Eastern Young Athletes League, Milton Keynes, 5 August 2000

YOUNG ATHLETES REMAIN UNBEATEN

Havering Mayesbrook AC's under-17 combined girls' and boys' team completed their Eastern Young Athletes League campaign at Milton Keynes on Sunday in exciting fashion.

At the end of a pulsating afternoon during which the lead changed hands between the home club and the Havering Mayesbrook youngsters on a number of occasions, it was victory in two of the last three 4 x 100m boys' relays that ensured victory for the defending champions. At the end of a dramatic competition, the Havering Mayesbrook athletes maintained their unbeaten record with Milton Keynes in second place, Luton in third and Great Yarmouth in fourth.

Throughout the afternoon there were many splendid performances by the Hornchurch and Barking based athletes. For the boys this was exemplified by Bob Thanda who moved up to the under-17 age group to strengthen a depleted squad and showed what an asset he will be to that age group next season with an 11.6sec victory in the 100m.

In the same age group, newcomer Daryl Rogers (also an under-15) won the 800m in a good time and there was an 'A' and 'B' string double success for Stuart Eve and Greg Smith in the 400m. In the field, the latter two athletes combined again to win the Javelin event and another thrower, Andrew Tierney, won the 'B' string Shot and Discus events.

For the under-15s, Adam Lee was in superb form with three victories in the 100m, 200m and Shot. Athletes with two wins in this age group included Peter Phillips (400m and Discus), Scott Keating ('B' 80m Hurdles and 400m) and Terry O'Leary (Javelin and 'B' Discus). In addition, there was an excellent 'A' and 'B' string success in the High Jump for Adam Napier (1.75m) and Mark Connelly (1.65m). Finally in this age group, Andrew Bartlett won the 'B' Javelin.

In the youngest age group, newcomer James Gregory took both the 100m and 200m in great style with Peter Tyler taking the 'B' 200m. Andrew Luck was in tremendous form with three victories in the 80m Hurdles, 800m and High Jump.

Another improving athlete, Jay Ryan, took both the 'B' 800m and High Jump and Kurt Smith was another double winner in the Discus and 'B' Shot.

In the 4 x 100m relays referred to above, the under-13 quartet consisting of Gregory, Luck, Tyler and Christian Newton had an impressive victory as did the under-17 squad (Thanda, Smith, Steven Prady and Tom Gregory).

The girls had an equally impressive afternoon with Gemma Tyler having three individual wins in the under-17 200m, 300m and 'B' High Jump and also featuring as a member of the winning 4 x 100m relay quartet.

In this same age group, Danielle Ross moving up from the under-15s for the afternoon, gained victories in the 100m and Long Jump with Michelle Hayley (also an under-15) taking the 'B' 100m and Francesca Rigby winning the 'B' string in the Long Jump event. In addition, there were individual wins for Nina Brennan and Mary Munson in the 'A' and B' strings of the Discus and Noleen O'Leary in the Javelin.

With the home club pushing for victory all afternoon, team spirit was a vital factor in the success of the Havering Mayesbrook youngsters and this was demonstrated by Carmel Munson (yet another under-15 moving up an age group) and Ellie Young who combined to run in both the under-17 800m and 1500m to gain valuable points. The other members of the successful 4 x 100m relay quartet were Ross, Hayley and Brennan.

For the under-15s, Melanie Harrison who has had such a successful season culminating with her bronze medal at the English Schools Championships, was another athlete to gain three victories - in the Shot, Javelin and Discus events.

Ever consistent Sara Luck was also in good form with wins in the 1500m and High Jump and there were individual successes for Lynsey Clark ('B' Discus) and Nicola Schofield ('B' 80m Hurdles). Four new personal best performances in this age group came from Laura Jones (25.9sec in the 200m), Caroline Smith (8.98m in the Shot and 2mins 21sec in the 800m) and Lynsey Clark (2mins 32sec in the 800m).

In the under-13 age group, Emma Bonny won the Long Jump with Lucy Sargent taking the 'B' string and Victoria Smith won the 'B' High Jump. Finally, Lauren Clark achieved a new personal best in the Shot of 5.66m.

Delays on the motorway on the way home could not dampen the spirits of the young athletes who have now won the Eastern Young Athletes League for the fifth year in succession. All that remains now is the Trophy Final (contested by the top eight teams) to be held at the Mayesbrook Arena on Sunday, September 10th.

For further information, Contact Doug Tierney - mailto:ttp.doug@tinyonline.co.uk