the day taking home silver in the B string. Eve missed out on
gold by just 20cm in a hugely competitive field. A Carys Marsden 2nd
(28.63m) B Eve Keith 2nd (27.38m)
Henry-James Cowie had barely time to recover from the
800m before being called to duty in the Under 15 boys Shot Put. He was
joined by fellow multi-eventer Edward Adams. Both were a little disappointed
not to clear 10m but they should put in to context the pressures of the day,
moving between events, as Edward had the High Jump looming, as well as the
terrific season they have had. A Henry-James Cowie 6th (9.50m) B Edward
Adams 5th (9.34m)
In the Under 13 girls Long Jump big credit went to
Philippa Widdows and Katia Cienciala. Philippa saved her best jump of the
season for the National Finals setting a new personal best. Katia emulated
big sister Magda with a gutsy performance near to her own best set at
Ashford earlier this season. The Blackheath crowd appreciated their efforts
and they were warmly supported. Philippa also returns to the age group next
year! A Philippa Widdows 8th (3.62m PB), B Katia Cienciala 8th (3.39m)
By the track the crowd got ready for more sprinting,
as attention turned to the 75m and 100m. In the Under 13 girls Grace
Fullerton stepped up for her third event of the day, and in the B string
Abigail Nelson was competing in her second. Both athletes gave good accounts
for themselves adding to the team total. In the Under 13 boys Myles Xavier
gave of his best to earn his second gold of the day. In the B string Phil
Tenyue just missed out on the medals but equaled the PB he set at Bromley.
The Under 15 girls both took home medals, Magda Cienciala added another
silver, and Nicole Farmer fought off a great challenge from Rugby to take
the bronze. Credit goes to Harry Taylor who stepped up to the A string in
the Under 15 boys 100m. This was despite a knock to the back during pole
vault training earlier in the week. Adefela Lipede showed a mature attitude
by stepping out of the 100m for treatment to injury, and George Robinson
moved into the B string to cover. Both ran great races almost matching each
other for times. U13G A Grace Fullerton 7th (11.00) B Abigail Nelson 8th
(11.26) U13B A Myles Xavier 1st 13.13 B Phil Tenyue 4th (13.88) U15G A Magda
Cienciala 2nd (12.66) B Nicole Farmer 3rd (13.39) U15B A Harry Taylor 7th
(12.45) B George Robinson 5th (12.42)
Out on the field the Under 15 girls were contesting
the Pole Vault, Caitlin Chick has another year in the age group, and her
eyes must surely be set on the club record for next season. Yasmin Austridge
set a new personal best, which was some consolation for missing out on
silver, as 2nd place through to 6th all cleared the same heights, with
positions decided on count backs. There weren't many other competitors who
had just run the fastest 800m of their life before vaulting though! Caitlin
and Yasmin matched each other on height, which must have pleased John
Wakeman. A Caitlin Chick 7th (1.90m) B Yasmin Austridge 5th (1.90m PB)
Back at the track it was time for the 300m. The Under
15 girls were represented by Roisin Atkins-Dykes and Catrin Murphy. Sale
were holding onto a lead by 9 points, every position now against Sale was
going to count. Not only did Roisin and Catrin overcome the Sale athletes,
they came away with medals in the process. Roisin won bronze in the A
string, and Catrin took home silver. In a double blow to Sale their B string
athlete was disqualified. Representing the Under 15 boys were Matthew Knight
and Rhys Urwin. The winner of Matthew's heat ran in the 5th fastest time in
the UK this season, Matthew gave a good account of himself running just shy
of his own personal best. Rhys Urwin was very unlucky to miss out on the
medals edged out by 0.02 of a second, he was rewarded with a new personal
best however. U15G A Roisin Atkins-Dykes 3rd (43.65) B Catrin Murphy 2nd
(44.47) U15B A Matthew Knight 6th (39.38) B Rhys Urwin 4th (39.72 PB)
It was Javelin next for the Under 13 girls, and it was
fitting that Daisy Dowling and Zoe Austridge held their own PB party at the
National Finals. Daisy's best also earned her silver in the A string, and
Zoe earned the team valuable points in the B's. A Daisy Dowling 2nd (28.16m
PB) B Zoe Austridge 8th (12.46m PB)
At the High Jump Edward Adams and Frankie Scrivener
warned up for the Under 15 boys. Edward and Frankie were supported by Keith
Liston another coach who had battled traffic to support the athletes.
Frankie overcame his butterflies to clear the opening height and get points
on the board. Edward took the bronze missing out on silver on count back,
and jumping just shy of his own personal best. A Edward Adams 3rd (1.65m) B
Frankie Scrivener 8th (1.35m)
The Under 15 girls Shot Put now took centre stage. A
clinical performance from Eloise Locke and Eve Keith saw the athletes
produce another win double for the team. Sale performed strongly too with
their athletes taking home bronze in the A and B string. Both teams pulling
out what they could to take home the national title. A Eloise Locke 1st
(11.11m) B Eve Keith 1st (9.60m)
It was time for the long distance races, the 1200m and
1500m. Representing the Under 13 girls were Alice Prentice and Emilie
Penlington. It was Alice's second event of the day but in spite of this she
narrowly missed her personal best. Emilie ran the race of her life taking 2
seconds off her personal best, and taking the bronze medal in the B string
beating the Sale athlete by 0.02. Billy Keene reluctantly took off his
hurdles medal to join Kier Lundy at the start of the 1500m for the Under 13
boys. Billy and Kier spent the next 5 minutes locked into their own private
friendly battle in the 1500 m. Coach Mick Jones was egging them on urging
them to keep ahead of the Sale athletes. Billy took this advice to heart and
urged Kier on at the bell, Keir picked up the already fast pace and strode
past a few opposition. They tracked down the home straight neck and neck,
finally being separated by 1/100 second with Billy being given the nod over
Keir. This left Billy 5th in A string and Keir 4th in the B string. Naomi
Kingston and Millie Smith both took home medals in the Under 15 girls 1500m.
Andy Frankish stopwatch in hand urging them on. It was the hottest part of
the day as the Blackheath faithful supported them down the home straight,
their cheers literally trying to lift the girls, but the Sale challenge was
too strong. Naomi's fantastic efforts were rewarded with bronze, and Millie,
who has another year in the age group, with silver. Michael Eagling and
Coleman Corry showed real team spirit for their Under 15 boys race. Michael
took Coleman through a detailed warm up before the race, leaving both
athletes relaxed but ready to do business. Urged on by their teammates they
ran a solid race, really taking it up a gear each time Sale's B string
runner bravely tried to challenge. By the bell though there was no challenge
left and Michael and Coleman had their own battle, finishing within each
other by 0.3s, and just shy of their own PBs. Both return to the age group
next year with Angus and Henry-James so it bodes well for next season's
distance running. U13G A Alice Prentice 4th (4:14.32) B Emilie Penlington
3rd (4:12.85 PB) U13B A Billy Keene 5th (5:09.66) B Kier Lundy 4th (5:09.67)
U15G A Naomi Kingston 3rd 4:53.46) B Millie Smith 2nd (5:04.20) U15B A
Coleman Corry 7th (4:33.57) B Michael Eagling 6th (4:33.86)
Henry Henderson and James Lancaster were representing
the Under 15 boys at Discus. Henry has worked hard all season at throws
training adding Discus along side Javelin to his suite of events, which has
seen him improve by over 10m this season. Henry produced another good set of
throws to score highly in the B string. James had his own battle in the A
string but was edged out of the medals by the Sale thrower. A James
Lancaster 4th (31.86m) B Henry Henderson 6th (24.35m)
At the last field event of the day, the Under 13 boys
Long Jump, Myles Xavier and Ben Gardiner pleased the crowd jumping right in
front of the Blackheath faithful. Ben juped within 2cm of his best to take
home the B string Bronze, and Myles produced his third solid performance of
the day to win the silver. What a great first performance at the National
Finals! A Myles Xavier 2nd (4.71m) B Ben Gardiner 3rd (4.17m)
By now the scorers had sensed the urgency of the
competition and the updates on the standings were halted. It was clear Sale
and Blackheath were fighting it out, but who was overcoming who? All that
remained were the relays...
In the warm-up area athletes had been practicing their
handovers, working on their lane orders. Now was the time to put that
practice into action. The Under 13 girls comprising Abigail Nelson, Alice
Prentice, Katia Cienciala and Grace Fullerton, did brilliantly considering
that half the team were new to the event and all had competed in a number of
events on the day. Importantly they got the baton home safely earning
valuable points for the team. The Under 13 boys waited anxiously for Myles
to complete the Long Jump. There are a number of sprinters vying for places
on the Under 13 boys team, which has made team selection difficult, but the
standard has been superb. Joining Myles were Caelan Raju, LJ Wright and
Nathan Urwin. LJ put his injury-plagued season behind him to give the team a
tremendous start, and Nathan's work on the top bend set up the team
beautifully to take home gold. The Under 15 girls team comprised Olivia
Richer, Magda Cienciala, Nicole Farmer and Mhairi Brooks. Fantastic work saw
them take home the bronze, but missing out on silver by 0.08s. For the last
4x100m relay the under 15 boys were faced with the daunting task of
overcoming a Sale team anchored by the fastest sprinter in the UK this year.
Gemma had weaved her magic on Adefela and he was under strict instructions
just to run on straights, no bends! Fortunately Ade was running last leg.
Joining Ade were Edward Adams, Harry Taylor and George Robinson. Edward set
up the team with an explosive first leg, and the team never looked back with
Harry and George providing Ade with a cracking chance down the final
straight. Sale had had a shocking race and the fastest man in the UK found
himself looking at Adefela's back. Try as he might he didn't overhaul Ade,
and the team took bronze by 0.1s. U13G Abigail Nelson, Alice Prentice, Katia
Cienciala, Grace Fullerton 6th (57.91) U13 B LJ Wright, Caelan Raju, Nathan
Urwin, Myles Xavier 1st (53.22) U15G Olivia Richer, Magda Cienciala, Nicole
Farmer, Mhairi Brooks (51.19) U15B Edward Adams, Harry Taylor, George
Robinson, Adefela Lipede (47.09)
The 4x300m relay would provide the finale for the day.
A superb team effort saw the Under 15 girls take home the gold. Catrin
Murphy overcame a terrible lane draw to hand to Roisin Atkins-Dykes in 5th,
Roisin gave up a place, but as we have seen so often this season beneath her
placid facade a deep determination resides. She worked away gaining 3
places, before letting fly in the last 100m to hand to Grace Scopes in 1st.
Grace ran a terrific leg holding on to 1st until just before the handover
when Sale managed to overcome her. Katy-Ann McDonald dug deep and battled
with Sale until the last bend when she took it up a couple of gears and Sale
were left standing. All that remained was the Under 15 boys race. Matthew
Knight showed great courage to hold his hand up to say he couldn't give the
team the best opportunity after his runs in the 200m and 300m individual.
Henry-James Cowie stepped in to replace him. Rhys Urwin gave the team a
great start handing to Charlie Scrivener, but Sale were racing away with
Rugby hot on their heels. Charlie ran a gutsy leg handing on to Henry-James
who poured everything into his leg. Frankie Scrivener took the team home,
and gave the Blackheath crowd a near panic as he pulled up with 50 metres to
go, but Frankie overcame this wobble and held off Swansea, to secure 5th.
Had the team done enough? But then at the last, controversy. There had been
a disqualification. Sale who had placed first were out. Sale lodged an
immediate appeal. While the judges considered the case the crowd waited on.
Then the answer, a new league record awarded to Rugby, and the
disqualification upheld. U15G Catrin Murphy, Roisin Atkins-Dykes, Grace
Scopes, Katy-Ann McDonald 1st (2:54.26) U15B Rhys Urwin, Henry-James Cowie,
Charlie Scrivener, Frankie Scrivener 4th (2:45.59)
Whilst waiting for the final results the BBHAC boys
and girls used their time wisely by attempting a mass trampoline exercise on
the pole vault mat in full view of all spectators, officials and ground
staff. Did any other club have such distinctive t-shirts?
Despite the controversy Sale proved to be worthy
winners, overcoming Blackheath and Bromley to take the title. It was a
fiercely contested competition and to be runners-up was a great achievement
for the club's young athletes. When the final result was announced a
jubilant BBHAC squad completed a lap of honour as if they had won, leaving
the actual winners in their wake.
We were lucky enough to have first year Under 13 boys
Leo McCallum & Elliot Wanagho as travelling reserves who along with the
injured Kelsi Cornish (Under 15 girls) were great team supporters.
Both age groups, boys and girls are always well
supported by parents, grandparents and siblings and the distance to
Birmingham didn't stop then coming in large numbers and our huge thanks goes
to them all for supporting all the athletes with such enthusiasm that it
rubs off on the whole squad. Some of the upper age groups families were
there giving support, a day early also. We are also always well supported by
the Club, and the Blackheath Royalty were out in force headed by our current
Mr and Mrs President, along with Mr and Mrs Past President Lawrie and Mr and
Mrs Past Presidents Alison and Colin Brand and Vice presidents Hanna and
Dave Cordell, Track Manager and PP Ken Daniel and U20 girls team manager PP
Tim Souter. The athletes were particularly pleased Tim was there, as with
his intervention they were able to tuck into KFC, Subway or MacDonalds on
the journey home! The team would also "like" to thank all those that
provided their support through the Blackheath Facebook pages. It was great
to receive that encouragement.
Our special thanks go to Dina Asher-Smith and Adam
Gemilli, who both gave up their time to speak to the young athletes before
they competed. They are an inspiration to the team and we are very lucky to
have such role models. Dina told the team "Your best is good enough". Adam's
advice to get to bed early was perhaps a little overlooked! The team really
appreciated their words of encouragement. As we understand it our
performance was being watched with some interest by our real Royalty… the
Queen no less. President Dick Griffin had spent an afternoon in HRH company
recently and the Queen asked what he was up to that weekend…..and Dick only
went and told her!
This weekend was a great success and thanks also go to
many including Jay Galley for all he does, taking photos, setting up multi
media, chaperoning and more. Rose Bennett for preparing the relay team and
all the preparation she does with the teams at Norman Park and chaperoning.
Coach, Mick Jones for all his efforts throughout and in the warm up area and
Claire Austridge who said,” if you can’t bet them, join them” referring to
the rest of her family.
This meeting was Sandie’s last as team manager and we
would all like to give her massive thanks her for all the hard work she has
put into her U15 girls team over the last few years. We were going to throw
her in the steeplechase water jump but someone talked us out of it!
We all had a long weekend with lots of time spent on
the coach, in the hotel and at the stadium and the athletes' efforts on and
off the track and the way they conducted themselves throughout, was
exemplary. They are a great credit to our club. They did us proud.
Karen Desborough
Nic Corry
Paul Austridge
Sandie Richer
