National Junior Men's League, Southern Premier Division, Round 3, Ware 19 June 2005

A depleted men's team hit by late withdrawals again brought up the rear in the equivalent men’s premier fixture at Ware.

With just nine athletes on show against some of the strongest teams not just in the south but also in Britain the team was always going to be battling it out for the minor placings.  Nevertheless despite the numerous gaps, particularly in the middle distance events, the team showed some improved results better results.

Although Andrew Meech was unable to repeat his 800m win from round 2 he came close with another late run that almost brought victory. Instead he had to settle for second in a new PB. He also ran well in the 400m but was outgunned & finished 7^th.

Michael Waller ran well in the B 400m, leading off the bend and was overhauled in the final 50m but held on for 2nd. He also scored points in both 200m and long jump. Joe Forde saved the best till last as he set a new hammer PB with his sixth round throw that places him 2^nd on the club u20 list but on the day it was only good enough for 5^th.

Luke Stott competed in four events and despite the windy conditions was close to his 200m best in 5^th, as well as picking up 100m, long jump points and anchoring the sprint relay team.

Another athlete to place 5^th was Scott Keating who returned to club action with a high jump 5^th. He also scored in the shot and sprint relay. Multi eventer Aaron Edwards toiled hard all day in his five events and his best results were in the 110m hurdles and B high jump, both fifth. His B string hurdles partner Adam Brett came through for 4th place and earned 400mhurdles points, restarting to place sixth after coming to at halt at the fourth hurdle.

Christian Newton beavered away in the throws and was fourth in the B discus, and contributed javelin & shot points.  Completing the small squad was Cafer Gunay, who tackled the javelin, 100m & relay.

With the league format changing next season with the men’s & women’s teams combining, team manager Sam Harrison is seeking a much stronger turn out in the final match to ensure continued premier division status.