The recently re-formed KTH veterans athletic team put in an excellent performance at the first meeting of the season in Bedford on Wednesday May 4th, placed in a tough division of eight teams including much larger clubs such as Beford & County, Marshall Milton Keynes, Cambridge & Coleridge who not only have a much larger pool of athletes to choose from but also boast some nationally recognised competitors.
Despite lacking in numbers both the men's and ladies' teams showed their spirit by ensuring most of the events were covered including the shot, hammer and 2km walk which don't usually form part of a normal training night.
The women's team scored 78 points to finish in 5th place overall on the night but are within reach of the top three which bodes well for the season, jewel in the crown Katie Williams stormed to victory in the 100m and despite suffering from a cold ran a strong leg in the relay which with good runs from Jill Tierney, Bronwen Smit and Alison Moxey held on to claim 2nd place.
Top scorer on the night was Yvonne Elliot in the Vet 45 category who showed her versatility in the 100m/400m/long jump and hammer to score a fantastic 17 points, next best was Jill Tierney Vet 35 in the 400m/100m hurdles/relay and long jump with 15 points, followed by Amanda Marlow 2km walk/high jump and hammer for 13 points, Alison Moxey 1500m/shot/relay 9 points and Sarah Bailey shot/high jump 9 points.
In the men's events the team was depleted due to work commitments but still managed to score a respectable 48 points to end the night in 6th place, with some strong athletes to come, a top four finish is still on the cards. Gregg Smith and Alastair Moxey both dusted off their old school spikes to perform for the first time at an athletics meeting.
Top scorer was Paul Marlow with 13 points from the 100mh/400m and long jump followed by Rob Britten 8 points 1500m/shot/relay, Alastair Moxey 8 points 2k walk/Hammer/relay, Gregg smith 7 points 100m/high jump/relay and Vet 50 competitor Paul Young who despite a knee injury scored 7 points 400m/1500m/relay.
Overall the feedback from both teams was really positive, the next meeting is at Cambridge on Wednesday June 1st if anyone would like more information about taking part or attending one of our training nights contact Paul Marlow 07599-777762 or Andy Clawson/Amanda Marlow on a Tuesday/Thursday training night at the track.