Our small, yet enthusiastic team, got off to an excellent start in the U20s long jump. Having had to wait for the U17s to finish before beginning their campaign: George Reynolds, 6.05m and Corey Tatum, 5.03m took the wins in both the A and B strings. Dashing over to the 100m start line, George ran a seasons best time of 11.7 taking 3rd place. Then Ellis Carter began his day in the B string with a time of 12.4. Nicole Bonser was up next in the U20 women’s 100m, running a time of 13.4 seconds just piped at the post into 4th position. Up next were our U17s women’s shot putters. Freya Kirby threw a seasons best of 7.23m in the A string; with Eleanor Rigby also throwing a seasons best of 6.38m to take the win in the B string. As the sun came out, Corey took to the line to compete in the U20s men’s 400m. Having to run in the outside lane was not favourable and Corey finished in a time of 55.3. Daisy Kaye began her day next, debuting in the women’s 400m race. She ran an excellent time of 62.2 to take second place. It was then over to the long jump pit, as the darker clouds began to return. Nicole jumped an opener of 4.75m, unfortunately her following jumps were no jumps. However, her first jump was enough to seal the victory for the U20s.
By this time the sky was very black and rumbles of thunder could be heard around the stadium. All discus throwers, including our own Daisy, Freya and Eleanor were sent back to the stand as the rain storm started. Unfortunately, the 200m runners Nicole, Gino Franco and Ellis were not so lucky and had to endure a 10-minute rain / hail storm, with just 3 umbrellas to share between approximately 30 athletes! No rivals here! A 15-minute break was had whilst the officials dried off the discus’ and swept the water from the track. On commencement of events Daisy threw 16.47m in the U20s discus placing first, with Freya and Eleanor throwing 18.76m (second place) and 11.31m (first place B string) respectively, in the U17s competition. Athletes in the 200m were allowed time to warm up again, after stripping off their very wet clothes. Nicole battled for 4th place in the U20s race, in a time of 28.7. Gino Franco stepped up next in the U17s race, his first competitive 200m since the U11s and ran a personal best time of 26.7. Ellis then took to the track to run a seasons best time of 25.8. As the weather settled again, Eleanor took to the track to run the U17s 800m, running a personal best time of 2.39.3 to finish third place.
The final events of the day for Amber Valley athletes were the women’s then men’s javelin. Again the skies were turning very grey and rumbles of thunder could be heard again. Daisy and Freya, sheltering under umbrellas between throws, were able to take wins in both the U20s and U17s events; Daisy throwing over 37 metres and 32.41m for Freya. Gino, having just dried out from his 200m threw 27.76m to come forth in the U17s competition.
The team are currently in 6th place, which considering the size of the team is commendable. It is hoped that more athletes will be available for the final match at Burton on Sunday 30th June and we’ll be aiming for more points at this match. Invites will be sent out shortly to all U17 and U20 athletes.
Report & Photos – Janine Bonser