EYAL Match 1: team finish 2nd
A team of 55 Woodford Green and Essex Ladies athletes travelled to Garston, Watford, for the first league match for our young athletes section. It was a close match with Woodford scoring their best ever score of 611 points to just lose out to Basildon by 12 points. Woodford achieved many top 2 positions in their individual events.
In the Under 13 girls, which was mainly made up of Year 6 athletes, we managed to cover all track events but, through no fault of their own, were unable to contest many field events. Charlotte Seaton, one of our year 6s, scooped a 2nd in the 70 metre hurdles. Our relay team, all Year 6s, came 3rd in the 4 x 100 with a storming backstraight run from Shona Vincent who took the team from 6th to 1st. In the end Zahara Malcolm just failed to catch the Harlow athlete as the team dipped under 60 seconds.
The Under 15 girls did their best and contested most events. Andrea Golban, one of our fine throwers, won both the Shot and Hammer events. Andrea has already achieved the English Schools qualifying distance with the hammer. Simbiyal Siriu nabbed a b string win in the Shot.
The Under 17 Women had a great afternoon and won their age group in this match. Kyesha Robinson won both the 100 and 200 a string events and seems set for another fine season under the coaching of Gladys Bird. Rebecca Fafawara also did well, placing 1st in the b string 200, 2nd a string 80 hurdles and 2nd b string High Jump. Phoebe Fuhr (left) won the Pole Vault, 2ND in the High Jump and a big PB in 300 metres for 2nd b string. Precious Ajayi was 2nd a string 300. Katy Petyt won the Triple Jump and was 2nd in the Long Jump. Aimee Gilbert, another excellent thrower under Norman Simmons, also won the Hammer and was 2nd in the Discus. The ladies also won the 4 x 100 metres relay.
The Under 13 boys also won their match with many fine performances. Kaiden Chambers (top picture), a Year 6 boy, was 2nd in the a string 100, 2nd in the a string 200 and also 2nd in the a string Long Jump. Rohan Arnold Fincher, another Year 6, was 2nd in the b string 200 and 2nd b 1500. Brandon Baldacci ran an excellent race over 800 and was unlcky not to win, losing on the line to gain 2nd spot. Cem Guler was 2nd b string 800 and 2nd b string Discus. Samuel Oshodi was 1st a string High Jump, 1st a string Shot Putt and 2nd a string 75 H. Jay Russell 1st b string 75 H 1st High Jump b string and 1st b string Shot Putt. The boys also won the 4 x 100 relay in great style.
The Under 15 boys scored well. Abdul Icare was 2nd 100 a string and 2nd b string 200 metres. Lucas Negomi also had a good afternoon winning a string 200 and winning a string 300 metres. Joe Geller has made big strides this season and carried on his unbeaten run with two comfortable victories over 800 and b string 300. Kai Boggon, another enjoying good form, nabbed 2nd b string 1500. On the field there was a win for Lomar Dewar in b string Shot Putt. Tolani Alaba was 2nd in the a string Long Jump. Rhys Martin was 2nd a string Hammer. The boys, using middle distance runner Liam Waldron, were 3rd in the 4 x 100 relay.
The Under 17 Men also won their match with some fine performances. Jos Farquarson was 2nd a string 100 and 1st a string 200. Olaoluwa Ogunade was 2nd b string 200 and 1st b string Shot Putt. Thomas Finch, a great club man, was 2nd b string 400 amongst doing other events. On the field Joey O’Neill was 1st a string High Jump and 2nd b string Hammer. In the Triple Jump Baker Lubwama was 2nd a string and George Kabasubabo was 1st b string. Jack Kilmmister had a great afternoon with 2 a string wins in both Hammer and Shot Putt. Sam Barker was 2nd b string Discus.
Overall it was a great afternoon for the club and the atmosphere very positive. We currently sit 8th in the league with a home match to come on the 8th May. We have got the athletes to gain a top 8 in the league this year and would hope for a slightly better turnout next time, especially as it is our home fixture.
I must thank all the officials who spent hours helping out and especially our Team Managers, Wendy Fuhr, Paul Cheal and Helen Finch, who put many hours into selecting the team and managing on the day. I must also thank the parents who supported us and the coaches who supported their athletes competing on the day.
John