Fireworks on the track

With fresh memories of the Beijing Olympics, the junior athletes of Sidmouth Running Club made their way to the final South West Athletics League meet of the season at Yeovil last Sunday. There were no dramatic pyrotechnic displays (real or fake), but plenty of fireworks on the track and field. The girls' 100m relay team of Alex Salmon, Georgia Hanson, Kelsie Bernard and Jessica Jenkins showed the top sprinters of the world how to get the baton round safely as well creating a new club record for the event in a time of 69.70. Jake Hawkins took on the mantle of Usain Bolt and achieved a personal best in his shiny new spikes of 15.49, finishing fifth in a strong field. Auguste Oldham and Grey Grierson tried and enjoyed the 800m, a tough event in the blustery conditions, with Grey finishing in 2.54 and Auguste in 3.21. Kit Grierson had a splendid run in the 80m hurdles and recorded a personal best of 17.8.Sophie Davey, one of our talented endurance runners, tried her hand at the shorter stuff, recording decent times in the 300m, 52.69, and 100m, 15.4. Four of the other girls in the club took part in the 100m sprint races - Tanya Marriot 14.88, Jade Hawkins 14.7, Phoebe Davey 15.57 and Stef Hemsworth 16.11.Titch Harwood put a lot of effort into the 400m and recorded a good time of 77.13. In the long jump, Myshka Hall (2.63m) and Ashe DeSousa (2.95m) battled it out and both recorded creditable jumps. At the end of the four match series, Sidmouth finished sixth out of nine clubs, which was brilliant considering it was the first time the junior runners at the club had competed in this league. It was to their credit that they put a lot into their performances, but never forgot to have a laugh and enjoy the competition. The new Long Term Athlete Development course for juniors started last Wednesday and is now full. There is a waiting list and, for more details, please phone Malcolm Bayer on (01404) 812186.