Southern Athletics League: Match 3, 23 June 2012
The performance of Woodford's field athletes in this match was characterised by consistency. Ayamba Akim recorded 1.65m in the high jump again, winning the competition, and underlining the form that has placed her within the top thirty of the national rankings this season. As in the previous match, Devon Douglas and Chris Linque secured A and B string wins in the shot putt. On this occasion, however, Devon was delighted to improve his shot putt personal best to 15.30m. He then went on to top the standings in the discus competition. Hollie Redman and Kirsty Mackintosh also continued their winning ways in the discus and pole vault respectively. In the triple jump, Woodford took the first and second places, with Sayo Ojo's distance of 13.80m being bettered only by Peter Kirabo's (U23) mark of 14.35m. In the hammer, Peter Clarke (U23) secured maximum match points with a throw of 54.55m.
On the track, Katie Skelding contributed eight points to the team total by winning the 100m and the 400m. In the 1500m races, Lauren MacGregor (U20) and Angus Holford battled through the blustery conditions to gain their A string wins. Hasif Bedford (U20) had the dubious benefit of a +3.4 m/s tailwind in the 100m, recording 11.38 secs for first place. Dan Yaxley ran a solid 2.01.57 mins in the 800m to repeat the success that he had in the last match. There was TomTom navigation in the 2000m steeplechase, as Messrs Beedell and Plibersek narrowly missed breaking 6 minutes, recording 6.02.11 mins and 6.02.68 mins respectively in leading the field home.
Sam Malekout had the busiest day of the Woodford athletes, collecting valuable points in the javelin, high jump, pole vault and 400m hurdles.
Colchester Harriers' youthful team easily won the match, though, with Woodford finishing in third place behind Colchester & Tendring. The next match will be held at Lee Valley on Saturday, 14 July, and Paul Manson, Team Manager, will be looking to maintain the quality of the Woodford team whilst adding to its quantity.
Finally, our thanks to the home and travelling officials and helpers for their efficient management of the meeting.