Rosenheim Match 5

Tooting Bec, Wednesday 19 July

On a cool breezy night, we manged to put together a good men’s and women’s team and as a result saw some impressive performances.

With the men literally qualified and the women needing a good overall performance and Herne Hill not to win on home turf to make the finals, it was good to see some new faces taking up the strain. The women started off well in the 100m with Laura Reilly coming 2^nd in a tight race. Fiona Maddocks battled to a 2^nd place finish in the 800m before Sian Harry got a win in the 400m with a fine run. On the field, Mia Callenburg was again our saviour with a 1st in the Discus and 2^nd in the Hammer and then Ellen Hunter grabbed some vital points by jumping in the Pole Vault. Lizzie Goldie-Scott did the 1500m/3000m double in an effort to get the points needed placing 2^nd in both races and despite missing out on points in the 200m, 400H and the Relay, we did just enough to pip Herne Hill despite finishing below them on the night and hold onto 3^rd spot and qualify for the finals at the first time of asking. Well done to all those who have taken part!

With the men’s place virtually assured in the final, the task was far simpler on the night but that didn’t stop us from winning another match with some fine performances. On the field, Chris Privett won both the Hammer and Discus and Javarne Gordon-Brown managed 3^rd in the Long Jump. Sam Shore showed consistency once again as he ran another time trial for 1^st place in the 400 Hurdles. Sam Ige continued his good form with wins in the 100m/200m. Harry Grindle recently stepping up from the juniors and running his first ever timed 400m against seniors, did himself and the team proud with a win in a very tight race despite getting the same time as the 2^nd place Herne Hill. Alfonso Leone had turned up for a non-scoring 800m race but stepped up last minute to run to a 2^nd place finish. With Paskar Owor and Nick Bundle for company, Andrew Fyfe ran a PB in an exciting 1500m race which swung one way to the other before Andrew pulled away to win in the last 15m. Paskar then did what he does best and made winning the 3000m look simple. The track races were finished with a fine win in the 4 x 200 relay from Harry Grindle, Javarne Gordon-Brown, Sam Shore and Sam Ige. The men leapfrogged Serpentine into second overall after 5 matches. Again well done to all who have taken part

So with both teams in the final which will be held at Kingsmeadow Athletics track in Norbiton on 16^th August, we can look forward to one more night of action and the chance to win two trophies. So pencil in the date and keep it free as you will be needed!

Final standings:-

Men 1 Herne Hill 23 (236.5); 2 Belgrave 21 (231); 3 Serpentine 21 (199); 4 Croydon 16 (192); 5 Hercules Wimbledon 13.5 (177.5); 6 Holland Sports 9.5 (110)(top 4 teams to final)

Women 1 Hercules Wimbledon 26 (249); 2 Serpentine 25 (242); 3 Belgrave 20 (208); 4 Herne Hill 18 (147); 5 Croydon 10 (53); 6 Holland Sports 3 (28)(top 3 teams to final)