News reports - June 2011 |
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29 October 2011: Six individual top 10 finishes at first Mid Lancs XC |
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With the first fixture in this season's Mid Lancs Lleague taking place towards the end of October, there was much anticipation of the joys opf cross country running. And 54 members across the age groups travelled to the South Pennine venue in Towneley Park, Burnley. Last season, this venue was visited in icy condition in January and in the previous season runners will remember the snow. Today, conditions were pretty good; muddy in places but generally good conditions despite the heavy early rain and gusting wind. Anticipation of the league was evident too in the size of the fields with, for example, 329 finishing the senior men's 10K course. |
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25 June 2011: Southport ladies take the glory as the men lose their way at the Gibson Grind |
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7 SWAC runners braved the wet and misty conditions to take on the 14km Gibson Grind fell race and it was the ladies who took the honours with Tracy Peters taking the 2nd lady prize and Vicky Harvey first lady L45. Simon Tobin led the Southport contingent out from the start at the school, on the first big limb Andy Hudson and myself passed Simon and were working hard together up to the top of the first climb, we turned at the “mushroom” at the top of Scout Scar to follow the path across the top. Having run the race previously I was able to guide us both around the course in the mist. The mist did cause a number of runners’ difficulty with both Simon Tobin and Tracy Peters going off course. Andy and myself remained close until the final descent when Andy started to pull away. Once onto the road Andy increased his lead. However we were both concentrating so hard on the race we missed a vital turn, as did a number of other runners. The markers had been removed and no marshals were present. This meant us re-tracing our steps only to go off course again, by the time we eventually rejoined the course Simon Tobin was ahead and came home 19th to finish first for the club, I followed in 25th place, with Tracy Peters in 28th and Paul Talbot close behind her in 29th. Vicky Harvey was 2nd lady for the club and Elaine Sutton 3rd. Had Tracy not lost her way she would have probably taken the 1st lady prize. Andy was disappointed at losing so many places after running so well that he did not finish. In the previous years I have run this race it has been always been well organised, well marked and marshalled. It was disappointing to hear so many disgruntled runners complaining about losing their way during the run in from the bottom of the fell. Race Points: Simon Tobin 10 pts Brian Davey 8 pts, Paul Talbot 7pts. Ladies: Tracy Peters 10 pts, Vicky Harvey 8pts, Elaine Sutton 7 pts. |
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25 June 2011: Star performances at 3rd Mid Lancs |
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There was a remarkable collection of graded performances by Southport Waterloo athletes, with 7 graded standards achieved, including a grade 1 200m by Elle Grosz, and 15 personal bests! If there was an Athlete of the Match award for our athletes at Hyndburn it would be between Under 13 Elle Grosz with a grade 1 and a grade 2 sprint and Andrew Kershaw who got his name in the club record book with a new Under 15 Boys' 800m record. With 4 Under 13 girls, I was delighted to see the girls run a 4 x 100m relay - which they won in 61.4, a faster time than has been achieved in the YAL this season! I can't remember when we last ran a relay team in this league but its been many years! Elle Grosz, now almost fully recovered from injury was simply outstanding in both the 100m and the 200m. Hers was the fastest 100m time of the 24 girls - a grade 2 and PB 13.8 secs - and the fastest time of all 4 200m heats, a grade 1 28.2 secs. That improves her PB from the 29.8 achieved at the Blackpool open meeting. These times are top class and Elle now heads the club rankings in 100m, 200m and 600m. Emma Alderson was another under 13 who achieved a graded standard performance, a grade 3 time of 2:34.9, in a tough and fast 800m. Emma also achieved a PB in the long jump, with a best of 3m 62 - an improvement of nearly a metre, and the 200m with a time of 31.3. I believe Jessica Beasley has competed in sportshall athletics but this was her first outing on the track today in club colours. 16.2 for 100m and 35.5 for 200m was a good start. And with a best long jump of 3m 43 she jumps to 3rd in the club rankings. Caitlin Pih was the 4th girl competing in the same events as Jessica. She ran the same 100m time of 16.2, a faster 200m time of 32.5 and a good long jump of 3m 09. All three of our Under 13 Boys achieved PBs at Hyndburn. Ryan Hill knocked 4 secs off his 200m time with a PB 36.1 and his 3m 63 long jump puts him on top of the club rankings. Jimmy Alderson takes top spot in the 100m rankings with a PB 14.7 secs. In fact, Jimmy had PBs in all his events. In the 800m, he finished in 2:49.6, almost 10 secs better than his last outing and a 20 cms improvement in the long jump boosted his PB to 3m 61. Three of our girls competed in the Under 15 Girls' events. Here, Ellie Roberts continues to impress and achieved two PBs today. It seems that Ellie is progressing well as an 800m runner and she ran another intelligent race at Hyndburn to win in 2:22.9, a a grade 2 time and a new PB. To put this time in context, the entry standard - admittedly not currently adopted - for Northern Athletics Under 17 Women's 800m is 2:25. She didn't win her 300m race but 45.5 gave her another PB so a great day out for Ellie who currently tops the club rankings over 300m, 800m and 1500m. Another Ellie - Ellie Alderson - equalled her season's best running 30.0 in the 200m. She also ran a good 100m in 14.2 secs. Lucy Hunter competed in three events. Favouring the throws, she has a best shot putt of 5m 91, a best javelin throw of 16m 29 but it was on the track she achieved a PB with a 32.2 run in the 200m. Three of our Under 15 Boy middle distance runners made the trip along the M65. all achieved graded performances and new PBs. As part of his build up to English Schools - selected for Junior Boy 1500m - Andrew Kershaw pulled away from the field in the 800m. A fast time of 2:07.2 took over a second off his PB and edged past Tom Lodge's club record set earlier this year. There are probably faster times to come but this outing will leave Andrew confident he can do well at English Schools. In the same race, Michael Panes ran 2:15.8, another good time and an encouraging new PB run from him. The third middle distance runner was Luke Tyson who now looks to be free of previous problems and running well. He took 2nd place in the 1500m in a grade 3 4:35.1. That improves on his 4:42 at the Wavertree open meeting in April to set a new PB. In the Under 17 Women's 1500m, Lauren Clarehugh had another outing. Running with senior women and under 15s, she won the Under 17 race, 2nd overall, in a very respectable 5:17. In the Under 17 Men's events, Graham Boreham was in early action in the hammer where he threw a best of 15m 02. In the 400m, his 60.0 was just a tenth way from equalling his 59.9 PB set at last September's Blackpool open meeting. He also ran a 200m race in 26.7 secs. Finally, In addition to taking photos of today's action, Jon Hunter was part of the action himself in the Senior Men's throws. A best discus throw of 19m 43 improved on his 19m 30 at the Blackpool Mid Lancs. In the shot he threw 8m 06 and, in the javelin, 25m 61. Thanks to team manager Chris Henders, officials Steve Boreham, Lucy Potter, Chris Henders and Dave Whitehead. The next Mid Lancs is at Blackburn on Saturday 23rd July. All members aged Under 13 to Senior are invited. Results for club athletes. Full results. Photos courtesy of Jon Hunter. |
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19 June 2011: Medals at BMAF 5K Championships (by Sue Cooper) |
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The British Masters 5K Road Race was staged in Horwich on Sunday for the ninth successive year. It’s become part of Horwich’s one day ‘Festival of Racing’ which includes cycle challenges, street orienteering as well as running events. The 5K course, three laps of the town centre, involving a steady climb that seems to get steeper with each lap, hasn’t changed since the first time the event was staged and there have been some excellent performances over the years. This time was no exception and quite a few age group records were broken, including one by W50 Fiona Matheson of Falkirk Harriers. Fiona not only won the Ladies’ Race outright but completed the course in 17:06. That’s impressive running! Southport Waterloo was well represented in the race with three of us taking part. Phil Bailey completed the course in an excellent time of 18:43, narrowly missing out on a V60 medal. Steve James’ time of 21:56 earned him a V70 silver medal and my time of 20:32 was enough to win me W55 gold. Injuries permitting, we’ll be there again next year for the event’s tenth anniversary! |
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19 June 2011: 2nd place for YAL team at Wakefield |
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Going into the fourth and final round of the Young Athletes League,
Southport Waterloo was in 6th place of 9 in the league's Northern
Division 1 South West, marginally ahead of Wigan but clear of Colwyn
Bay and Deeside in the relegation zone. For the final round we travelled
to Thornes Park Arena in Wakefield, up against Deeside and Trafford,
Deeside propping up the division and Trafford two places above us
in the league. There was a slight worry that Deeside might be able
to pull off a miracle and avoid relegation with a strong performance
in the final match; but they finished last at Wakefield. Against
Trafford, Southport Waterloo was leading when the first team scores
were announced in the early afternoon. By 2pm we were on level points
and it all slipped away from there, with Trafford winning with 520
points, Southport Waterloo 2nd with 480 and Deeside 3rd with 315.
Our 480 points was our highest score this season - in fact, our
score has increased with each match! A 2nd place today should leave
up safely in Div'n 1 again next season and allow the team re-building
to continue. It looks as though At Wakefield, we were blessed with fairly good weather so the athletes had a chance to impress. Overall, we had five grade 2 performances - by Sally Wareing, Matthew Campbell, Andrew Kershaw and two by Drew Warnock-Dumbell; three grade 3s and twelve grade 4s. 27 personal bests left many of our athletes very satisfied with their day's efforts. But there was a little sadness too as Graham Boreham, Niall Cullen, Ellon Hart and Charlotte Rigby competed in their last YAL! Our Southport Waterloo Athletes of the Match were Under 13 Lily Edwards, who achieved three grade 4 standard performances in 75m, 150m and the long jump, and Andrew Kershaw for his grade 2 800m run. Our Under 13 Girls at Wakefield were Emma Alderson, Lily Edwards, Sally Laughton and Leah Ward; fewer than we had at Warrington but between them they managed 5 graded performances and 5 PBs. Emma and Lily were both event winners, Emma a clear winner in the 800m in 2:33.5 - very close to her 2:33.2 PB - and Lily winning the long jump with 4m 09, a 30 cms improvement in her PB. Overall Lily had a great day equaling her PB with 11.0 in the 75m and running a new PB of 22.1 in the 150m as well as winning the long jump. There was an exciting finish in Emma's 75m race with three girls dipping on the line together in 11.2 secs. Emma's time was a new PB for her and Sally smashed her 17.0 previous best in the 70m hurdles with a fine run to finish 4th in 15.8 secs. Leah Ward was only a couple of seconds behind Lily in the 150m, running 24.2, and she represented the club in the shot. We had more Under 13 Boys with Jimmy Alderson, Ryan Hill, Tom Peacock,
Harry Peacock, and Nicholas Redmond making up the team. Harry had
the only graded performance in this group and was the only event
winner; again in the 800m, winning in an excellent 2:31.2. Jimmy
achieved two new PBS, coming 3rd in the 100m in 15.1 and long jumping
3m 39. Ryan also achieved a long jump PB - 3m 49 - and ran a sub
3-mins 800m in 2:53.2. In the 75m hurdles, both Nicholas and Tom
ran PBS, Nicholas taking 2 seconds off his Warrington time with
16.4 for 3rd. In fact both Nicholas and Tom were side by side as
they hurdled down the track and even crossed the line together,
both given a time of 16.4. Tom's time was a 1 second improvement
on his PB. Nicholas also had a good run in the 1500m taking a 2nd
place in 5:34.3. The boys also took a second place in the 4 x 100m relay, crossing the line in 63.8 behind much bigger Trafford boys! Our Under 15 Girls were, I think, our weakest in years, at least in terms of numbers. Normally our biggest squad, revision for school tests next week meant we had just five girls: Ellie Alderson, Alice Cribb, Lucy Hunter, Ellie Roberts and Abby Sutton. Ellie Roberts was once again the best performer, with the only graded performance - a grade 3 - to win the 800m race in 2:26.0. Less than 2 seconds off her PB, her time would have been a lot faster if there had been some competition in the race but there was no-one up to challenging Ellie! To top a good day, Ellie also ran a PB in the 200m, slicing half a second off, finishing in 29.4. Abby Sutton and Ellie Alderson were our main sprinters. Abby ran 13.8 for 100m and 29.2 for 200m. Ellie Alderson ran 14.1 for 100m. Alice Cribb carried the flag for us in the 1500m, running 6:14 for 2nd place points. In the field events, Lucy Hunter won the Javelin competition with a best throw of 17m 53 and achieved a PB shot put of 6m 08 for a 2nd place. Ellie Roberts also took 2nd place points with a discus throw of 13m 18, just ahead of Ellie Alderson's 12m 11 for 3rd place. Our Under 15 Boys were once again outstanding. They were Matthew Campbell, Adam Cullen, Liam Harrison, Andrew Kershaw, Tom Lodge, Michael Panes, Drew Warnock-Dumbell and Matthew Williams. All did really well and virtually every performance up to 1500m achieved a graded standard. Drew Warnock-Dumbell won both the 100m and 200m races in 11.9 and 24.1, both grade 2 times. Matthew Campbell's PB-equalling 55.7 in the 400m was another grade 2 as was Andrew Kershaw's 2nd placed run in the 800m where he clocked 2:09.9, just ahead of a recovering Tom Lodge, 3rd in 2:18. Matthew Campbell's 24.9 for a 3rd place in the 200m was a new PB by 3 tenths. Matthew Williams was the other sprinter, running 12.8 in the 100m and a PB 57.7 in the 400m. Middle distance runner Michael Panes was another winner, winning the 1500m in a grade 4 time of 4:39.3. Adam Cullen was 2nd in 4:47.5. Another middle distance runner, Luke Tyson, was in the hurdles, equaling his 14.9 PB to take 2nd place points. Adam was 3rd in 16.5. In the field, Liam Harrison recorded two new PBS, in the shot and
discus, winning both competitions. His best shot put of 10m 39 bettered
his 10m 16 achieved at the county schools' championships. His discus
throw of 27m 01 was a big improvement on the 25m 51 he threw at
the Macclesfield YAL. He did well too in the javelin, throwing a
best of 30m. Surprisingly, our 'A' and 'B' hammer throwers were
both sprinters. In the absence of other competitors, Matthew Williams
won the event with 14m 75 and Matthew Campbell was 2nd with Back on the track, both Matthews, Michael and Drew took the baton around the 4 x 100m relay in 51.4 - the same time as at Warrington - and Tom, Adam, Luke and Andrew won the 4 x 400m in 3:58.1, Andrew running he fastest last leg in 58.5 secs. Our Under 17 Women were Lauren Clarehugh, Megan Crewe, Ellon Hart, Charlotte Rigby and Sally Wareing. In the run up to English Schools, 300m runner Sally Wareing opted for the 100m and 200m and was rewarded with a new PB. She ran 13.2 for a 2nd place in the 100m and shaved a tenth off her 200m best time winning that race in a grade 2 time of 25.6. In fact, both matches were run together here and the winner of the other match gave Sally some strong competition, both girls charging across the line together but Sally getting the judges' decision. Overall, there were 7 events wins by our women. Ellon Hart won all of her events, starting with the 800m run in 2:35.4, a long jump of 4m 26, the 300m in a very respectable 44.6 secs and as the first of our runners in the winning 4 x 300m relay team. With Charlotte Rigby, Lauren Clarehugh and Sally Wareing, the women got the baton round 3:10.6. The other event winner was Lauren Clarehugh who won the 1500m in a season's best time of 5:14.8. She is still a couple of seconds off her PB but should get closer to 5 minutes before the year is out! Charlotte Rigby earned some respect from around the track winning the 3000m in 13:33 and running in the 1500m for a 2nd place behind Lauren. Lauren and Charlotte also met up in the discus competition where Lauren finished 2nd with a best of 17m 43 and Charlotte was 4th with 12m 34. Earlier, Megan Crewe joined Sally in the sprints, running 13.7 and 29.0, the latter equaling her previous best for 200m. There were more event wins by our Under 17 Men. Our team here was made up of Graham Boreham, Patrick Cullen, Niall Cullen, Liam Ellis, Jonathan Foster and George Ingram. Niall Cullen was the best performer with graded standard performances in both the 800m and the 1500m. Niall won the 800m in 2:04.0 and was 2nd in the 1500m in a leisurely 4:23.5. Brother Patrick was 3rd in the 800m, running 2:11.6 but won the 400m hurdles in 68.8. George Ingram won the sprint hurdles race in 18.1 secs.Another gutsy run by Liam Ellis saw him improve his 3000m PB by winning his race in 9:56.2. Jonathan Foster was 2nd with a time wrongly shown in the results as 9.99.9 (believed to be 10:36.6). Despite some tired legs, Liam also ran the 1500m, crossing the line in 4:49.9. We have a shortage of specialist sprinters in this age group and Graham Boreham was happy to run both 200m and 400m, in 26.2 and 61.9. Over in the field, there were more event wins, with Liam Ellis taking maximum points in the javelin competition with a best throw of 26m 27. Again in the absence of competition, Niall Cullen and Graham Boreham were happy to take maximum points in the hammer, Niall's winning throw of 20m 22 improving on his previous best by a metre, and Graham threw 15m 56 for 2nd place. There were also PBs for Jonathan in the shot (3m 91) and for George in the discus (12m 61). In the final event of the afternoon, our Under 17 Men's 4 x 400m team finished 2nd in 3:49.9. As expected, Niall's anchor leg of 53.2 was the fastest. So that's the end of the Young Athletes League for another season; 4 matches in two months (right through the schools exam period!) But there is plenty more competition available, particularly in the Northern League for Under 17s and in the Mid Lancs League for under 13s and above. The next Mid Lancs fixture is at Hyndburn next Saturday. All are very welcome! Thanks to today's team of officials: Mark Kershaw, Lesley Scott, Steve Boreham, Chris Henders and Lucy Potter. Thanks to Tina Pilkington, our long-serving boys' team manager who took charge of both boys and girls this year. And thanks to both Jon Hunter and Steve Boreham for sending in photos of today's action.
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18 June 2011: Northern medal for Eleanor Newton |
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Eleanor Newton won her first Northern Athletics medal on Saturday. In a closely contested Under 20 100m hurdles championship race at Sportscity she took 3rd place in 15.64 to win the bronze medal. (photos courtesy of Graham Pilkington) |
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18 June 2011: Southport Waterloo takes '1st Vets' team prize at Great Hill race |
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A strong contingent of runners from SWAC took part in the Great Hill race and they were rewarded with the men’s veteran team prize. The race run over 5.5 miles with 1300ft of climb started at the show field in Brinscall. The start was a fast steep descent on the road, most runners will have been thinking of the return to the finish when they had to run back up this hill. After the fast start there came a long slow climb onto the open fell where the runners followed a long path to the final climb onto the summit of Great Hill. From the top of the hill the course descended and rejoined to the path for the return to Brinscall. First home for the club was Rob Ashworth (40.28) making a strong charge in the fell running grand prix, followed by Steve McLean (41.40) and Neil Adshead (41.58) fourth home was Andy Hudson (44.03) who ran a strong race ahead of Brian Davey (44.28) who was followed by Simon Tobin (45.40), Paul Talbot was 7th home (46.56) with Rob Cosgrove (52.07) continuing to improve on the fells. Clive James (53.18) was 9th man home for the Club, however one place ahead of him and first lady home for the club was Carole James (53.07) 2nd was Vicky Harvey (53.18), 3rd Rachel Thomas (55.10), followed by Chris Cutner (56.12), Carol Wright (56.20) and 6th lady home for the club was Elaine Sutton (65.10). Rob Ashworth, Steve McLean and Neil Adshead, took the vets team prize. Fell Grand Prix standings Men: 1 Neil Adshead 23 pts, 2 Steve McLean 21 pts, 3 Rob Ashworth 20 pts Ladies: 1 Carol James 25 pts, 2 Michelle Spencer 18 pts, 3 Elaine Sutton 11 pts. See photo gallery For full Grand prix standings see the table located in the Road Running section. |
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16 June 2011: Southport Waterloo athletes selected for English Schools |
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Following last weekend's Merseyside Schools' T&F Champs, letters have been sent out to those selected to represent Merseyside Schools at the English School's national championships at Gateshead on Friday and Saturday 1st and 2nd July. The Southport Waterloo members of the county team are: Andrew Kershaw, Junior Boy 1500m Tom Lodge, Junior Boy 800m Drew Warnock-Dumbell, Junior Boy 100m Sally Wareing, Inter Girl 300m Niall Cullen, Inter Boy 1500m Beth McBride, Senior Girl 100m Eleanor Newton, Senior Girl 100m hurdles Jordan Kelly, Senior Boy long jump. James Armstrong would also have been selected for Senior Boy's 100m but isn't available for this year's championships. |
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15 June 2011: Rubbish 5K social run |
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The summer is here and after the fun of the winter torchlight 5Ks it was back into the daylight for the first of this year's Rubbish 5k runs. It was a warm and fairly humid evening that earlier in the day had looked like thunder could be on the way. As it approached 7pm more & more runners gathered with the volunteers at the stone circle that is start and finish point, including several new faces and a few familiar ones making their Rubbish debut. Unlike most races there was no need to collect a number or pay a fee, so just after 7pm the 44 racers edged closer to the start line as Rob give the one minute warning. As the countdown from 10 started a voice from the back yelled ‘Is that Tracy?’. There is the distance running the up the start/finish straight was Tracy Peters, known to be one of SWACs fastest females but equally known for lack of punctuality! Been a social race the countdown stalled and we waited the extra minute for her to arrive to some playfully heckling from the crowd. Without even the chance for her excuses to be heard, Rob yelled 3-2-1 GO! and the race was on! Like all starts it felt fast, with the downhill adding a bit of extra speed. I couldn’t complain as I had taken the lead from line! There was no race plan or strategy just a desire not look at my Garmin for pacing, but run off feel. As we hit the first left turn that nearly doubles back on itself a quick confidence glance showed I was running 5:30 pace, somewhat sensible, if a tad fast I thought! While I could only hear the a group of footsteps directly behind me, a quick look over to left and I caught sight of the rest of field rushing down the hill. Once off the main path the bushes and plants now at nearly head height narrowed the paths down. Through a quite technical section comprising of a tight hairpin, steep downhill, turn and up steeply again the gravel surface wasn’t providing the best traction, and once cleared I expected whoever was behind were to come past. As we approached the bridge for first time I still was out front, and once over we were onto the flattest section of the course were it’s much easier to find a rhythm. As we passed the 1500m point in the far corner I had my first glance behind to see Steve Mclean was with me. From the footsteps I could tell there was as least one other runner with him, I assumed correctly this to be Rick Bowker and was later informed that Neil Adshead was also with the group. Back across the bridge and we were back onto the narrower, more planted paths. I knew the pace would slow slightly as this section was uphill, but so far I had held (on review) excellent pacing. As we past Norman to start the 2nd lap the footsteps were still right behind me, I’m working hard but knew that at some point the gents behind will try and take the lead. I led though the technical section again, but once cleared Rick comes past to take over the pacing at the front. I dropped onto his heals with Steve next to me, only to find that Rick’s years of race craft have taught him a few tricks! Neil has by now just drifted a few metres further back. Rick slowed more than necessary into next tight the bend, forcing me round the long way or to back off, kicking hard from the apex allowed him to grab an extra yard or two. Steve comes past me and we cross the bridge onto the flat side again with only a few yards between us. Back into a rhythm and by the time we’re back into the far corner the three of us once again tightly packed, Rick and Steve either shoulder to shoulder or just a few inches ahead of the other. Steve is looking like he’s cruising, while I’m happy to hang on their heels. As we cross the bridge for the last time, my glance back confirms that Neil is too far back for this fight and like my last race here, a torchlight 5k, it would once again be me Rick and Steve fighting for the positions on the podium. Onto the narrower paths and Ricks taken to front again, It's too narrow to run side by side and by now it’s getting hard, but it’s just 800m to go. I knew once we hit the final turn onto the straight Steve’s track speed meant he probably had the best sprint out the three of us, but I’ve beat both him and Rick before so any result was possible. The path climbs slightly until about 80m from final turn, were it just increases in steepness to cause a bit more pain. Suddenly Rick pulls over! Less than 20m from the final turn, his left calf injured at last Wednesday’s Birkenhead 5 miler has gone! Steve takes advantage and kicks hard grabbing an extra yard by the turn. It’s just 300m to go to the finish, but uphill and feels much longer. I try and hold those few yards behind Steve but he’s pulling away, by 200m to go there is no way back. He’s got enough space to clearly take the win and I focus on trying not to slow down to much and dig deep to find a final sprint line. 2nd place again behind Steve and physically destroyed! Steve Mclean 1st, in 18:19, Steve Lewis 2nd in 18:34, Neil Adshead took third by 2 seconds in 18:55 from Andy Hudson’s 18:57, while Rick crossed the line 5th. Simon Tobin was 9th, the final runner sub 20 in 19:58 while Paul Talbot missed out once again in 10th with 20:03. Even with Tracy’s dash for the start she was first female in 21:03. Steve James was first Vet 70, 23rd in 22:38. Matthew Tobin finished first Male Junior, 25th overall in 22:45 while Lauren Dean was first female Junior 27th in 23:12. In all 45 runners took part in a great race. Special thanks go out to Dave for route markers, Rob for time keeping, Brian results, Norman for marshaling, and Rick for organising the whole thing. Full results are available on his blog at http://runwitharthurlydiard.blogspot.com/2011/06/rubbish-5k-results-june-2011.html |
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15 June 2011: Girls win Sefton Awards |
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The talents of several club members were recognised at the 2011 Sefton Sports Awards evening. The girls of Sacred Heart High School - including Southport Waterloo runners Lizzie McKay, Erin Donagh, Ellie Roberts, Alice Cribb and Caroline Smith - were highly commended in the Team of the Year category for their cross country achievements. Erin Donagh was also highly commended in the Junior Female Sports Personality of the Year Award and ex-member Lauren Brennan won the Senior Female Sports Personality of the Year. |
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12 June 2011: Tunnel 10K oggy oggy oggy! |
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Nine SWAC athletes made the journey to Liverpool for the Mersey Tunnel 10k, a unique and iconic event, if a little pricey! Beautiful early morning sunshine gave way to grey skies on the train journey to Liverpool (rail travel to the start and home from the finish is included as part of the entry). Although the weather was looking more threatening, thankfully the rain held off from the start area. Initially, the race weaves through a few streets, down which, you might not venture on your own but you soon find yourself plunging down a steep service road followed by a left hand hairpin in to the bowels of the earth. Is it just me or is this the best road racing money can buy? Driving on down the descent, I thought this is what it’s all about, powering along at full tilt enclosed within the neon lit artificial world. If only I could run this fast on a level surface. Way out In front, scattered on the tunnel’s gradients were the fast boys, as always leaving me wondering how anyone can run that fast. Behind, I could hear the main field chanting the traditional Tunnel 10k “ Oggy , oi !, oggy, oi !, oggy oggy oggy, oi oi oi !! The gravity assisted blistering pace of the descent evaporated on the ascent but we eventually emerged in to the rain and a buffeting cross wind. Soon enough we were on the riverside at Seacombe though and the change in race direction converted the cross wind in to a very helpful tail wind for the final two miles or so to New Brighton. I managed to snatch 2nd place in the M50 with a last gasp sprint and was (probably never to be repeated) first home for the club in 39.11. Next home was Will Tansley in 40:00 followed by Chris Jones in 42:50; Alan Gray 45:53 and 4th M60; Helen Lavelle 49:06; Amy Rimmer 50:21; Kerry Rimmer 50:22 and 9th F45 ; Nicholas Sinclair 54:52 and Bex Dennehy in 57:27. The men’s winner was John McCole of Liverpool Harriers in 31:30. Jenny Clague, also of Liverpool Harriers was the women’s winner in 38:48. There were 2805 finishers. A convivial lunch in Liverpool’s best pub rounded off an excellent day’s racing. |
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12 June 2011: CBP set by David Gough at NW T&F Champs |
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In possibly the wettest weather conditions we have experienced for a T&F meeting in recent years, a couple of Southport Waterloo athletes made the trip to Trafford Athletics Stadium for the 2nd annual North West Under 20 and Senior Champs. For both the trip was worthwhile! I don't know whether the weather put off a lot of athletes or if the date - just 1 week before the Northern Under 20 and Senior Championships - was unattractive but these championships were very poorly attended, with several events having only 1 competitor. But there were some quality performances with over ten championship records set and three European qualifying times achieved in the invitation track 10K. Nonetheless, disability athlete Chris Honess enjoyed his day, starting with a 400m run in 62.34 secs - a new PB! Later (after a long wait) it was time for his 200m and this was run in 27.84, another good performance! We had two steeplechase events, both with just one competitor. David Gough came along for the 2000m steeplechase and, having made the trip, agreed to run on his own. Watching the race, you would think there was another runner on his tail as he properly raced around the 2000m. A strong finish in 6:45.25 was a new championship senior man's best performance and a new PB, improving on last year's best of 7 minutes 09. A bonus is that the 2000m steeplechase is rarely run by senior men and so David's time is also a new senior club record. |
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11 June 2011: Jordan achieves English Schools' National Standard at Merseyside Schools |
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in relation to performances, conditions were pretty good after some early rain and 4 club athletes won their events as Merseyside champions. They were Matthew Campbell in the 400m, Andrew Kershaw in the 800m, Liam Harrison in the shot and Jordan Kelly in the long jump. Of course, the main focus of effort was in achieving the entry standard for the English Schools National T&F Championships next month. Overall, there were few who achieved that level on the day but entry standards were reached by Drew Warnock-Dumbeck and Sally Wareing; and Jordan Kelly did even better with a National Standard in the long jump. This year, the championships organisers allowed Year 6s to compete, as Year 7s. However, the club only had two Year 7s competing. Elle Grosz made a welcome return to competitive athletics after injury with a run in the 150m. She finished 3rd in a PB 21.0 secs, a grade 2 standard performance, and one that puts her top of the club Under 13 rankings! For the boys, Harry Peacock was 3rd in his 800m race finishing in his first sub-2 mins 30 time; a PB 2:29.8. In the Junior Girls, Abby Sutton has shown considerable improvement this year and won her heat of the 100m in 13.5 secs, a new PB, Qualifying for the final she also ran 13.5. This compares to a best from last year of 14.1, also run at these schools championships. Hayley Meredith ran 13.5 in the heats of the 75m hurdles and was even faster in the final, finishing 4th in a new PB time of 13.2 secs. Both Abby Sutton and Lucy Hunter were in the Junior Girls' long jump, Abby with the better jump of 4m 14 and Lucy 2m 65; a PB for both girls, Abby improving hers by 10 cms. Lucy was probably in more familiar territory throwing the javelin where her best of 18m 16 gave her a 2nd place finish in the competition. Amongst the Junior Boys we had 3 County Schools' Champions. Drew Warnock-Dumbell had the best performance. He ran 11.8 to qualify for the 100m final where he equalled his PB with a fine run in 11.6. That compares with 12.2 at this time last year, showing just how much Drew has improved in the last 12 months. However, 11.6 wasn't good enough to win. In an exciting final, three boys achieved the English Schools' entry standard, Drew taking 2nd place. Training team-mate Matthew Campbell won the 400m race in 56.5. In the middle distance races, Michael Panes was 4th in 2:18.8. Tom Lodge was also running. He is currently carrying an injury but was keen to compete as he has already come close to the Schools' entry standard running 2:08 at Stretford. I think he was 2nd at Bebington in 2:12.4 (but this is currently shown as a girl in the results). Over the 1500m distance, Andrew Kershaw cruised around to win in 4:34.6, with no-one to push him along. Adam Cullen was 3rd in 4:40.9, a new PB for him. In the field, Liam Harrison took a championship title with a new PB throw of 10m 16 in the shot. He also threw the javelin where his best of 25m 47 gave him a 4th place. Sally Wareing was the club's only Inter Girl. She has been very close this year to the English Schools' entry standard of 41.4, running 41.5 at the YAL at Wavertree last month. Today, it all came together. A Liverpool Harrier got to the line first but Sally won't might that as she ran inside the qualifying time, a new PB of 41.1 secs. We had 5 Inter Boys in action at Bebington. Niall Cullen, already with a Schools' entry standard under his belt, ran a grade 2 4:10.9 in the 1500m, taking 2nd place behind St Helens' Matty Shirling. PBs were run by both Gary Clark in the 800m and Jonathan Foster in the 3000m. Gary is currently repeating a previous trend of achieving small PB increases virtually every time he competes and today he ran 2:11.0 for 4th place. Jonathan improved his PB by shaving 9 full secs, finishing 2nd in 10:17.9. Both Patrick Cullen and Owen Williams competed over the 1-lap distance, Patrick crossing the line in 55.8 and Owen in 56.6. Senior Girl sprinter Beth McBride was in the 100m and ran a season's best to finish 2nd in 12.8 secs. Senior Boy Jordan Kelly delighted his coach Danny Dalle Mulle with some excellent long jumping. A 'no-jump' might well have reached the 7 metre mark but a best on the day of 6m 91 was a great result; a new PB and an English Schools' national standard! So, some excellent performances by those athletes who attended these championships. |
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10 June 2011: Successful social |
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Our second Harrock Hill club social run was a great success with 18 joining in the fun. Morning rain cleared during the afternoon leaving a clear and sunny evening. The group eventually got going once Chairman Steve McLean arrived with co-navigator Tracey Peters after they went on a pre-run adventure attempting a shortcut which spectacularly backfired – isn’t navigation Steve’s strongpoint!! With frequent stops to re-group and take in the scenery this really was a good workout for a range of abilities whilst giving the opportunity to socialise which continued with post-run refreshments and food in the Farmers Arms. Trail fans have got a lot coming up with a more competitive social run next Wednesday over an accurate 5k course in the park next to Dobbies at Kew. This is followed by the next race in our Fell Championships at Great Hill, Brinscall on 18th, the Harrock Hill race on 22nd and another Fell Championships counter – the Gibson Grind, Kendal on 25th. Socials so far this year have favoured adults, especially road and trail runners, however our Socials Coordinator Jo Wilson welcomes suggestions (not necessarily confined to running or athletics) from all members across all disciplines whatever their age. Please don’t be shy. |
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8 June 2011: Southport Waterloo athletes set course records at Birkenhead Park 5 |
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Southport runners Super Sue Cooper and Phil ‘The pirate’ Bailey did the club proud by breaking course records for their relative age groups. Also, Tracey Peters finished 6th lady and,well, not wanting to blow my own trumpet too much - ‘Hoot-Hoot' - I won my age group which sounds good until you see the result which shows I got beaten by a 55 year old! The Birkenhead Park race is an excellent venue with wide sweeping traffic-free roads around the scenic Park.The race got off to a hot pace and I was surprised to find myself pulling away from Chris Dunn. He had a fantastic marathon but it seems Richard Shearer’s very demanding training programme might be taking it’s toll on Chris’s body. He ended up 50 sec slower than at Walton Park last month and complained of feeling very fatigued! The course comprised of 3 laps with quite a demanding hill on each lap. It was at half way up this hill on lap 3 that my calf muscle locked up. Ouch!!! I had opted to wear some new very minimal ‘barefoot’ running shoes which I’d only purchased a few days before!But my calf rebelled. I now had the choose of pulling out or hoping the calf would not fully tear and carry on. I pulled my best gurney pulling face and soldiered on into the end to finish 19th and first back for the club in 28.49. Chris Dunn looking disappointed with his efforts finished 27th 29.42.Stevie Lewis had a good race to set a new P.B. with 30.22. Phil Bailey did a storming run to break the M60 course record with 30.36 pushing young Stevie all the way! Tom Peacock managed an impressive 31.43. Tracey Peters had a good run after an ankle injury laid her low for a week by finishing 1st SWAC lady with 33.43. But returning to form Sue Cooper pushed Trace very hard and finished with a new age group course record of 34.08. Chris Jones ran 34.22 to finish close behind Sue with flying doctor Ian Kilshaw hot on there heels with 34.29. Chris Cutner running with a broken toe showed true determination and grit to record 40.10! So Tracey and Stevie remain leaders of the G.P. and everyone apart from a worn out Chris Dunn enjoyed the evenings racing. |
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5 June 2011: Young Athletes take 2nd place at Warrington |
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Young Athlete League matches come thick and fast in May and June with one every two weeks. Round three of four was at Warrington on Sunday and we were up against Colwyn Bay AC and East Cheshire Harriers. A much better turn-out meant we were stronger on the ground but at least a second place was needed to keep us safe. In the end, East Cheshire romped away in 1st place with 574 points, Southport Waterloo was 2nd with 466 and Colwyn Bay finished 3rd with 393 points. For the first time this track & field season there was little wind at Warrington and although there were light showers throughout the afternoon, conditions were good for athletics and performances were much better than at Macclesfield or Wavertree. We had 4 grade 2 standards - Drew Warnock-Dumbell in both 100m and 200m, Sally Wareing in the 300m and Matthew Campbell in the 400m - 4 grade 3s and 7 grade 4s. Our athletes achieved 36 personal bests and 2 season's bests so a great afternoon of athletics and pleasing rewards for the athletes competing. Our 'Athletes of the Match' were Ellie Roberts for her 800m run and Matthew Campbell for his 400m run.
In the Under 13 Girls we had six girls. They were Emma Alderson, Lily Edwards, Caitlin Pih, Francesca Redmond, Leah Ward and Nisha Kumari-Webster. Lily is emerging as a classy sprinter and at Warrington she won the 75m in 11.0 and was 2nd in the 150m with 22.2, both PB times and grade 4 standards. Lily also won the long jump with 3m 66. Emma continued to impress in middle distance with a win in the 800m in 2:33.2, another PB and a grade 3 standard. Leah Ward also ran a PB in the 800m, in 2:53, and Caitlin's 23.6 secs 150m was also a PB. Nisha ran 4:48 in the 1200m and was 3rd in the shot with 4m 29. Francesca competed for the club for the first time and did well with a 3rd place in the 70m hurdles in 16.7. With such a strong team of under 13 girls, it was no surprise that they won the 4 x 100m relay in 61.8 secs. In the Under 13 Boys' competition, we had 8 in action at Warrington. They were Jimmy Alderson, Joe Gordon, Ryan Hill, Harry Peacock, Tom Peacock, Nicholas Redmond, Jacob Roberts, Jamie Tipping. The best performance here was by Harry in the 800m race which he won in a grade 4 time of 2:32.1. Harry also achieved a PB in the shot with a 3rd placed 3m 96. Ryan has been training with us for a year or more but this was his first league competition in club colours. He ran 2:48 in the 800m and was 2nd in the long jump with 3m 35. That long jump places him 2nd in the club rankings and with a 3m 53 jump at Litherland last year there is more to come here. Tom was 2nd in the hurdles in 17.9 and 3rd in the 1500m in a PB time of 5:52.0. In the sprints, Jimmy ran a 15.3 secs 100m - that's an improved PB by a full second - with Joe just behind in 15.8. Joe cleared a PB 1m 10 in the high jump for another 3rd place. Jamie Tipping featured in the 200m (34.7) and the shot (3m 04) and we had two new members competing for the first time. They were Nicholas Redmond who ran a 33.4 200m and an 18.7 hurdles race, and Jacob Roberts who was 4th in the 1500m in just over 6 minutes. He also long jumped 2m 97. The boys followed the girls' example by winning their 4 x 100m relay in 63.5 secs.
Lucy Hunter is emerging as a fine thrower and at Warrington she won both the shot and javelin competition. Her best shot put was 5m 74 and her best javelin was a PB 19m 03. That's an improvement of over 1 metre showing that she is becoming more technically proficient. Lucy also ran a season's best 800m in 3:05. Lizzie McKay continues to improve as a distance runner, finishing 3rd in the 1500m in 5:25.9, knocking over 16 secs off her previous PB for this distance. Lizzie achieved another PB in the discus. Alice Cribb was 3rd in the long jump with a best of 3m 32 and ran a 1500m. Back in the sprints, Ellie Alderson ran 14.2 in the 100m and 30.1 in the 200m and was part of the 4 x 100m team that got the baton round in 57.4. We had a few more Under 15 Boys - indeed a squad of 9 that took 7 event wins! They were Matthew Campbell, Adam Cullen, Liam Harrison, Andrew Kershaw, Tom Lodge, Michael Panes, Luke Tyson, Drew Warnock-Dumbell and Matthew Williams. The sprinters as a group were outstanding. Drew Warnock-Dumbell won both the 100m and 200m races in grade 2 times of 11.8 and 24.1, his 200m time being a new PB. Matthew Campbell was particularly impressive, running 12.6 in the 100m - a massive PB improvement from 13.1! - and, running his first 400m race for the club, he won the event in a grade 2 time of 55.7! Our third dedicated sprinter was Matthew Williams and he was 3rd in the 400m in 58.6 and ran a PB 25.7 in the 200m. Michael Panes joined this elite group to win the 4 x 100m relay in 51.4. In the middle distance races, there was never much between Tom Lodge and Michael Panes in the 800m , Tom taking 2nd place in 2:19.2 and Michael 3rd in 2:19.4. Andrew Kershaw was serene and unassailable in the 1500m, winning comfortably in a grade 3 time of 4:34.3 with Adam Cullen, running with a strapped With team middle distance places hard to win, Luke Tyson concentrated on the 80m hurdles and the long jump, achieving PBs in both. He won the hurdles race in 14.9 - a previous best of 15.5 - and had a best jump of 4m 58. Specialist thrower Liam Harrison was in the shot, discus and javelin, throwing 8m 97 for 2nd place, 22m 44 for a 3rd place and 26m 39 for another 2nd place in these three competitions. Finally, the boys won their 4 x 400m relay in 4:00.2 in a very close finish. They had three sub 60 secs times with Tom running 58.6, Michael 59.6 and Luke 59.8. We really struggle for Under 17 Women with even more events on the team sheet for the team manager to try and fill. Fortunately, most clubs suffer similarly . Our three girls managed 4 event wins and four 2nd places so they did remarkably well! Sally Wareing had another good day. In the 100m she was 2nd in 12.9 - a grade 4 time - and she won her 300m in a grade 2 time of 41.7. She also won the shot competition with a PB throw of 6m 89. In the middle distance races Sophie Lewis ran in her first club 1500m -and that was after running an 800m! In the 1500m she was 2nd in 5:24.6 and earlier was 2nd in the 800m in 2:43.3. Although Sophie led in the 1500m for most of the race, Lauren Clarehugh came from behind to win in a season's best 5:17.8. Lauren also won the discus competition where her best throw of 17m 86 added half a metre to her PB. She was also 2nd to Sally in the shot with a best put of 6m 36, Finally, then, the Under 17 Men and here we don't seem to suffer the same absences as in the girls. Our 7 athletes were Graham Boreham, Gary Clark, Niall Cullen, Patrick Cullen, Liam Ellis, George Ingram and Owen Williams. Accepting that we short overall of field eventers, the gap in the team sheet here was the absence of specialist sprinters but the boys more than made up for it with 6 event wins. Niall Cullen's 800m run was the only graded performance here - and a new PB so close to a sub 2 min time - 2:00.1! Niall also won the 1500m race but sensibly ran it well within himself after a fast 800m. His time was 4:36. Liam Ellis also did very well. The 3000m race is often one where the runners are well spread out making it necessary to concentrate throughout if a good time is to be run. Liam stayed focused and was rewarded with a win in a new sub 10 minute PB - 9:57.8. Remarkably, Liam then went on to run another PB in the 1500m, finished 3rd in 4:45.2 a 2 seconds improvement. In the javelin competition, a 5 metre PB improvement to 28m 01 ended a brilliant day! Patrick Cullen also had a good day, winning the 400m hurdles in 63.3 secs - a PB by 3 secs - then 2nd in the 100m hurdles in 18.5 and another PB in the 400m, finishing 2nd in 55.6 secs. George Ingram won the 100m hurdles in a new PB 17.2 and he recorded another PB in the discus with a best throw of 12m 52. Owen Williams and Graham Boreham competed in the 200m, in 25.6 and 26.6. Graham also ran a 62 secs 400m and had a discus throw of 13m 67 rather than his usual hammer throw. Owen favoured field today and took 2nd place in the long jump with 4m 33. Finally Gary Clark featured in the tough 1500m steeplechase and improved his time significantly to 5:41.9. And his 800m time of 2:12.8 was almost a 4 sec improvement on his PB. With an absence of specialist sprinters, we didn't field an Under 17 Men's 4 x 100m relay team but the 4 x 400m team romped home in 1st place. Niall Cullen ran the fastest (final) leg in 52.8 secs. The final league fixture is at Wakefield in two weeks' time - Sunday 19th June. Readers should note that the venue is shown in the League Handbook as Cleckheaton but this is incorrect. We are at Thornes Park Athletics Stadium, Wakefield. Thanks to team manager Tina Pilkington and assistant Lucy Whitehead. Thanks too to our team of officials - Robbie Clark, Dave Whitehead, Lesley Scott, Lucy Potter, Graham Tipping, Steve Boreham and Chris Henders. Thanks too to Steve Boreham and Jon Hunter for sending me photos of the action at Victoria Park.
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4 June 2011: A lovely 17k challenge in Kentmere |
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Arriving in Staveley to the sound of lady drummers and a very excited man on the microphone I got chatting to a few regular trail runners whilst eating a huge ice cream with all the usual toppings on, how healthy! What is the difference between the 17k challenge and the 17k trail race ? I asked them. They put me in the picture very quickly so I dashed over to the registration tent and changed my number from the trail race to the challenge. Both races being exactly the same but the trail race leaving an hour after the challenge was for the more serious, hardy runners. With two minutes to go I gave Chris my half eaten ice cream, climbed over the bollard and off we went. The trails climbed out from Staveley above the Kentmere valley, before returning along the valley itself past idyllic tarns and through ancient woodland, climbing Reston Scar before the descent back into Staveley village. I wasn’t really worried about my time until a man started to run with me at about 15k and said he wanted to complete the run in under 2 hours, so that was that my competitive edge kicked in. I finished in just over 2 hours and thankfully did not get a stitch. I definitely have the trail bug now and will be treating myself to a new pair of trail shoes. Any-one for Harrock hill training on Friday? |
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4 June 2011: Seniors improve at Northern T&F Round 2; Club records set by James Armstrong |
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The scores at Warrington were 413 for West Cheshire, 368 for Liverpool Pembroke & Sefton, 341 for St Helens Sutton, 326.5 for Southport Waterloo, 222 points for Trafford and 182 for Altrincham Once again, the athletes found conditions at the Victoria Park track windy although it was a very warm and pleasant afternoon. And again, some athletes overcame the conditions and impressed with PBs and even Club Records. After a long period with a recurring injury, James Armstrong looks at last to be free to push at the limits and today he equalled the Under 20 club record for 100m and set a fabulous new club record of 22.1 for 200m! Quite apart from James' extraordinary running, we were treated to a number of excellent races on the track. In particular, James Tartt and Amanda Crook were inspirational in their wins, James in the 800m and Amanda in the 3000m. Looking then in detail at the Women's results, we had 8 athletes - the same as at Ellesmere Port - and they produced 139 points giving them a 3rd place in the Women's competition. Ann Dignan competed in 5 field events and Stephanie May was once again most prolific with 6 events plus a relay! We had two event wins. In the first event of the day, Stephanie May took first place in the pole vault competition, clearing a best of 2m 10. Later on the track, Amanda Crook won the 3000m race in 10:23.3. Amanda led for most of the race with St Helens Sutton's Gemma Connolly sitting on her shoulder. In such circumstances you would tend to favour the follower who can surge pass and dictate the race at the crucial moment. But Amanda seemed to sense her challenger's intentions and surged away to eventually win by a margin of just one second. In much better conditions than at Ellesmere Port and with a fixture already under their belts it was not surprising that many performances were generally improved. Many of the field eventers achieved season's best performances; Ann Dignan in shot, discus and long jump; Barbara May in shot and discus; and Stephanie May achieved a PB javelin throw of 20m 86. Stephanie also did well on the track with another PB in the 100m hurdles where she improved her best from 19.1 secs to 18.7! Her 28.1 secs 200m, 64.6 secs 400m and 75.9 secs 400m hurdles were also season's bests. Rachel Jacks and Louise Leek covered the middle distance races. Rachel's 2:42.7 for the 800m is a best known performance, as is her 5:35.9 for 1500m , 20 secs faster than her time at Ellesmere Port. Louise ran 2:49.8 and 5:59.8, taking good points as first 'B' runner in both events. In the 3000m, Sue Cooper was also 1st 'B' runner crossing the line in 11:42.7, another season's best. In the sprints, Beth McBride featured in both the 100m and 200m finishing in 13.0 and 26.8; both good times. Eleanor Newton equalled her time at Ellesmere Port with a run of 15.5 secs in the 100m hurdles. Eleanor also cleared 1m 50 in the high jump. We didn't manage a relay at Ellesmere Port but ran both 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m at Warrington. the girls finished 3rd in the 4 x 400m in 4:41.3. In the Men's competition, our 14 athletes - one more than at Ellesmere Port - scored 158 points for a 4th place. The best performer was undoubtedly James Armstrong who is again showing his old potential. He won both the 100m and the 200m; the 100m in 11.1 secs, which equals his own PB and also equals the Under 20 club record for the distance, and 22.1 to win the 200m, a grade 1 Under 20 time, a great new club record and well inside the English Schools entry standard of 22.3! After a rather nervous false start at Ellesmere Port, James looks back in form, confident of real success this season. Later, all eyes were on James Tartt in the 800m. He ran round with Pembroke Sefton's young prodigy, Toby Loveridge, turning on the heat with about 200m to go and and having to fight off a strong defence from Toby. He won in 1:55.6. Both runners The two James' gave us our only event wins of the day but there were several other good performances. Some readers may recall Ben Blackburn running as an Under 15 in 2009 in the Mid Lancs League at Blackburn. Today he was back, and ran 25.0 for 200m, not at all bad for someone who has not been training regularly or competing! New recruit Chris Burgess ran 12.1 for 100m and in the 400m Matt Goddard ran 56.2 and Craig Wilson 61.7. Michael Evans joined J Tartt in the 800m finishing 2nd 'B' in 2:02.9. In the 1500m, Joe Vis came along to run a powerful 4:14.2, just ahead of Richard Shearer in 4:34.1. Richard also featured in the 3000m steeplechase finishing in 11:16.9 behind David Gough who led for most of the race and finished in a PB time of 10:23.3. Steeplechase is steadily becoming David's principle event. Over 5000m, Ben Johnson led David Hamilton around the 12 and a half laps. Ben's time of 16:15.0 compares with a 2010 best of 16:49 run at Litherland in July. David ran 16:23.2, a season's best and considerably better than his 2010 best of 16:44 run in the Northern League at Stretford, also in July. One of the most pleasing surprises of the afternoon was the return of Stephen Marshall after pulling a hamstring in the hurdles at the Litherland fixture of the Northern League last July. At Warrington he eased back into competitive athletics with a 19.1 run in the 110m hurdles and 72.2 over the longer 400m hurdles. Nathan Ouko - always looking for a challenge - was also out at Warrington and ran both hurdles, in 21.5 and 84.3. He also high jumped 1m 50 and was our best long jumper with 4m 31. David Gough's long jump of 3m 30 was also a SB. In the throws, Jon Hunter threw season's bests in the shot (8m 82) and the hammer (14m 76). Tom Leyland was, however, our best thrower in all of shot (8m 97), discus (20m 76), javelin (34m 70) and hammer (15m 87). A great afternoon's athletics was climaxed with the relays where our men finished 4th in both 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m. Thanks to Barbara May for her unstinting work in putting a team together, even when on holiday! Thanks too to our officials: Chris Henders, Norman Marshall, Ann Dignan, Sheila Marshall, Steve James and Craig Wilson. |
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Just 15 athletes braved the early wet conditions at the 3rd round of the Mid Lancs T&F League, at Wilson Playing Fields, Hyndburn. But there were some great performances. Given the number of athletes who compete in the YAL and Northern League, it is always disappointing to see so few compete in the Mid lancs League but it was delightful to see our athletes at Hyndburn so clearly enjoying both their sport and the friendly competition that is a feature of this league. The rain eased off by mid afternoon to leave warm conditions, ideal for athletics. But spare a thought for the field judges who had to endure wet and muddy ground in the infield to extract hammers, discus and shot which almost disappeared in the soft, wet grass.
Wirral will be promoted from our
division, subject to final round scores. We need to build our team
strength for next year, particularly in the jumps and throws, if
we are to return to the Premier Division. But, team manager Tina
Pilkington and our existing age group teams can be proud of their
achievements this season!
11m
92.
There was a disappointing turnout by Southport Waterloo juniors at the Merseyside County Schools' track & field championships at Bebington Oval on Saturday. Last year, these championships clashed with day one of the Northern Senior Champs - affecting schools' senior boys and senior girls - but we still managed 27 club athletes. This year we had just 19. 
In the Under 13 age group, we had so many athletes wanting to compete team manager Tina Pilkington had to turn some away! We have struggled at this age group for a while so its really encouraging that numbers are now starting to come through.
Our 
up knee, taking 2nd place in a PB and grade 4 time of 4:41.6. Andrew also achieved a PB in the discus, with 11m 59, and Adam equalled his PB of 16.9 in the 80m hurdles.
were given the same time in probably the most exciting track finish of the day. Its early in the season and today's performance only whets the appetite for further runs from James as he improves towards last year's best of 1:52 and perhaps sub 1:50!Home | About Us | Athlete Rankings | Fixtures | Useful Links | News | Road Races | Schools | Contacts | Facebook Group
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