On Track - and Third !
The combined Wallsend / Blyth team finished third in their North of England T&F match at Middlesborough on Saturday 5th June. After victory in the first match of the summer series, this result still leaves the combined team with a strong chance of promotion at the end of the season. The fixture was won by the host club, Middlesborough / Hartlepool, in what is a seven-team competition.
Wallsend’s joint-team manager Martin Telford suffered the usual pre-meeting nerves about the club’s willingness to muster a strong level of support, but his fears were allayed on the day as athletes from both clubs rallied round the team to provide an excellent result.
Martin writes….
The ladies team had so many changes that my mind was in a spin, but the rewards come when they all pulled together as a team and enjoyed it on the day, even if it is only a minor part of their club activities.
The combined team’s victories came in a number of ways. Veteran runner, and former Wallsend Harrier Athlete of the Year, Eric Smart made a triumphant return to club competition after a number of years away – his time of 11.7 to win the 100m ‘B’ race is immense for a guy of his age. A ‘B’ race win in the 200m in 25.0 is also very good.
Blyth’s Craig Birch was a winner in the 400m Hurdles, as was Kalvin Hurst in the long jump.
For Wallsend athletes, Simon Gibbs and Vicky Hindson ran pb’s in the 800m (2:14.1 & 2:38.3 respectively) while Dan Weatherill ran first-ever 1500m in 4:45.8. Paul Waller finished 2nd in all the jumps and Tony Maddocks grabbed a 3rd in the 5000m. Rob Kirtley competed in shot, discus and javelin.
The new debutants - Julie Hind picked up points in the Discus, 100m and 400m, Laura Murphy was 3rd in the High Jump and Emma Walton took part in the 1500m, Shot and Hammer! Emma (Thor) Walton cannot wait to get that hammer back into her hands!
Chrystal Skeldon picked up 3rd in the 3000m and mucked in with the Shot, Long and Triple jumps.
Thanks to everyone from both clubs who helped with the relays and our third place was hard fought and well deserved.
Match result
1 Middlesborough / Hartlepool 386pts
2 Scarborough 374
3 Wallsend / Blyth 349
4 Houghton 344
5 Richmond & Zetland 292
6 Tynedale 223
7 Blaydon 177
League Positions (after 2 matches)
1 Middlesborough / Hartlepool 13pts
2 Wallsend / Blyth 12
3 Scarborough 11
4 Houghton 7
5 Richmond & Zetland 5
6 Tynedale 6
7 Blaydon 2
General News
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| Wallsend 10k Road Race | 9 |
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| NE Harrier League | 13 |
| Summer Grand Prix | 12 |
