This was an early start this week, I didn’t understand why until I realised how many people there were waiting to compete in their first young athlete league event of this year. This was a double header, and so it was going to be a long day for some.

When I arrived at the sports centre, I got a shudder as I remembered the last time I was here 17 years ago, and ran the “Shildon 6” road race. That was my first race for the club way back when I was just a lad. (No, there was road racing in those days, in fact the races in mine and Tommys’ day were much better supported by all clubs and police etc. and there were a lot more of them.)

The weather was ideal for runners, and spectators, a bit of a cool breeze, but nice and sunny, but hey this is England, it could have been raining. Another advantage of the double header events, Janet and I agreed to be officials, but weren’t required.

The first event would have made you laugh, before it started, but all the critics were silenced. Ed played his trump card using one of his “tallest” (not) athletes for the high jump, and Our Ade repaid the gaffers confidence by jumping 8inches less than his height and winning. Paige Howell matched Ades performance winning for the girls and getting a grade 4 also. That set us on the way for a good meeting.

I am not going to mention each event, but would like to mention Naomi Scott, competed for the first time in a Birtley Vest having a go at three of the throwing events. Welcome to competition Naomi.

The under 15s only had 3 lads competing, which was a shame as they couldn’t even have made a relay team. It is a common thing at this club though, when there are people prepared to compete, they end up running all over trying to get between events on time. Adam, Mark and Alex getting a baptism of fire as they moved up to under 15 as Sam and Josh moved up to under 17. The Baardman twins moved into the under 13 bracket with Ben Haywood and Rachel Todhunter moved into the u/13 for the girlies.

Our Sophe had a great run in the under13 800m out there on her own, and winning by about 70m, so not to be out done Adrian did the same, although he didn’t beat her time. That is something they can sit and debate over a glass of milk….. The under 13 girlies won their relay by loads, as did the lads, but the girls were 1.5 seconds quicker by my watch. Not bad, but don’t let that happen again lads, there is pride at stake here.

Kate was excellent in the 100 and the relay, well worth giving you a mention for that Kate well done.
Another ever present at the athletics event…. And she just can’t wait to be allowed to join in. I did tell Lorraine (Kayleighs mum) that they are the clubs best supporters, after me of course!! Don’t worry Kayleigh you will be old enough soon, Adrian and Robbie had to wait a lot longer than they wanted as well. Mr Millmore was there also cheering on his athletes.

There was a young lady turned up, got her number and then left, naughty naughty you at least have to let someone know. Sophie Robinson willingly stepped in to fill her shoes, admirably, and completed the lasses relay team.

Robbie Lorraine was away competing internationally in Ibiza, and he was a miss, but all in all we didn’t do too badly.

We missed our friends from Chester this week, Amanda and Emma, hope they are ok, saw plenty other people we knew and had a generally good day.

At the end I think we were just pipped into 2nd place by Tynedale. Then I went home and washed the car….after getting wrong off Vince.

Anyone I have missed if you want a mention, tell Sam, or write an article and we will publish it.

PS. Sophie Taylor won the young athlete of the match award obtaining a Grade 2 in the 800metres. Well Done