Belgrave take third in NAL round one
Belgrave made a satisfactory start in their first National League match of the season at Portsmouth, finishing third despite the absence of several stronger members of the team.
Sam Ige storms to 200m victory
Credit: Maarten D’Haese
The Belgrave women featured some new and exciting members, finishing ahead of the other women's teams. Tonbridge arrived with a very strong men's team and won the day, with home team Portsmouth finishing just ahead of Belgrave.
The league has been reorganised this year with one Premiership of eight teams sitting above four Championship groups of six teams. Belgrave are in a group with Bournemouth, City of Portsmouth, Crawley, Kingson and Poly, and Tonbridge.
There were some outstanding performances. Sam Ige secured a 100m and 200m double, plus an amazing last leg win in the 4 X 100m relay. Joe McGrath was second in the 100m. Rosey Smyth delivered first in the 100m and second in the 200m, with Tayla Benson winning the 'B' 200m. The women also won the 4 X 100m
The Belles dominated the women's middle distance with Emily Robbins and Steph Hewitt getting maximum points in the 1500m and Mimi Corden-Lloyd and Orna McGinley doing likewise in the 3000m.
Orna McGinley leads Mimi Corden-Lloyd in the 3000m
Credit: Maarten D’Haese
Very promising teenager Nev Jansen won the 'B' string Discus, and Valentin Rigori and Adam Justice both finished second in the 3000m Steeplechase gaining 18 very useful points.
So many supported the team by doubling up in events, or in some cases did many more. Team Manager Mike Burslem led by example running the 400m, both hurdles races and a leg of the 4 X 400 relay. Mia Callenburg, now with a five month old baby, competed in the Triple Jump, Hammer, Javelin and Shot Put.
And perhaps most noteworthy, Ram Choudhury not only got over the opening height in the Pole Vault, but threw 40.22m in the Discus. He also did the Shot, Hammer and finally a leg in the 4 X 400m relay. A very good day's work!
The team will hope to fill the gaps in the next match at Crawley on June 22nd. If they manage to finish in the top two after three matches, they will progress to the final at Bedford in August where they will have a chance of winning promotion to the Premiership.
Henry Hart sets the pace
Credit: Maarten D’Haese