The first fixture of the Veterans Track and Field season was at Leamington. A rather chilly evening, with a constant threat of rain, but the main issue of the night was the failing light. The floodlights were not up to the task on a dark evening and unfortunately this caused some problems in some events. The Ladies javelin was cut short and the men’s high jump caused many athletes problems.
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> However, the evening was still an enjoyable one with many decent early season openers.
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> In the Men’s match victories were found in the 100m M40 for Steve Sinnott in 13.0, 400m M40 for Tony James 57.8 and Matt Bell in the M35 Hammer with a Club record of 45.54.
> The Men were assisted to their 5th place overall by Richard Coleman M50 who competed in the 100m 15.03, Hammer 13.91 and high jump 1.05. Simon Rowe competed in the M50 400m in 67.00. Pete Mills competing down an age group was “persuaded” to take part in the 100m for 14.3 as well as his normal javelin 29.01 and high jump 1.50. The lack of floodlights affecting the heights of the event. Tony James also ran the 1500m in 5.02.5 and Steve Sinnott also did the triple jump in 9.65 and did a debut in the 2k walk in 16.43.5 (although promised never again!!).
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> Due to illness, Sean Gallagher stepped in, despite having run the London marathon only three days prior and did well in the M35 400m in 81.08 and 1500m in 5.58.1. Paul Young M60 was only able to compete in the shot due to injury and therefore the Club lost points in this category with a 100m, 2k walk and 1500m on offer.
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> In the Women’s Team there were no victories but very strong 2nd place finishes for Kathy Coleman in the 100m 17.0 and the shot 7.00. Kathy also did the 2k walk in 14.20.7, high jump 0.95 (unable to compete further due to other clash of events), and javelin 9.63.
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> Elaine Fairbrother did well in the 400m in 79.3, 1500m 6.06.5 and high jump 1.05. Paula Sinnott also had a fairly busy evening in the 100m 18.7, 400m 94.9 and shot 5.74. Trudi Pike, 6.22.6 and Maggie Mulholland 6.24.7 both ran well in the 1500m. Katy Williams made a welcome return after injuries last season with a fine 100m in 15.6.
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> The opening fixture introduced a new style mixed relay. Two relays took place, one for Over 35s and one for Over 50s - two men and two women in each team. This created quite an exciting end to the evening with the Over 35s team of Katy Williams. Elaine Fairbrother, Steve Sinnott and Tony James finishing in 4th place. The Over 50s team finished in 5th place with Kathy Coleman, Maggie Mulholland, Simon Rowe and Richard Coleman.
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> The Ladies team finished in 6th place and are still looking for a W60 to compete and gain much needed points.
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> A thoroughly enjoyable Wednesday evening was had by all. Special thanks to those who assisted with field officiating, track judging and timekeeping.
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> Anyone interested in taking part should contact Team Manager, Amanda Marlow.