Southern Athletics League Division 1, Match 1, Norwich
A tough first match for Belgrave
This was always going to be a difficult first fixture for the Belgrave SAL team.
The long journey to Norwich, very early in the season and against three of the strongest teams in the league including last year's winners Chelmsford.
Add to that the appalling conditions: cold continual rain and a very strong gusty wind.
And for a number of reasons it was a very depleted team, with gaps particularly in sprints, jumps and throws, who did their very best on the day with many volunteering to fill in the best they could.
There were however, some excellent performances from the team. Notably in the 400m where Sian Harry and Chyna Russell scored A and B maximum points for the women and a convincing win for Neville Harris in the 800m. Keri Mackenzie and Fiona Maddocks also scored well in the women's 800m.
Sam Shore just missed out on his usual 400m hurdles win but helped the team with another 2nd in the 110m, the Javelin and long relay.
Emma Howsham ran a personal best in the 1500m, just a shade over 5 minutes and Stephanie Hewitt, our only steeplechase runner, did well to finish second in freezing conditions.
There was a great race in the men's 5000m with both A and B runners finishing second: Zekerius Abery had a great battle at the front of the race and did well to dip under 16 minutes while Alex Mills ran a fine personal best in 17:18.
Apart from many of the team filling in to secure at least a point, it was left to Mia Callenberg in the throws and jumps. Mia scored in the Shot Put, Discuss, Javelin, Hammer and Triple Jump.
So although a disappointing overall result there was a usual a great team spirit with so many helping out with the team sheet and willing to have a go in an unfamiliar event just to get a point.
The result leaves the team at the bottom of the league after one match.
Match result
1. City of Norwich 253.5, 2. Chelmsford 208.5, 3. Colchester Harriers 189, 4. Belgrave Harriers 99.5