UKWAL Match 2 Report
UKWAL – Match 2
Aldershot, 2nd JulyReport by Josephine Rhodes[gallery columns="4" ids="4423,4422,4421,4420"]
A small and determined band of Belles arrived at Aldershot faced with strong opposition and erratic weather conditions. Despite the fierce rain-showers, gusting wind and a bout of thunder, the team held their nerve to finish 4th in the match. Many athletes filled in the gaps for much-needed points away from their preferred events, and it was very pleasing to see a sprinkling of season bests and personal bests.
In the ‘A’ 400m a brave front-running effort from Carla Doukrou over the first 300m set her up for a new PB and 3rd place. A natural over this distance there is surely more to come. Nina Anderson has been improving with each race this season and this was no exception - she came away with another SB in the ‘B’ race in a strong 3rd place. In far from ideal conditions Nina had a competitive showing over the 200m for 4th place. Sandra Dike had a busy day picking up points in both the short sprints in tough ‘A’ string races and later safely anchored home the 4x100 relay squad.
Jodie Albrow continued her return to form with 2nd place in both the 100 and 400 hurdles races. Demonstrating the smooth and precise technique we’ve come to expect from the multi-eventer a SB was her reward over the longer race. Later she claimed 3rd in the ‘A’ javelin. Jess Case opened with a handy win in the ‘B’ 400H, and undeterred by a troublesome injury she managed another high score taking 2nd in the ‘B’ 100H.
Rose O’Brien lined up for the ‘A’ 800 and gave an assured and measured performance for 3rd. Her quickest outing of the season so far all the signs indicate a sub-2:20 is on the cards. A quick pause for breath during the rain-storm, then Rose dashed down the home straight to secure valuable points in the ‘B’ 100. Zoe Vail-Smith was in no mood for messin’ and came away with a brace of PBs. A tactically astute run over the 3000 was followed by a focused and determined effort over the 1500m – great to watch an athlete really “in form.” Sammi Amend joined her for the middle-distance double with two plucky performances in the wind and rain to net further solid points for the team.
Monique Krefting, a Masters Multi-Event Champion from 2015, showed off her wide-ranging skills in the long, jump, high jump and shot putt gaining two top 3 placings. It was her debut in the league - lets hope she comes back for more! Sandra didn’t confine herself to the track, leaping to a SB in the long jump. Julia Doukrou secured a creditable 3rd in the ‘A’ triple jump, then rounded off her day with a speedy 3rd leg in the sprint relay. Leanne Bettis fought well for the team in the hammer, discus and shot putt despite a sore back restricting her movement. Ellen Hunter picked up points all over the place with a 3rd in the ‘B’ hammer throw perhaps the highlight. She also secured two PBs in the discus and javelin throw!
The 4x400 relay was one of the most exciting events of the day. Monique took to her task with panache leading us out and handed over just behind the lead. Sandra, less experienced over the single lap, kept her head to keep the Belles in contention at half-way. Jodie and Rose had storming runs resulting in a fine 3rd place – Rose in hot pursuit of the team infront as she crossed the line.
Congratulations everybody! An improvement on Match 1 and with some better luck and hopefully a larger team we can aim for a top 3 placing at the next match in August. Huge thanks to our team manager Bob Bridges and Charlie Dickinson, Gillian and Tony Fairclough, and Carl Lawton for their tireless officiating and to Bill Laws and all the family and friends who turned out to support and cheer.