Match Report by David Vosser
Relegation worries eased (slightly)
Responding to our previous two very poor performances at Horsham and Salisbury our Track and Field athletes managed a much more successful result at Perivale Park. We managed a creditable 3rd behind a very strong Swindon and the home team Thames Valley Harriers. TVH are an inconsistent side but home advantage gave them the edge narrowly beating us by only 6 points. One real blessing is that they moved their home fixture from the truly disgusting Linford Christie Stadium (which has been pronounced unfit for human habitation). The Perivale Track was in good condition however no one ventured near the changing rooms.
More importantly – we kicked the match off with a super result, maximum points in the Shot from Ivan and Bart followed by 9 points in the Pole Vault! Not since the days of Alan Cornell have we achieved that. James Coney, our new recruit from Andover, brought another newcomer along – 15-year-old Dominic Adams. We were delighted with his results gaining an excellent 2nd in the 400metres in 54.6, also running in the 100metres and both relays. Well done Dominic and thank you James!
Our distance lads outclassed the opposition gaining two first in the 5K (Jamie and Ian) 9 points in the Steeple with Jamie and Keith and maximum points in the 1500m from Josh and Keith. Josh ran a very confident race leading from gun to tape.
The Discus was our other highlight, Simon easily winning the A string and our famous thrower Paul Wheeler taking the B string. Welcome back to the squad to multi event man Steve McNair (more about him later!)