Colchester combined men’s team travelled to Luton for the first southern men’s league fixture of the season on the 7th of May. Preparation for the first fixture was hampered by late movement of the venue to Luton. This fixture was originally set to be at home, but due to health and safety issues with the hammer cage, it was unfortunately necessary for it to be moved. This undoubtedly caused disruption and inconvenience for officials, and athletes who had not planned to travel. It would have been perfectly understandable if this culminated in a sub standard team performance especially since for many of the athletes this is a critical exam period. However, this proved not to be the case as a largely young team full of new faces rose to the occasion. Colchester finished 2nd in this 4 team match with 102 points, to Luton’s 116.5. Some of the performances were so close it could have easily been a different story.
The day kicked off well with Matthew Rose gaining maximum points and a P.B in the pole vault. He achieved a vault of 3.30m. He also went on to win the 400m hurdles in 58.5 seconds, 110m hurdles in a very respectable 17.3 seconds. In addition to his wins he accrued valuable points for the team in a string high jump 1.71m (2nd), long jump 5.87m (2d b string), and B string shot 8.05m (3rd).
Ben Argent who is new to the southern men’s squad proved a great new addition and showed real promise posting 52.9seconds for the 400m. He also competed well in both relay disciplines.
Training team mate Tom Nind who is also a new face competed well in 100m and 200m sprints. He posted 12.0 seconds in 100m, and was 2nd in 200m with 24.3 seconds. Tom White was A string in the 200m and posted 25.0 seconds against a strong field.
Ian Vickery and Rob Smith veterans to this squad accrued extra points for the day. Ian Vickery achieved first in the 800m A sting, and 3000m steeplechase A string. Rob Smith the ex 400m international specialist, turning out for his home club, gained 2nd in the 110m hurdle, 2nd in the high jump, 3rd in the triple jump, and 2nd in the 3000m steeplechase, all B string.
Connor Price produced good performances in 800m with 2min 08 seconds, a new P.B. Despite tired legs from his efforts in 800m, he later turned out for the 400m and produced 57.7 seconds. He also competed well in the 4x400m.
Away in the long distances, good performances were produced by Sam Clayton 1st in the A string 5000m achieving 16mins 52 seconds, and Eddie Costello 1st in the B string achieving 17mins 11 seconds. In the 1500m Rob Clarke and Rob Giles paired up. Rob Clarke posted a P.B of 4mins 36 seconds, and Rob Giles posted 4min 49 seconds.
John Gladwell produced good performances in long Jump, triple Jump, 100m and 4x100m relay. He was unlucky to come 3rd in the long jump with a giant leap of 6.14m. He showed great promise and with some proper coaching in his favourite discipline, he is sure to improve on an already very respectable performance. He showed good flat speed also in the 100m with 11.8 seconds to come third.
Away in the throws Rob Earle now in the veteran 50 age group, showed age to be no barrier. He won all three events he competed in at A string, posting 51.36m in the hammer, 40.73m in the discus, and 12.47m in the shot. Rob Earle continues to be one of our most consistent performers.
Dan Moles also showed a good range of performances with 22.09m the B string hammer, 1st in the B string discus with a throw of 26.09m, and 3rd in the javelin with a P.B of 37.10m.
The day was only made possible with our volunteer officials who travelled at late notice, and turn out every year without any financial reward. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.
The next fixture is on the 4th June at home, with such a good first team result posted away at Luton, the 2nd fixture looks promising.
Upcoming SML Matches
Colchester 4th of June
9th July-Watford
30th July-Cambridge
13th August-Bedford
Officials Wanted - for the home fixture on June 4th. Please contact our chair/vice-chair if you are available to assist.
