Update following the two opening fixtures of the Midland Masters League
On an evening that resembled winter - snow, sleet, rain and wind - Kettering hosted their first Midland Masters Track and Field meeting on Wednesday 27th April. Described as the "worst conditions ever" in a Masters match it was always going to be a memorable evening!
The usual team members, Kerry Munn, Trudi Pike, Kathy Coleman, Amanda Marlow and Sandra Vaughan were joined by newcomers Karen Albery (1500m) and Paula Sinnott (shot) who both performed well in the conditions. The Ladies team did their best but finished 7th on the night - and are still missing a Veteran 60 who could score well for them and enable them to compete with other clubs who are able to cover all age groups.
The men's team fared slightly better with Paul Young moving into the exclusive Vet 60 category! The normal team members Rob Britten, Graham Pratt, Paul Marlow and Pete Mills were missing Andy Clawson and Peter Goringe but were joined by newcomers Sean Gallagher, Steve Sinnott, Ian Hearne and Ross Brown. The Mens team finished in 5th position. Highest positions on the night were by Pete Mills who finished 2nd in both high jump and javelin.
The second match was held at Nuneaton on Wednesday 18th May. Weather conditions were much improved. The Ladies team had a stronger match finishing in 4th position. Kerry Munn was the highest placed finisher with a victory in the 800m Vet 50 in 2.51 and also competed in 200m, 3000m, long jump and a 400m leg of the relay! The remaining team members all had a strong evening with some high 3rd place finishes Trudi 3000m, Kerry 3000m, Amanda shot and triple jump (in a new club record of 7.72)
The Ladies Vet 45 4 x 400m gained a new club record 5.46.3 (Amanda, Kathy, Trudi and Kerry)
The Mens team finished in 6th place - with the highest positions on the night achieved by Ron Searle 2nd 3000m Vet 60 and by Peter Goringe 2000m walk (3rd). All athletes competed well but the competition from other clubs is extremely high. The men's 4 x 400m relay team (all Vet 40 plus one Vet 50) consisting of Peter Goringe, Ross Brown Graham Pratt and Andy Clawson gained a new club record 4.36.9 - this was an improvement on the previous record of over 20 seconds.
The next match is at Rugby on Wednesday 15th June.