CATCH UP 2 WEEK REPORT!!!!

Where are my critics when I need them???? I missed Carlisle the first week and nobody stepped up with an article, and next thing I know, I am three articles late…..here we go then with the highlights of the last coupe of weekends. Hope you are sitting comfy, 'cos this takes in 3 events this report!!

Now I know people at our club are not huffy, but it looks like Peter Moody may have upset a few……we went to Carlisle the following Sunday, and there was only three families there, and I did hear someone with a Carlisle accent say "its' because the big fella wouldn't share his picnic". (Only joking Peter, and there is more to come!!) Anyway, I read with interest Tommys' article (Please click here) Tommy has predicted good performances on the track from those who made the effort on the country, and already one young lassie is doing her best to prove him right. Our Sophe (little Miss Taylor) who seemed to be struggling in the middle of the season, has developed into a little champ already. I am sure someone will tell me if I am wrong here, but the second trip to Carlisle got her two gold medals in the 200 and 800m, and she was disappointed because she didn't get PB's. At the same Venue, Ade enjoyed his 200m race, got a good time, but seems to be struggling at the moment, they say he may be growing, (not Adrian, he will always be his mams little lad) Then like Sophie, he did the 800 almost straight after the 200, and managed a bronze, so he was still happy enough. Steph Loraine, the only other athlete on the day from Birtley, glided to a convincing win in her 800, despite turning up at the track in her football boots and shin pads. She ran a mixed race against the lads and lasses in her age group, and there was only one lad beat her, well done Steph.

So there we are proof of Tommys prediction. Sophie Taylor, for me has been a revelation, an athlete that club members younger, and even older could look to for inspiration. She has battled and trained through a bad chest (which turned out to be the return of her asthma) never complained and never made excuses, just got on with it and is now turning in some great performances.

For example, at the Good Friday relays, Sophie and Bethan, only two runners from Birtley under13 girlies, both ran well, but Sophie following on from Steph last year, matched Stephs previous 2 years runs with a second place, meaning Birtley have been second in that particular race for the last 3 races. Sophie picked up a silver medal, and beat her last year time by a staggering 2 minutes (or there about) and also ran so well, that had she been in the under 15's race she would have finished 3rd. and she is only a first year under 13 (I think). Bethan also ran well, but the team were short of a runner for a placing.

Robbie and Adrian were next, but again an incomplete team, (Adam got lost on the way, but his intentions were honourable) Robbie 8th and Adrian 12th getting caught by someone on the run in…that always hurts that bit.

Next was Steph, she had a really good run, having moved up to under 15 since last year, last two years she was 2nd, and in this years event having moved up, she was an excellent 4th, and we were all pleased for her, so well done Steph.

The under 15 lads only had Sam running (I think) he had a good strong run, but again no place for the team as he was incomplete.

The owld fellas race was great, we had two 4 man teams in this, but unfortunately no vet team. The mens A team were 8th I think, and B team 19th ish very good, and welcome to Craig Peake for what I think was his first race for the club. The Vets just about all shied off, Dave Ransen (Knee) Vince Taylor (Calf) YB (Knees and cannot get his head round racing at the moment especially with an incomplete team) but still there was a lone entrant for the club, waving the flag as ever….can you guess who??? Yep, Pat Kelly, if he hasn't broken every record in the club for number of races entered in a year, next year the Grand Prix trophies should be named after Pat. "The Pat Kelly Grand Prix" kind of got a ring to it doesn't it. That man should get an extra big medal on presentation night to reflect the spirit he has shown in racing, and I might just see if I can do something about that!!

Was there any other races that day I have missed, hope not….ooh yes nearly forgot, Birtleys favourite none Birtley runner was seen around the course, bringing a bit of glamour to Newburn. Hiya Trace, is that right yer big sis didn't run, cos someone had tied her legs in knots?? (private joke she will know what I mean).

So that was Good Friday, and the next day was Saturday…yes very clever, but Saturday meant Middlesbrough open track meeting.

Once again some great performances all round, and now the club seemed to be forgetting the picnic incident and starting to forgive Peter, who turned up in the afternoon with a carrier bag full of choccy biscuits???? Sophie Taylor had run her 100m in the morning, and been disappointed, so entered the 200 on the day, she did the shot, and the 600 also. So no one will be surprised that she went home with two gold medals and a bronze. The outstanding thing about that was that the lads and lasses were in the same race, and she beat them all, Adrian did the 600 with her, and they both got individual gold`s, but the score sheet read Sophie first Adrian second. Great race to watch though….if I had been a neutral that is. Kayleigh Brown threw almost 30metres in the cricket ball throw, and was so pleased she entered the shot as a guest, managed a PB and won silver with 5.13 well done. Kate Murphy slightly over extended herself, and did too many events, wish all the kids were that keen to compete I have times for her, but not positions. Chelsea Moody ran the 600 with Ellen Oakley, both running a tactical race, did well, but no medals, Chelsea also did the Long jump, and Ellen the 60 metres. Adrian ran the 600 again, after the 200, but he will learn eventually. His 200 won him a silver as the lad in 2nd place fell 5 metres short of the line and Adrian hurdled him for second place, and he managed an outdoor pb for his 600. Now we all like to see healthy competition, and especially when it is sibling competition don`t we. Robbie and Steph both did the long jump, and this time Steph took the glory beating her brother by 3cms. Steph also had a cracking 300m race that she won by about 40metres, outstanding! AND while we are talking outstanding, Robbie ran an incredible 600m race, out run over the last 200 metres, but if he had been in the race for the next age group up instead, he would have won by 5 seconds!! That was a great race to watch as well. I must mention also a race that we as a club were only involved cheering Amanda Watt, from Chester Le Street. (our friend) Imagine feeling you weren't running well and lining up against the Templeman twins Sigourney Bell, and just about everyone else who was good, in the North East. Amanda did it and had a great run, so well done Amanda, looks like you are getting your form back.

Middlesbrough was a lovely day, no football to spoil it this time either. It was finished of with the first barbecue of the year at the Bailes residence, where we all ate drank and generally had a good time!

Hope I haven't missed anything, if I have, drop Sam a line and he will add it!

YB