South Wales Veterans League 2002

Newport Harriers Welsh Veterans League

The 2002 Welsh Veterans League

Cardiff 5th June

As usual with the Vets League, the weather had been dry all day in Cardiff, until 6:00pm when it started spotting with rain. By the time the meeting got underway at 6:45, it was raining steadily. First event was the Javelin, and two brave souls took part for Newport, Steve Wadley (in his first Vets League) and Keith Powell (just an old hand). Both threw well despite the slippery conditions, and both made the last 6 eventually winning the Over 40's, but being beaten by the Over 50's! In the Pole Vault, the wet runway and rain was a significant safety concern, so much so that the athletes decided upon an honourable draw at 2.00m before anyone got hurt.

No such quarter was given in the 100m, both Newport's runners struggled with the pace and conditions in the over 40's taking 3rd and a distant 1st in the B (ran in the same race as the A strings), but Glyn showed how it was done in the over 50's, winning by nearly a second despite having only just recovered from concussion. Chris Power also put in a strong run in the B string just getting edged out on the line, and was also beaten by Sue Hooper (Welsh Vets Secretary).

It was good to see Newport were able to put out runners in the distance events for a change, the guys had to weather the conditions (sorry!) but scored well with Steve taking 4th in A and Paul winning the Over 50's and Eric in 2nd in the B. Doc John was also in action in the 800m finishing a very creditable 3rd behind a couple of decent competitors, which was 2nd in the A.

The 4x400m real was an exciting race from the first two legs, Glyn set us off handing over in 1st place by 2m, to Keith, who hung on gamely but was passed with 80m to go to Steve. Steve was only 3-4M down but the race was all over on the first bend, as he breezed past and just went away. John took the baton 20m+ ahead and was able to extend that lead still further to complete a dominating win.

This was our best showing in the Vets league ever, placing 2nd behind the very strong Port Talbot Harriers, they have more runners than us and so score in more events. we have now moved up to 3rd in the league.

        Dates for 2002 are as follows:-

First event will normally begin at 6:45pm

For more details, contact the Vets Team Manager, Glyn Sutton on 01633 422714 / 07779 459676