There were some terrific performances from the KTH squads for the Midland League final fixture, held at the impressive Paula Ratcliff stadium in the equally impressive Loughborough University surroundings, home of hosts Charnwood AC. The overall result on the day of 4th place matched the result from the home fixture in July and was a big improvement on the two opening fixtures. Unfortunately the lack of points in the two opening fixture will most likely result in relegation to Div 6, but on the evidence of the high level of competition on offer in most events in Div 5 we have reason to be optimistic about athletes being challenged in competition, and perhaps a promotion push in 2018!
Middle Distance squad
On blustery day, not conducive to fast times one of the outstanding performances on the day was by Mario Ilaniec, following up his KTH debuts in the 2km steeplechase at the previous meeting with a classy win in the 3k steeplechase, controlling the race from the start Mario put in a fine performance to win by 30 seconds in 10:24.2. There were also an impressive win for U17 Emily Williams closing down her magnificent season with a victory in the woman’s 400m ‘A’ race, defeating seasoned 400m Charnwood athlete Jazzmin Kiffin with a powerful run in 59.4. In the ‘B’ 400m race Krisztina Kurutcz ran a fine race for a close second place in a time of 64.9, just off her PB. In the men’s 400m race Morgan Potter finished in 5th place in the ‘A’ string in 57.8, with Chris Johnson also 5th in the ‘B’ string.
In the 800m there were solid performances from the MD squad in the 800m with Sophie Moss finishing in a fine 2nd place in the ‘A’ race & Harriett Jolley winning the ‘B’ race. Morgan Potter ran well in a high quality men’s ‘A’ race to finish in 6th place, with Jack Watson finishing in 5th in the ‘B’ race. Edward Cannell ran well for a SB in the men’s 3,000m for 4th place in 9:50.5 with a 5th place in the ‘B’ race for Ant Poncia. In the 1500m there was a fine 2nd place for Karen Albery, with Josh Cannell finishing in 5th place in the men’s 1500m ‘A’ race in 4:46.7 & Jack Watson also 5th in the ‘B’ race in 5:00.8.
The best was saved to last with the 4x400m women’s squad itching to get a performance in all season; it was finally possible with the MD squad quartet of Krisztina Kurutcz, Harriett Jolley, Sophie Moss & Emily Williams. Individual splits of 64.4 (Kriztina), 65.5 (Harriett), 63.9 (Sophie) & 59.1 for Emily ensured an emphatic victory with a winning margin of over 20 seconds from Stratford upon Avon and a superb time of 4:12.8 which was the fastest time ran in all of the Midland League meetings this season outside of the 1st Division.
Women's 4x400m team Krisztina Kurutcz, Emily Williams, Sophie Moss & Harriett Jolley
In the corresponding men’s 4x400m relay the team was unfortunately DQ’d for a handover infringement!
Sprint Squad
The sprinters put in some fine performances in their last outing in the Midland League. The stand out male performance of the day came from Dylan Mukhtar who equalled his personal best of 11.8 in the B 100m to win his race, before anchoring the 4 x 100m relay team to finish 3rd. His team mate, Emmanuel Mbu, finished a creditable 3rd in a time of 23.5 in the A 200m.
Dylan Mukhtar superb win in the B 100m
Josh Gray posted distances of 5.12 in the long jump, & 10.52 in the triple jump, before running a superb 3rd leg in the 4 x 100m relay. Chris Johnson, making his debut for the Harriers, ran a time of 58.4 in the B 400m to finish 5th.
The female sprinters all posted decent times in the their races. Erin Healy posted times of 12.7 & 26.2 in the A 100m & 200m, finishing 3rd in both events. Meanwhile, Annabelle Clotworthy finished 3rd in a time of 13.3 in the B 100m. Alex Beale had a busy day, competing in the B 200m (27.6), long jump (4.69), high jump (1.35), & relay.
Rhianna Parris-Smith debuted in the shot, with a throw of 7.02, and also competed in the discus with a throw of 15.61m, before doing the lead leg in the 4 x 100m relay.
Coach, Ann Inniss-Haycox said, "I'd like to congratulate all of the members of my squad for how they have done in this league, especially the U17s' who have had to compete against senior athletes. Many have also competed in events with little or no training to help the club to maintain this level of competition going forward."
Thanks to all the athletes, coaches, support staff, officials and in Particular to team manager Steve Sinnott who have Helped KTH to put in a highly credible series of performances this season.