Northern T & F League Match 1

Despite initial concerns about how many athletes we could field for the 1st Northern League match of the year, Spen performed magnificently to finish 2nd overall and things can only improve from here. Thanks to Jackie and Amanda for taking on the difficult post of team managers but the troops rallied round and supported them. The performances of the day had to come from the throwers and our male sprinters. Nick Crimmen- on a welcome retun back, Richard Martin, Jack Bellwood, Carly Beanland, Sheila Bolland & Sarah Roberts out-performed all other athletes to gain maximum valuable points. On the track, Josh Cayenne eased to victory in the 100 & 400m and then ran, what one spectator called "poetry in motion", a blinder of a 3rd leg in the 4x400m relay to bring Craig Yates into an unbeatable position. There were other valuable victories and point winners throughout the day: Ryan Dransfield a very respectable 2nd in his 1st A string 800m for the senior men coming home in 2:06.00; young Lewis Hamilton making his senior debut with wins in the B 400m and running a superb final leg in the 4x100m to overtake Andy Cooke of P&B on the finish line; Chris Ward making his 1st appearance in Spen colours in the short sprints; Chris Mounsey for his Bob Beamon performance long jump and Becky Rowlands & Emma Rawnsley for scoring valuable points in a much depleted ladies' team. Despite all these great performances it is sad to report that we had no competitors in the men's steeplechase, 5000m, 110mH and the ladies' hurdles and pole vault: this is where valuable points are lost and will make the difference if we fill these posts if we are to overtake leaders Trafford at the next match. As for me: HJ, PV, TJ, 400mH and the slowest 1500m on record show it is time to call it a day very soon. Apologies if I have omitted any good performances. If I have please can someone add these comments.