Yann le Roux threw a spanner in the works with a late and apologetic phone call to say he was delayed at work and could not make the match; Daniel Grimwood phoned to explain that he was unable to get to the venue and star race walkers Malcolm and Angela Martin did not get the necessary information in time and were also delayed by that awful four letter word – work. Hasty substitutions were arranged and most events were covered in the men’s match but three athletes had no chance of filling every position in the women’s team.
Top results in men’s Division 1 were Mark Woods’ win that wasn’t in the M50 200m (26.0) and Les Percival’s win that wasn’t quite a win in the M60 high jump (1.15) – I shall explain. Mark edged ahead of David Kemp (Dartford) who acknowledged defeat and he was announced as the winner but the track judges saw it differently as both shared the same time. Les, after trying various techniques off both good and bad leg in warm up, surprised himself by finishing equal first with Rob Sibley (M&M) in an equal PB. Both athletes had identical cards and league rules/timetable prevent a jump off, so both athletes shared the points!
Trevor Crysell was possibly the most industrious athlete in action. After sprinting 200m with Trevor Simms, followed by a lengthy high jump competition, he transformed into a makeshift 1500m runner (5:37.4) displaying good stamina for a sprinter/jumper. He will need that stamina in an epic bike ride from Lands End to John O’Groats that will force his absence from the next match – good luck Trevor.
Elsewhere, Trevor Simms took up the javelin with vengeance; the ubiquitous Mark Woods was everywhere; Les Percival was third at M60 200m (29.4) and we relied on experience in the M35 shot (M65 David Perman) and M60 javelin (M75 Mick Duffin) to bring in the points. The men are the strongest in Division 1 as they are holding every team above them in the league table – we are doomed!
In contrast, despite our best efforts to remain in Division 2, we are clear favourite for promotion in the women’s league. Our three heroines finished second behind Bromley Veterans and well clear of Ashford to mirror the league standings. Elise Rendall made what is expected to be her only SCVAC league appearance a winning one, with maximum points in the W35 200m (34.3); 1500m (6:00.3) and javelin (18.70) plus second in shot (5.20).
W55 Julie Woods won the W50 200m (39.4) and added points from the shot and javelin while W65 Sue James returned from an enforced rest to receive back treatment to win the W60 200m (42.8) and place second at 1500m.
The next match is at Erith Stadium (DA8 3AT) on Friday 7 July 2017, starting at 6:45pm.
