Second Victory at Match 2 S Vets T&F League

A blustery wind and the occasional shower greeted us for the Monday evening match two, considered ‘up North’ for a mid-London divisional meeting. Though that did not deter the Red and Black hoops from being present both in quality and quantity. Team management started with the usual early events panic regarding late arriving athletes, in this case the Hammer. The event had a prompt welcome return of (a slimmed down) John Maitland who is back enjoying his throws and particularly his specialisation of the Hammer with HHH. With Des Austin also present, and with the event adjudicators exceptionally keen to start on time, the team manager was undergoing flexibility and arm stretches for a low scoring throw when Derek Prentice saved his embarrassment arriving just in time to throw a well placed third on no preparation at all. Both John and Des came first in their categories to giving the Hill a solid start and the match score lead.

On the track for the 800’s the timekeeper was equally insistent on punctuality despite his own officials being in disarray. The series of races were ably executed by Lloyd Collier, Simon Coombes, Gary Ironmonger and Mike Mann yielding 2nd, 1st, 1st and 2nd respectively to post a further 6 points between our nearest rivals. The 200’s swiftly followed and the ever impressive sprint trio of Giuseppe Minetti, Kwei Sankofa and Bob Fraser placed 2nd, 1st, 1st respectively and were steadfastly backed up by Gary ‘any distance’ Ironmonger for a fighting 3rd place in the M35B slot.

Meanwhile, our throwers closed out their regular constistent scoring contribution with Garry Power easily leading the M50 Shot, though Des Austin was an agonising 2 cms short of first place in the M35 competition and so placing second,  as did Derek Prentice in the M60’s.

Back at the pits, we saw an excellent return to T&F from ‘Dundee’ Dave Adam for the triple jump, and later the long jump, setting his benchmark pb at 9-79m for the triple jump and placing third in both events. (A great performance and team contribution from a man who is essentially a distance runner!) Waldy Pauzers filled in the gap to avoid a ‘nul points’ M50 TJ score as Mark White also set a new pb as he jumped TJ for the first time (after his seasonal exodus with a solid non-scoring 800m).

Befitting their Harrier origins, the 3000m gave the Hill opportunity to show off their talent and strength in depth. A thrilling hard paced race was led all the way by Simon Coombes, ominously shadowed by Serpentine’s Ragab. But Coombesy the rabbit got a sudden breakaway with a lap to go and a moment’s hesitation in response left Ragab closing down Simon in vain who had timed his escape to perfection! Fellow scorers Robin Jones and Keith Newton (M50) also got firsts with a fine tactical ‘battle of honour’ between themselves but this time Keith’s escape was tempered by Robin’s determined covering. Three firsts and Mike Mann’s second 2^nd spot at M60 gave us a perceived comfortable match lead, team scores always being difficult to gauge during competition. These gents were ably supported by the Red & Black hooped back-up troops of Simon Thompson, Lloyd Collier (both of whom had also ran the 800m), new man (welcome and well done on his debut track race) Jon Key, Dan Hallam and the indefatigable Steve Knight.

The last track session was the 4 x 100m relay. With a pair of ‘cry off’s’ and Kwei’s successful and tactical deployment on the Long Jump we were a little stretched for sprinters. Into the breach stepped up ever present Garth Francis to complete the sprint relay on second leg. Excellent sprinting from Bob Fraser, Garth and Gary Ironmonger left Giuseppe Minetti storming a close down on Hillingdon’s second place. Slowly but surely the gap was being diminished. Standing close to the line I just saw the R&B vest behind the Hillingdon white. Clearly, the timekeepers saw it differently, it was nevertheless a great and thrilling finishing flourish! (Now, I would never suggest the late posting of the men’s results, the relay placings and Hillingdon coming second to Serpentine by a single point could possibly be related…… )

Accompanying Dave Dundee in the final event, the long jump, was the willing but bruised Kwei Sankofa having sacrificed his relay spot to ensure reasonable M50 Long Jump points. Kwei excelled and garnered a 1^st place to close out the evening’s performances. Amid a minor squall the wind and rain in the ever darkening sky aggravated consistent jumping for all athletes concerned but yet again the Red and Black hoops prevailed. A fine night of consistent commitment and determination by all.

Congratulation to our HHH Women who in parallel achieved their first ever divisional match win to equally top the divisional league table. We now need more of the same from both squads, please, Match 3 is Battersea 22/06/15.

A fine night’s work from all, only marred by gratuitous and despicable vandalism discovered on Mark White’s car, though it was not done at the Hillingdon track car park. Fortunately, and eventually, everyone got home safely.

Match Result: HHH 115, Hillingdon 100, Serpentine 99, Metros 41, Thames Valley H 35, British Airways 33

Valdis Pauzers
Mens Vets Team Manager.