MIDLAND ATHLETICS LEAGUE
Banbury Harriers conceivably realised after the second fixture in the Midland Athletics League on Saturday at Worcester that they will face an unavoidable battle against relegation in the remaining fixtures. This despite having some highly talented athletes the offset to this the club at senior level lack in numbers to combat in the league.
This said looking on the bright side it was good to see Kyle Ennis making his return to league action and showing he can take on the best in division four and win. He started the day winning the “A”race in the 200metres in a time just under 22seconds. He later added to this winning the 100metres holding off a strong challenge from two of his rivals. He was supported well in the sprints by young Alfie Rowett who collected second and third places in the B races.
The day started with the field events and the combination of Thomasz Napoirowski and Perriss Wilkins scoring highly in the hammer event. This was equalled in the women’s long jump by Shana and Shannon Parker. The two combinations later gained valuable wins, Napoirowski and Wilkins easily gaining maximum in the discus and the girls likewise in the triple jump.
Luke Sherlock at sixteen showed he can handle the senior level when matching the first fixture result with an excellent second place in the 800metres.
Alex Brown collected first place in the men’s javelin and a good third in the long jump.
There were strong supporting roles from Tom Wain, Adam Crofts, Samantha Phillips, Claire Goodwin and Naomi Anderson in numerous events to gain points.
Heart of England
On Sunday the clubs younger athletes travelled to Coventry for the second Heart of England Division One fixture. The indication from this fixture like the first the club can compete at this level and have the chance to secure this in the final fixture at home.
The highlights of the day Evie Hawkins excellent win in the long jump, two good performances from Rebecca Scott in the high jump and 300metres. Emily Thompson again producing another fast time in the 800metres this despite finishing second.
In the younger age group there were personal bests from Maddy Cooper in the long lump and Matilda Donaghy in the 800metres.
The highlights from the boy’s events came from Stanley Bull in the 1500metres, Jake Stickley in the longer sprints and Jake Kelly in the discus.
Mota vation
The second of Moto Vation Road Race series took place last week at Bletchington. The race attracted almost 400starters of which over thirty came from the Banbury area clubs.
The race was won by Darrell Bellinger from Oxford City, with Tim Wright first home from this area in 7th place. Dan Pebody of Cherwell Runners had a close battle with Adderbury’s Paddy Haynes winning by two seconds, with the two finishing respectively in 25th and 26th places.
Just behind came Cherwell veteran Ian Thomas also in the top fifty two other Cherwell runners Jonathan Carter 43rd and Dewi Thomas 46th.
