The second match in this year’s Southern Athletics League, held at Watford in almost perfect running conditions, if a little hot.
Vale’s team still wasn’t at full strength but credit to all those athletes who took part and thanks to those who competed in events previously unknown to them in order to maximise the points. It was all worthwhile as Vale finished in 2nd position.
The ladies team were strong in numbers and performance with wins in both the A and B string events for Rochelle Arulanandam and Lynne Andrews in the Pole Vault; Sophie Delderfield and Sophie Dickerson in the Long Jump; Sophie Delderfield and Julia Austin in the 800m and Sophie Delderfield and Vicky Sheldon in the 3k.
Thanks to Tasha Cornwell and Vicky running their first ever steeplechase, both finishing in 2nd place and well done to Alice Austin so close to her 400m PB after a 3 year break from the event.. Jess Hunter’s season continues to go well 3 personal best performances in the 200m, 100m hurdles and Long Jump.
In the men’s team, there were solid performances across the sprint events from Sam Akpabio, Tom Waiting and Dan Barber. It was good to see Charlie May back on the track running well and to welcoming Alan Roberts to the team, better known for his road running and cross country events. In the middle distance events, Charlie performed well in 800m, 1500m; 3k and 3k steeplechase coming away with two PBs, while Alan won the B string 1500m and was 3rd in the 3k with a new PB; he then took part in the Shot Put and Discus. Congratulations to James Davis who won the 3k A string steeplechase with a PB, alongside Charlie’s win in the B string. A huge thank you to Simon Dickerson for his on the spot training to get some contestants into the B string Pole Vault, and congratulations on his own PB in the A string of that event and also the Long Jump.
The relays were good across the board with both teams finishing 2nd in the 4 x 100m. The ladies were also 2nd in the 4 x 400m but the men’s team won their event.