News

A fantastic performance from twenty of SNHAC’s Vets, Seniors, U20 and U17 athletes saw the team finish second in challenging conditions at Woodford on Saturday. Ipswich/ Colchester 250, SNHAC 159, Woodford 147 and London Heathside 131.

Thanks firstly go to Jane and Barry who set up camp early in the only tree, shaded area at the stadium which ensured athletes could retreat to cover between events, secondly to Alan Ephgrave who arrived early and weighed and set up all the throws trolley’s for Woodford, who were short of a Technical Ref and thirdly to every athlete on the team who stepped up, kept going and never gave up, in what was a war of attrition rather than an athletic match due to the heat. Alan, Jane and Bob endured two and a half hours in full sun (temperatures reaching 36 degrees) to cover two long throws. A special mention to Lee Ann Wannerton for enduring a field full of potholes to help out with the women’s discus. First Aid were kept busy all day as officials succumbed to the climbing temperatures.

This was a double fixture with six Division 3 Clubs, some of whom brought no Officials and the track over ran by an hour and a quarter.

Notable performances came from U17 Isaac Whitten who took on senior/U20 athletes in the 3k steeplechase and won, Rhys Samuel who stepped out of his comfort zone to back up Isaac in the 400m, Steve Mayfield stepping in at the last minute to run the B 200m, a spirited finish from Chris Westcott in the 1500m gained 3rd, Adam Searle was supported by Barry Mainstone in the 3000m and then backed up Barry in the shot and hammer. Ed Laws picked up two second places and ran both relays. Dylan Baines competed in 6 events with the best performance being 12m49 TJ for second, Bobby Pitman stepped in to cover the B triple jump, winning with 11m38, also winning the B PV. Thanks to Jake Sutton who came to do three events and had to leave to go to work before his main event started and Tyler Wannerton who came later in the day to cover the 1500m and a leg of the mixed 4x400m relay.

Shannon Rapacchi covered 5 events plus two relays, winning the 100H, sprinter Madeleine Hurley stepped up to run the 1500m along with Andrea Westcott who covered B 100, 200 and 800m, Chris Feely finished a day which included 800 and 1500m, with the 1500 SC and a second place finish. Aimie Taylor has a great day which included one A and two B wins including the B 1500m Steeple Chase. Libby Taylor was supported by Alisha Levy and Dani Mainstone in the throws.

A lovely team spirit made this event a delight to manage, in spite of the conditions.

Norma Harris Team Manager