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Rosenheim League West Walton May 19th 2010

The K&P Men’s team continued to build on a successful start to the Rosenheim League at Match 2 in Walton, but the Women allowed their slender advantage to slip. The Men won by 11 clear points from the hosts and the Women finished 12 points adrift of a St Mary’s team that probably wouldn’t have troubled them a couple of years ago.

K&P Middle Distance running seems to be gaining strength on the Men’s side, after a few years in the doldrums, and at Walton both the MD turnout and quality indicates that the resurgence is continuing. Tom Beedell led the way with good wins in the 2K Steeplechase and 1500m, ably backed-up by Jud Hough (who won the scoring 3K) and a pack of strong-running non-scorers, including Andy Robinson (M40), Sean Renfer,Tony McDowall & Ronnie Taylor.

The only race where we lacked a Middle Distance specialist was the 800m, but we were lucky enough to have that covered by the one-man team that is Bilen Ahmet, who was in the middle of contesting both the High Jump and Discus when asked to run it. After finishing his two laps, he returned to win the HJ and shook off any leg-weariness to go on and post a 1.76m pb. Bilen then went back to the track to knock out a 400m before rounding off a busy evening with the Long Jump. He contributed 18 points on the night, a big-hearted effort that helped to maximise the contribution of his team-mates and ensured our victory.

Elsewhere, Mike Clarke posted another solid performance to win the Javelin, and Jason Louis Bernard showed that he is working his way back to form, with a brace of decent 2nd places in the 100m and 200m. Jason had plenty of company from the substantial non-scoring K&P sprint contingent (Chuck Isetts’ and Richard Holt’s squads, well represented) and our strength in depth was evident as Jason, Chris Jennings (U20), Richard Holt (M35), and Drako Mkpa (M35) combined to trounce the opposition in the 4x200m relay.

The women found the night more of a struggle. Only a few stalwarts were present and we would have needed several more athletes to make a real impression. Clare McLeish came 2nd in a closely fought 200m. Camilla Thrush also posted 2nd places in the Discus and Javelin, with Debbie Raymond and Liz Richardson ably covering the Middle Distances.

After two matches, the Men lead their competition and the Women drop to 2nd place, although equal with St Mary’s on league points, due to our having fewer match points. Both teams have a great chance to win their respective leagues, but only if we can get the athletes out. The next match is at Ewell Court, Wednesday 2nd June, and we need you there to get the points!