Carlisle Open Track & Field Meeting -25th March 2007

In the absence of the usual Birtley AC reporter, (who was busy carrying out his secondary "Football supporter" duty somewhere in Sunderland in a Newcastle top - what a brave fool he is!) I happily took over this prestigious role following first refusals by several other Birtley Athletic spectators who preferred to watch from the stand without taking notes. Perhaps we need to supply Birtley pens and paper - just a thought.

On a glorious Sunday afternoon, from a sun baked sports stand we spectators, watched (and ate - didn't we Peter!) as the events began with the hurdles and long jump. It was well seen that this was the first track event of the season with several of the youngsters still practising their styles and tactics from memories of last seasons training sessions. Indeed some of the hurdling looked more like a sequence of high jumps with the crowd gasping in sympathy as one poor competitor hit the last hurdle but still managed to stay upright and cross the line. Well done that man - I bet he has a bruise or two.

The club was well represented by all ages and everyone who competed appeared to have a great time with some notable outstanding results; (Forgive me if these are not 100% accurate I'm not a sporty person at all - in case you haven't noticed)

1. Our Sophe was joint first in her heat of the 100m sprint, but being robbed of a medal over all by a technical decision in the marking system (beyond me I tell you!).

2. Again our Sophe this time gliding round the course like falcon on the wind to win the 800m. It was a delight to watch Sophe!! (Ade had been told by a Carlisle runner that their runner would win this race, afterwards the same lad commented that our Sophe had made a "statement there alright!!!" - nice one Sophe!)

3. Alan Wear sporting a dashing new hair cut/colour (I like your style Alan) first in the 800M.

4. Thomas Cunningham making short work of the 150M - a miniature version of the bigger Cunningham - am I showing my age here? Oh and he also won his long jump event

5. Steph took off like a bullet for her 800m and kept up the pace much to the amazement of her peers, boy that girl can 'alf shift.

6. Oh and our Ade, running as planned a tactical 800m, shadowing the Carlisle runner all the way around hanging on his shoulder as planned but just not having the finish in the last few metres and therefore coming a 2nd. Never mind it was a "grand day out" as Wallace would say!

7. And then there was the other Taylor athlete, "Daddy" Taylor that is - Vince, competing in the 100m dash and chucking the spear (is that right?). If only the others hadn't been 6 foot Vince - do you think I should do an athletic coaching course when I finish my course? You did get a medal and I think it was a silver?

8. Kate made a good impression in her events, winning the 100m comfortably

9. Always have to mention the Watt sisters. Amanda and Emma , both ran well, will I get wrong for not noticing their position? Well done lasses nice to see you back at the competitions. You must refer to the official results for specific times as that's far too technical for an amateur reporter to remember or even understand. (Normal service will be resumed when YB gets back from footy!)

Now that's enough about the athletics, as a few interesting observations were noted from the sidelines (Oops, slipping into footy talk there!) Now I didn't hear the announcement that there had been a whip around for a Birtley Club picnic but Peter came back from Morrison's with enough food to feed the whole team. I am almost certain he did that last year, but we must get someone else to do the shopping next year, if not just to give the rest of us a chance of something to eat. Peter ate the lot…must have needed the energy after only three hours in his pit last night….is that because we lost an hour?? (How do you do it Peter? Not the food, silly, the sleep!)

Adam was missing for this event, and I was looking forward to having a chat with his mam. Full of cold Adam? Never mind get well soon, there will be plenty more races before the year is out. Get well soon. (Sophie says thank you, 'cos she got your seat in my car to the event.) Talking of getting well soon - I take my hat off to Maggie L who, having been in the "wars" this week and just getting out of hospital a few days earlier still managed to bring Steph up to Carlisle for this event. As a dedicated mum and athlete herself, she managed to support all the competitors as usual and even helped pick up an athlete who had fallen on the track, although I think afterwards there may have been a tiny thought of "Ouch, I shouldn't have done that!" Look after yourself Maggie and get well soon. If you want a rest this weekend Maggie, we can take Steph for you next weekend.

A steady journey back home to find out that Mark's footy team had won (3.-2) and will probably come 2nd in the premier league this season. They are also in the final of the County Cup. Yippee more football still to watch! Wonder what my next assignment will be athletics, footy or even sacked?

Linda Bailes; reporting for Birtley Athletic Club Spectators, Carlisle. Cumbria lazing on sunny Sunday afternoon (isn't that a song?).