Before I go anywhere with this one I have an announcements to make!!! There is a certain young gentleman having a birthday this week. It is on Thursday, and you would never believe how old he is, I’ll bet he can recommend a great anti wrinkle cream, ‘cos he looks really smashing!!!!

It was an interesting day today for me as with it being a double header, we came across two clubs that I could associate with; Harrogate and Scarborough. I have some history in Harrogate from my youthful days, and also ran in the Harrogate 10k back in 1994, and my best man emigrated to Scarborough twelve years ago. So it was really a bit nostalgic for me.

The meeting was a success for the club, as they won the day by over 70 points.

The rest of the day was the same pattern as ever; turn up early, watch the lads and their friends run. I did agree as I do normally, to help out with the field event officiating, (is there such a word?) and was directed straight away to the hammer throwing area. I always found that to be a strange thing, how do they risk assess some things? If I worked in a warehouse, I would have to wear a high visibility jacket, steel capped boots and a safety helmet, but when someone is throwing a 5kg steel ball at me, I can do it in trainers and shorts!!! Anyway, Jordan ran away with that event, I think he won by about 15m.

Next important job I did was to go and get my picnic, thanks for that Sam, I appreciate you starting making sandwiches at 5:45 in the morning. The other league officials probably did as well as they hadn’t realised they were hosting their event, and turned up with absolutely nothing. Lucky we were organised wasn’t it. While talking about organisers it was lovely to see Sara Nurowski beavering away. Thanks for keeping in touch Sara; your help is really appreciated.

The event went well, I did get wrong a couple of times on the long jump, because my raking was too arty, but, well I take a pride in what I do, and it looked nicer with parallel lines in the sand. It is a shame though when someone has a great jump, and then walks out back through the sand.

There were apparently loads of pbs on the day, but more noteable was Kate Murphy who achieved a grade 1 in her 75m. Another name that was pointed out to me was Rachel Todhunter, who did very well in the 800m with 2:45 ish well done Kate.

Tristan Peel of Jarrow who normally strolls home in the 800m was pushed all the way to the end, winning in an amazing 2:24, and he is just 12!

The relay teams all won the 4 x 100m, the under 15 girlies winning after a stewards inquiry disqualified Gateshead for running out of lane and obstructing Naomi Scott on the final leg. The lads let themselves down, maybe male pride hasn’t reached them yet, but they won their race comfortably, but were 3 seconds behind the girl’s time. You need to work on that lads, the girls are winning 2-0 now and there is only two more young athlete leagues left, to try to save face, and not lose the whole series.
Once again Birtley provided the two athletes of the match, they will be revealed on Tuesday at the club announcements.

Anyway it was a lovely day, and I have a lovely healthy tan after spending the whole day in the sun.

Well done to all competitors and helpers, and again a special thanks to Sarah for returning to help us.

Usual disclaimer applies.

Oh yes, and Hiya Tracey Laws!!